Author: Alex Tyndale

Thinking about going solar in Alberta? It’s an excellent choice for your wallet and the environment. However, as the industry expands, so does the number of solar scams. The single most important rule to follow is to obtain three quotes. This simple step can save you from overpaying and ensure you get a quality system from a reputable installer. The “Get Three Quotes” Rule: Your First Line of Defence Know the Numbers: What Solar Should Cost You One of the most common solar scams is simply paying too much—or way too much—for your system. In 2025, the market price for residential solar in Alberta is typically $2.00 to $2.70 per watt (DC). This price is for the solar panels and installation itself, excluding major upgrades such as a main panel swap or other add-ons. Anything above $2.70/watt should be considered a significant red flag. Always remember to obtain three quotes to compare prices and ensure you are getting a fair deal. Beware of Promises That Seem Too Good to Be True Scams aren’t just about price. Be wary of companies that provide return on investment (ROI) or payback information that looks unrealistically positive. A high-pressure salesperson who makes guarantees about future energy prices or savings without a detailed analysis is likely trying to trick you. Please conduct your own research, use a trusted third-party calculator, and, most importantly, obtain three quotes from different companies to compare their projections. Understanding Door-to-Door Solar Scams Door-to-door agents often use aggressive sales techniques, pressure you into signing a contract on the spot, and may not be representing a legitimate company. They might offer a “limited time” deal that expires immediately. This type of pressure is unwarranted when discussing an investment. Always take the time to review the contract, verify the company’s credentials, and, of course, obtain three quotes to ensure you’re not falling for a scam. What to Do If You Suspect a Scam If you feel you have been a victim of a residential solar scam, or simply want to report a misleading company, you have options: File a complaint with Solar Alberta: You can file a formal complaint using the Alberta Solar Complaint Form. See a list of expelled companies: Review the list of companies that have been expelled from Solar Alberta for disciplinary reasons. Report a Rip-Off with Service Alberta: For consumer protection, you can file a complaint with Service Alberta. By staying informed and following the golden rule to get three quotes, you can confidently move forward with your solar project and avoid becoming a victim of a solar scam.

Are you a resident or building owner in a multi-residential property in Calgary? Do you want to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles? The City of Calgary has a program for you, ChargeYYC! The City of Calgary’s ChargeYYC is a pilot program designed to assist multi-residential buildings in installing EV chargers. This program is a significant step in the city’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. The program is structured in two key phases: Phase 1: EV Charging Road Map Grant This phase offers grants of up to $4,000 to building owners and residents. This grant covers up to 50% of the cost to hire a professional to create an EV Charging Road Map (a detailed technical plan for your property). This plan is crucial for a smooth and efficient installation process. Phase 2: EV Charging Rebates Following the road map, Phase 2 provides rebates for the actual installation. The combined maximum rebate for Phase 2 is an impressive $100,000 per property, making it an incredible opportunity to invest in your building’s future. Application requirements include an approved EV Charging Plan and proof of authorization. Phase 2 applications will be accepted until November 18, 2025. ChargeYYC is a great way for Calgary residents and building owners to contribute to the city’s climate goals while adding value and convenience to their properties. For more information on ChargeYYC program details click here. One last note – EV charging stations will be an essential offering for MURBs (Multi-Unit Residential Buildings) as we time goes by. Many owners of an EV simply cannot rent or buy from a building that does not have an EV charging station. Solar + EV Charging Did you know that MURBs (Multi-Unit Residential Buildings) are allowed to install solar to cover their common loads? Installed charging stations can produce revenue – and if the electricity is covered by the solar panels this would be one of the rare income generating opportunities for a MURB. Check out our page on Solar for MURBs, here, for more information on solar incentives and financings for MURBs. If you want to contact Solar YYC to help you with your MURB EV charging station (even without the solar) please contact us here.

It’s time to act now if you’ve been considering solar for your home. Canada’s Greener Homes Loan, a cornerstone of our nation’s push for energy efficiency, is on track to be fully subscribed, with projections suggesting the funds could run out by November 2025. For Alberta homeowners, this represents a fantastic, time-sensitive opportunity to finance a significant portion of a solar installation with an interest-free loan. At Solar YYC, we believe in making sustainable energy accessible and affordable for everyone. That’s why we want to ensure our community is well-informed about the urgency surrounding this program. The Greener Homes Loan offers homeowners up to $40,000 in interest-free financing over a 10-year term to undertake retrofits that make their homes more energy-efficient. A new solar panel system is one of the most effective and popular retrofits in the program. The program’s success is its biggest challenge. With over 115,000 households already approved and a recent surge in applications (more than 3,000 new loans per month), the remaining $444 million in funding is depleting rapidly. This is not a program with an open-ended timeline; it’s a first-come, first-served initiative, and the clock is ticking. Waiting to decide could mean missing out on this incredible financial benefit. How to take advantage of the Greener Homes Loan Ending Our team at Solar YYC is dedicated to helping you navigate the process. We can help you understand the requirements for the loan and how a solar installation fits into the program’s guidelines. We know that a solar project is a significant decision, and the sales cycle can take time. This is precisely why acting now is so critical. By beginning your consultation and application process today, you can get ahead of the rush and secure your funding before it’s too late. The potential expiry of the loan doesn’t just affect homeowners; it’s a major consideration for the entire solar industry in Canada. As a leading installer in Alberta, we’re keenly aware of the importance of this program in driving the adoption of clean energy. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association and other industry groups are advocating for an extension or additional funding, but there are no guarantees. The most prudent approach for homeowners is to assume the current funding is ending and to act with a sense of urgency. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. A solar system not only lowers your utility bills and reduces your carbon footprint, but with the Greener Homes Loan, it’s also more affordable than ever. We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact these installations have on our customers’ lives and the value they add to their homes. Start the process today to ensure you can take advantage of the Greener Homes Loan before the funds are gone. Let us help you go solar with confidence and security. For more information click here to read Charge Solar’s Article about the GHL. Ready to make the switch? Get a quote.

Airdrie is making it easier than ever for homeowners to invest in their energy future. As a company dedicated to helping Albertans transition to clean energy, Solar YYC is excited to announce that the City of Airdrie has launched its Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), providing a fantastic opportunity for residents to finance a residential solar system. Airdrie CEIP Financing, set to make a big impact in 2025 and beyond, is a game-changer for anyone considering solar panels. The CEIP is designed to make energy-saving upgrades accessible and affordable. The program offers financing for up to 100% of the project cost, which is a significant benefit for homeowners looking to go solar without a large upfront payment. What’s more, the financing is repaid through your property taxes, which can provide a predictable and straightforward repayment schedule. If you decide to sell your home, the remaining balance can be transferred to the new owner’s property tax bill, or you can pay it off without penalty. This feature removes a common barrier for homeowners who worry about long-term commitments. One of the most appealing aspects of Airdrie CEIP is the incredibly favourable loan terms. The program provides a fixed interest rate of just 2.75% for a maximum term of 24 years. This low, fixed rate ensures your payments remain stable over the life of the loan, protecting you from future interest rate hikes. And for those who prefer to pay off their loan early, the program allows for full repayment at any time with no penalty, giving you complete flexibility. Airdrie’s CEIP Rebates The City of Airdrie is also offering a variety of valuable rebates to incentivize early adoption and help you save even more. These rebates are available to the first 250 applications, making it essential to act quickly. This is a prime moment for Airdrie residents to act. The combination of competitive financing, flexible repayment options, and valuable rebates makes going solar a highly attractive and intelligent financial decision. As we finish up 2025, the demand for clean energy solutions is growing, and programs like the CEIP are crucial for supporting this shift. At Solar YYC, we are passionate about helping our customers navigate these new opportunities. Our team can guide you on how to apply for CEIP and design a solar system that meets your needs while maximizing financing and rebates. Don’t miss out on this chance to improve your home’s value, lower your energy bills, and contribute to a sustainable community. Ready to make the switch? Get a quote. For more info on Airdrie CEIP program, click here: https://www.airdrie.ca/index.cfm?serviceID=2751

If you’re considering solar power in Alberta — whether in Calgary, Edmonton, or a rural area — you’ll quickly come across two important terms: kW and kWh. While they look similar, they mean very different things. And misunderstanding the difference is one of the most common sources of confusion for homeowners exploring solar energy. At Solar YYC, part of our mission is to empower Alberta homeowners with clear, honest information. So let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is a kW? kW stands for kilowatt. This is a measurement of power — the rate at which energy is produced or used. In the context of solar, your system’s size is measured in kilowatts. For example, a typical residential solar system in Alberta might be 6 kW. This means that under ideal sunlight conditions, your system can produce 6 kilowatts of power at a given moment. Think of it like a car’s horsepower — it tells you the maximum output at any given time. What Is a kWh? kWh stands for kilowatt-hour. This is a measurement of energy — the amount of electricity used or produced over time. If your 6 kW system runs at full power for one hour, it will generate 6 kWh of electricity. Your utility bill is measured in kWh. So when you look at how much electricity your home uses each month or year, you’re seeing kilowatt-hours. A Quick Analogy of kW and kWh Think of it like this: You can drive 100 km/h (kW) for one hour and travel 100 km (kWh). The power is instantaneous; the energy is accumulated over time. Why the Difference Matters for Solar in Alberta Understanding this distinction is critical when designing and sizing a solar system. Here’s how: For example: Common Misunderstandings of kW and kWh ❌ “My home uses 10,000 kWh a year, so I need a 10,000 kW system.”✅ Actually, you might only need a 7–8 kW system to generate that much energy annually. ❌ “A bigger kW system means lower utility bills every day.”✅ True in general — but production varies day to day, especially in winter. Solar is a long-term play, measured year over year. How We Help You Understand Your Solar Potential At Solar YYC, we analyze your actual energy usage (in kWh) and design a system (in kW) tailored to your needs, your roof, and Alberta’s unique solar climate. We make it easy to understand how much power your system will generate — and what it means for your bottom line. Final Thoughts If you’re a homeowner in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in Alberta, knowing the difference between kW and kWh will help you make smarter decisions about your solar investment. You don’t need to be an engineer — that’s our job — but having a basic understanding puts you in control.Still have questions about solar sizing, energy usage, or production estimates?Contact Solar YYC for a free quote and personalized solar analysis. We’ll explain everything — no jargon, no pressure, just clear answers.

The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary commercial solar project has been in development for about three years, and the team here is ecstatic to announce that it’s finally complete! This project represents a major milestone for both Yamnuska and our growing portfolio of commercial solar installations. The Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is located near the stunning Rocky Mountains, just outside Cochrane, Alberta. Their mission is to educate the public, rehabilitate, and rehome displaced wolfdogs, all of which is made possible on their 160-acre property. This vast land allows the sanctuary to provide spacious enclosures that respect the animals’ wild instincts and behavioral needs, helping to keep them mentally and physically healthy. In 2022, the Yamnuska team approached us with the idea of going solar. For them, sustainability has always been a priority. Not only would solar energy significantly lower their utility costs, but it would also align with their environmental goals by reducing their carbon footprint. At the time, we didn’t have many completed commercial solar projects to showcase, but thanks to the reputation of our residential work and strong word-of-mouth, we were fortunate to be awarded the opportunity. Over the next three years, the project underwent many revisions. In 2024, Bailey Clarke joined the team and helped guide it toward its final form. With Bailey’s leadership, the project evolved into a ground-mounted commercial solar system—a major milestone signaling we were close to completion. Once the contract was signed, we began the microgeneration (MG) process. A transformer upgrade was performed to handle the system’s inverter output. Installation began on June 9, 2025, and was completed just over a week later on June 18. Bailey played a crucial role in the project’s success. As our Head of Commercial Solar Projects, I decided to personally interview him to gain some insight into key decisions. Why ground mounts instead of roof mounts? To the first question, Bailey explained that although Yamnuska had originally built their shop with solar in mind, two major issues made a rooftop installation unworkable: tree coverage blocked both the south and east faces of the roof, and more importantly, the existing electrical panel was far too small to support the desired system size. A proposal to split the system was also dismissed due to its complexity and inefficiency. In the end, a ground mount was the most logical and effective commercial solar solution. Why did you choose the specific panels? When asked about the panel choice, Bailey said the JA 550 panels were selected because they allowed for balanced inverter configurations, were readily available (unlike the Longi panels), and, most importantly, offered the best cost-efficiency. If you could do it again, what would you do differently? To the final question—what he would do differently—Bailey said he would adjust the array spacing. While a tighter layout looked sharper, a more spaced-out array would likely have been more effective, especially for a crew working on such a long array for the first time. Despite initial installation challenges, our team, as always, found creative solutions and executed the commercial solar project with care. Bailey expressed pride in both the finished product and the dedication of our SolarYYC team. Our team had the opportunity to interview Alison Bortolon (Fund Development Manager) and Joel Cates (Facility Manager). Alison gave us insight into why solar made sense for Yamnuska. She told us how “switching to solar allowed for all our money to go directly to taking care of the dogs.” She further elaborated that solar has been incredible—not only does it remove the financial strain, allowing them to better care for the animals, but it also runs the freezers guilt-free, as they no longer have to worry about carbon emissions. Joel Cates echoed these sentiments, stating that going solar was both an environmental and cost-conscious decision. In his interview, he also highlighted the attention to detail of the array and how communication was handled. He told us that throughout the project, we were able to concisely explain everything in an easy-to-understand way. We answered every question and clearly communicated what we were working on, when, and where—bringing a strong sense of assurance to the Yamnuska team. This commercial solar project was an incredible success and a meaningful learning experience for everyone involved. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Yamnuska’s mission. And the next time we visit, we’ll proudly point to the array and say, “Hey! SolarYYC built that.” For Yamnuska, commercial solar was the perfect fit. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation and see if commercial solar is the right fit for your business or organization too.

Considering solar going solar in Calgary? You’re not alone—more homeowners than ever are making the switch to clean, renewable energy. Solar YYC proudly serves Calgary and area with top-tier solar installations. We’ve been part of the local community since 2016 and currently employ over 70 Calgarians. What makes us different? Why Calgary Is a Great City for Solar Calgary is one of Canada’s sunniest cities, with over 2,300 hours of sunlight each year. This makes it an ideal location for residential solar systems to produce reliable, year-round electricity. While we do get the occasional heavy snow, temporarily blocking production – we get Chinooks! As well, solar in Calgary, and Alberta, is really about the 16 hour days in the summer months. What Going Solar in Calgary Costs (2025) Solar YYC is very competitively priced with an average of just $2.10 per watt before GST. We’ve found the average Calgarian home needs an 8 kW system, so you’re looking at roughly $16,800+GST. We include: Add-ons like batteries, EV chargers, critter guard, snow guard, panel upgrades and home energy monitors can be incorporated as needed. Zero-Interest Financing Through the Greener Homes Loan One of the best parts about going solar in 2025 is access to the Canada Greener Homes Loan. This federal program provides up to $40,000 in interest-free financing, repayable over 10 years. It’s a great way to spread out your investment without the burden of high-interest loans. We’ll help you: Choosing a Solar Installer You Can Trust With more solar companies entering the Calgary market, it’s important to choose a provider with experience, transparency, and accountability. At Solar YYC: We focus on, education—not pressure, so you can make a confident, informed decision. We encourage all of our prospective clients to get multiple quotes. What the Installation Process Looks Like We manage every step of your install to make it as smooth and professional as possible: You’ll also receive access to real-time monitoring tools to track your solar production. Why Homeowners are Going Solar in Calgary Solar systems typically reduce monthly power bills by 50–90%, with payback periods of 8–12 years. And with the Canada Greener Homes Loan this means that most residential installations are cash-flow positive, day one, using government money, not yours! Maximize Your Returns With Solar Clubs Alberta’s deregulated electricity market allows solar homeowners to join what’s known as a solar club. These plans pay premium rates—often $0.25 to $0.30 per kWh—for exported electricity during times of excess generation. Solar clubs are ideal if your system is oversized or you generate more than you consume in summer. Solar YYC will provide guidance on which provider is best and how to sign up.  Sell Your Solar Credits Through RECs Another way to earn more from your system is through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). These environmental attributes can be sold to organizations looking to lower their carbon footprint—often through programs like Solar Offset. It’s a simple way to earn passive income from your clean energy. Applications are simple and quick and we’ll help you. Go Solar in Calgary! If you’re looking for a proven and reliable Calgary solar company, Solar YYC is here to help. We offer: 🔗 Fill out our lead intake form today and discover what solar can do for your home

If you’re considering a solar panel installation in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in Alberta, your installer might mention the need for a Main Panel Upgrade for Solar — also known as a main panel swap. But what does that actually mean, and why is it sometimes required for larger solar arrays? At Solar YYC, one of the most common questions we hear is:“Why do I need to change my electrical panel just to add solar?” The answer comes down to something called bus bar capacity — a technical but important factor in safely installing your solar energy system. What Is a Main Electrical Panel? Your main panel (also called the electrical service panel or breaker box) is the central hub where power enters your home from the grid. It distributes electricity to your lights, appliances, and outlets through individual breakers. Panels have two important ratings:– Service rating (e.g., 100A, 125A, 200A). Service rating is the capacity of the wire coming to your home from the local grid. This is generally difficult, and expensive, to upgrade.– Bus bar capacity — the metal strips inside the panel that carry electrical current When you install solar, you’re adding another source of electricity to this panel — and the panel must be rated to safely handle both the grid input and the solar input. What’s a Bus Bar and Why Does It Matter? The Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Rule 64-112 outlines how renewable energy systems, such as solar, integrate into both new and existing electrical panels. The panel bus bar must be able to handle the combined current of the main breaker amperage (incoming from the grid) and the solar back-feed breaker amperage (incoming from solar system). Definition time! Safety Margin is the amount of additional capacity or strength built into a system beyond its expected or design load to ensure safe and reliable operation under unforeseen conditions or overloads For residential systems we are allowed to add a 25% safety margin for example: A main panel with 100A main breaker and a 125A bus bar would allow us to install 56.25A worth of solar PV breakers.  125A bus x 125% = 156.25A – 100A main breaker = 56.25A.  In 2025, and considering Solar YYC’s current offerings, this would equate to between 11.7kW and 13kW DC of solar. Or, 26 panels. For commercial systems we are only allowed a 20% safety margin: A main panel with 200A main breaker and a 200A bus bar would allow us to install up to 40A worth of solar breakers. 200A bus bar x 120% = 240A – 200A main breaker = 40A If the bus bar above is upgraded to 225A: 225A bus bar x 120% = 270A – 200A main breaker =70A Why Main Panel Upgrades for Solar Are Often Needed In Alberta, most homes were built with 100A panels with 125A bus bars, which worked fine when solar wasn’t common. But solar is becoming more powerful and cost-effective — and homeowners are aiming for full offset or near net-zero energy usage. IMPORTANT NOTE When solar companies talk about upgrading your panel it’s almost never the service size but rather just the busbar. A typical upgrade looks like this: 125A bus x 125% = 156.25A – 100A main breaker = 56.25A of room for solar. Or, 26 panels.  Upgrading the busbar to 225A: 225A bus x 125% = 281.25A – 100A main breaker = 181.25A of room for solar. Or, 50 panels.  By upgrading the bus we have doubled the capacity for solar. Do I Always Need a Main Panel Upgrade for Solar? Not necessarily. If your energy needs are modest, and your existing panel has space and bus bar room, we can often install solar without changes. But if you’re planning a larger system, a panel swap is usually the only option. At Solar YYC, we assess this for every project usually with a thorough site visit (free of charge!). Then we include upgrade recommendations in our quotes — with clear pricing. We also handle all permitting and coordination with the city and utility, whether you’re in Calgary, Edmonton, or elsewhere in Alberta. What does it cost and how long does it take? Typical main panel swaps cost $2500-3500 in Alberta in 2025. Although if there is a complicated/unique electrical setup it can cost more. It takes a day, generally, to swap out the main panel. The power to building (in a residential setting) generally needs to be turned off for this work. Solar YYC will provide back up power to essential loads during that time. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? A main panel upgrade for solar might sound like a hassle, but it’s a one-time investment that opens the door to:– Greatly increase capacity for solar systems (greater energy savings)– A modern, code-compliant electrical setup For many Alberta homeowners, it’s the key to unlocking the full potential of solar energy.Need help figuring out if your panel is solar-ready?Contact Solar YYC for a free solar assessment. We’ll check your panel, calculate your home’s needs, and give you honest advice — with or without a main panel swap.

When investing in solar panels for your home in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in Alberta, one detail that often gets overlooked is critter protection. You may have heard terms like solar critter guard, rodent guard, or pigeon guard — but what exactly are they, and are they worth it? At Solar YYC, we believe in setting up solar systems that last — and that means protecting them from the most unexpected threats: animals. What Is a Solar Critter Guard? A solar critter guard (also called a rodent guard or pigeon guard) is a durable wire mesh that is installed around the edges of your rooftop solar array. Its main job is to keep out unwanted guests — usually birds and rodents — that try to nest underneath your panels. Without this guard, animals like pigeons, squirrels, and even magpies can squeeze under the panels and cause serious problems. These aren’t just annoyances — they can cause real, costly damage. Common Issues Without a Critter Guard – Chewed wiring – Rodents can gnaw on solar panel wiring, leading to power disruptions or full system outages. – Roof damage – Nesting animals displace shingles, clog eavestroughs, and create long-term water damage. – Pigeon waste buildup – Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but highly corrosive and unsanitary. – Noise and nuisance – Nesting birds can create ongoing noise problems and mess around the property. All of these issues can drastically shorten the lifespan of your solar system or even void manufacturer warranties. Why We Recommend Critter Guards in Alberta In Southern and Central Alberta, the climate and architecture provide ideal nesting opportunities for pigeons and squirrels. Urban areas like Calgary and Edmonton see especially high bird activity, while rural properties often deal with rodents climbing up onto rooftops. That’s why we recommend a solar critter guard for nearly every rooftop solar installation. It’s a low-cost addition that provides long-term peace of mind. At Solar YYC, we install rodent guards on many new residential systems by default, and we offer retrofit pigeon guard installation for existing solar arrays as well. It doesn’t matter who installed your solar panels — we’re happy to add critter guard protection to any system, even if it wasn’t installed by us. We regularly work on third-party systems, including homes built by Jayman BUILT and Mattamy Homes, where solar panels came standard. Whether your system is brand new or several years old, we can help protect it from animal damage. Cost of Installing a Solar Critter Guard The cost of a rodent guard for solar panels depends on your system size and roof layout, but most homeowners in Calgary and Edmonton can expect: – Typical Price Range: $500-$1,500 – Retrofit Installation: Slightly higher due to access and setup time – New System Install: Often included or discounted when installing solar with Solar YYC Compared to the potential cost of repairs — or replacing damaged solar panels — a critter guard is an easy decision. Can I Add One to My Existing Solar System? Absolutely. If your system wasn’t originally protected with a pigeon guard, it’s not too late. Our team can safely install a guard without disturbing your current setup. Most retrofits are completed in just a few hours. We serve all of Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding Alberta communities. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It? For most Alberta homeowners, yes. A solar critter guard is one of the most affordable ways to protect your solar investment. Whether it’s birds nesting under your panels in Edmonton or squirrels chewing wires in Calgary, this simple mesh can prevent thousands of dollars in potential damage.Interested in protecting your solar system? Contact Solar YYC today for a free quote on pigeon guard or rodent guard installation in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in Alberta — no matter who installed your panels.