Solar Energy

Buying a house with solar panels may seem a good choice because it’d save homebuyers from the hassle and upfront costs of the installation process, but that will depend on some key factors. If you are in the market for a new home and have your eyes on a house with solar panels, here’s what you need to know before deciding. 7 Essential Things to Know Before Buying a Solar-Powered Home 1 – Understand Solar Energy Do your research on how a solar system works. Inform yourself on how the solar panels produce energy, how the system is connected to the electric grid, how solar net metering works, and the micro-generation program key aspects to know what it means for you in terms of energy production and financial benefits. 2 – System Details Ask for a copy of the installer agreement and look for details such as the age and model of the panels and inverters. Find out if they have required  maintenance and service. If the panels are older, consider their remaining lifespan and potential maintenance or replacement costs. 3 – Energy Production You need to know if the solar system will positively impact your utility bills. Request the current homeowner’s previous energy bills to assess the system’s effectiveness and determine if it meets your energy needs and utility-saving goals. Evaluate the system’s capacity and whether it aligns with your expected electricity consumption. 4 – Warranty Warranty protection is a must when it comes to a pre-existing solar system. Understand the coverage period, the components included, and limitations or conditions. A comprehensive warranty will provide peace of mind and save you from unexpected repair or replacement costs. 5 – Installation Quality  Assess the quality of the solar panels’ installation. Ensure that it meets industry standards and has been installed by reputable professionals. A poor installation can lead to performance issues and potential safety concerns. If you are unsure of the system’s current state, contact the solar company that did the installation. 6 – Roof Condition During the home inspection, make sure the roof’s condition is assessed thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage, leaks, or aging. Consider if the roof will require repair or replacement in the near future, as it can affect the solar system’s integrity and the overall benefits of buying a home with pre-installed panels. 7 – Transferability and Resale Value Whether you choose to sell your house or not, researching how much solar panels enhance the resale value of homes in the area is a good idea to know the quality of your investment. Understanding the impact on your property value can help you make an informed investment. The Bottom Line Solar energy adoption is growing rapidly in Alberta, and homes with solar panels listed for sale are getting more common on the real estate market. With education and due diligence, you can purchase a solar-powered home with confidence in the financial and quality-of-life benefits it will provide you and your family.

The way we produce energy is changing, and our environment is one of the main motivations behind the shift. However, the general public is still unsure if switching to alternative energy sources like solar is the best choice, especially when fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are considered reliable and have powered human activities for decades.  Solar energy and fossil fuels have distinct environmental impacts, and comparing them provides insights into their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a comparison of their environmental impacts: Solar Energy Vs Fossil Fuels: Which One Is Better For the Environment? Greenhouse Gas Emissions Greenhouse gases are those released into the atmosphere that have the potential to trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect and subsequent warming of the planet’s surface. The primary greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Fluorinated Gases.  Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar energy is considered a clean and renewable energy source, as solar panels generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during operation. The manufacturing process of solar panels produces some emissions, but these are significantly lower than fossil fuel extraction and combustion. Fossil fuels produce energy through combustion, which releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, the most prevalent greenhouse gas. Methane and fluorinated gases are also detrimental byproducts of fossil fuel use. Air Pollution Air pollution is caused by natural processes and human activities, including industrial, agricultural, and residential. Sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are among the primary air pollutants. Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar energy generation does not contribute to air pollution as solar panels produce no emissions during operation. Burning fossil fuels for energy production releases various air pollutants, including SO2, NOx, particulate matter, and even mercury. These pollutants can have severe health impacts and contribute to smog formation. Water Usage Indiscriminate water usage has various environmental impacts, including pollution, ecosystem disruption, habitat destruction, and altered hydrological cycles.  Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar panels generally do not require water for electricity generation, except when water is used for panel cleaning or cooling purposes. However, this water usage is minimal. Fossil fuel power plants often require substantial amounts of water for cooling and steam generation. Moreover, other water-intensive processes like hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas and oil extraction also put additional strain on water resources. For example, a fracking operation in the Horn River Basin in British Columbia is reported to have used 15.8 million gallons of water. The water used for fracking is mainly fresh water from surface and underground sources, which can lead to drinking water shortages in the surrounding regions. Land and Habitat Impact Human activities, such as agriculture, deforestation, urbanization, or mining, are the main causes of habitat destruction. Habitat destruction has far-reaching consequences for both the environment and the species and people that depend on these habitats, including loss of biodiversity, species extinction, and negative impacts on indigenous and local communities. Solar Energy Fossil Fuels Solar installations typically require land space, particularly for utility-scale projects. However, solar panels can be installed on various surfaces, including rooftops, without significant land disturbance. Proper planning can minimize habitat disruption and enable coexistence with agriculture and other activities. The extraction, transportation, and processing of fossil fuels can destroy habitat, especially in ecologically sensitive areas such as forests and wetlands. Oil spills and mining activities can have severe consequences for wildlife and ecosystems. Solar Energy Helps Save the Planet  Switching to solar has clear environmental benefits. The initial manufacturing impact is greatly offset by decades of clean energy production, and with the ongoing technological improvements, the overall sustainability of solar energy is constantly improving.  If you’re ready to protect our planet for future generations, and lower your electricity bills at the same time, book a free, no-pressure consultation and start your solar energy journey. 

Solar panels are often marketed as a clean, sustainable way to take advantage of sunlight. While solar power production produces zero emissions, the manufacturing process of solar panels can impact the environment, which concerns many environmentally conscious people interested in going solar.  If this resonates with you, keep reading to get a full scope of the actual impact solar panel manufacturing has. The Real Impact of Solar Panels Manufacturing The good news is, solar panels are 90% recyclable. However, solar panel manufacturing does have positive and negative impacts on the environment. Here are some key points to consider: Mining Solar panels are made of glass, silicon, plastic/polymers, and metals like silver, cadmium, aluminum, and copper. While glass and silicon are vastly available and easy to extract, mining metals produce greenhouse gas emissions that can cause water, soil, and air pollution and habitat destruction. Energy Consumption Solar panel manufacturing requires energy-consuming processes such as refining the raw materials, producing semiconductor wafers, and assembling the panels. If the energy used in manufacturing comes from non-renewable sources, it can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, solar panel technology advances have permitted the use of more renewable energy sources, and it is becoming the standard used in manufacturing. Chemical Use Solar panel production uses solvents and acids at different stages. Improper handling and disposal of these chemicals, especially toxic ones such as Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), can pose environmental risks if not managed carefully. However, many manufacturers are implementing sustainable practices and reducing the use of harmful substances. Water Use Some stages of solar panel manufacturing require significant water usage, particularly for cooling and cleaning processes. In areas where water scarcity is a concern, this could affect local water resources. Waste Generation Solar panel production generates silicon scraps, small amounts of metal, and chemical byproducts. Proper waste management and recycling practices are crucial to minimize the environmental impact. Recycling efforts have improved in recent years, allowing for the recovery of valuable materials and reducing waste sent to landfills. This includes used solar panels that ended their life cycle since, as we mentioned, solar panels are 90% recyclable. How Solar Panels Offset Their Manufacturing Emissions Solar panels can offset these emissions within 3 to 6 years, despite having a potentially polluting manufacturing process. Considering that solar panels can last 30 to 40 years, the power a solar system will generate during its lifetime offsets the carbon footprint it produces during manufacturing, something that other energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas can’t do, as they’re responsible for over 40% of CO2 emissions from electricity and heat generation globally. Source: (IEA) Governments worldwide are shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar for various uses, including residential, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate their environmental impacts. This has given rise to offering financial incentives and tax benefits to support solar adoption and other renewable energy sources in several countries. The Future of Energy Production Although solar panel manufacturing impacts the environment, the benefits in energy production and the reduction of greenhouse emissions compensate for the solar panels’ manufacture.  Solar technology has been improving consistently over the years, and manufacturers continually strive to improve their processes and develop alternatives that minimize environmental impact and reduce the use of hazardous substances. Undoubtedly, solar energy will play a significant role in our energy production to achieve a more sustainable future. With constant improvement and innovation, zero-emission manufacturing is not far away. If you are ready to be part of the (still) early adoption of solar energy, contact us for a free estimate of how much you can save with solar.

When solar panels first entered the market, they were astronomically expensive and difficult to get and install, but we’ve come a long way and the situation is totally different now.  Solar energy is more accessible than ever, the technology has improved, the adoption is getting strong governmental support, and the current electricity costs are getting the interest of more families looking to save money long-term.  If you’re still hesitant about getting solar panels, keep reading to learn why the best time to go solar is now. 1 – The Costs Are Dropping As of 2023, solar panels cost 94% less than in the 1980s. Technological improvements, increased offer and competition, and economies of scale have made solar panels more affordable. Installing solar panels now can provide a solid return on investment over the long term. 2 – Technology Has Improved Solar technology is evolving consistently and has become more efficient and productive. Modern solar panels can generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight and have improved aesthetics. Going solar now allows you to take advantage of these advancements and benefit from the latest innovations. 3 – Governments Are Encouraging Solar Adoption Many governments and local authorities offer attractive financial incentives to stimulate solar adoption. These incentives include tax credits, grants, rebates, and net metering programs, which allow homeowners to sell the energy they don’t use back to the grid and lower their utility bills via credits. Taking advantage of these incentives can significantly reduce your upfront costs and will accelerate the payback period. 4 – Pay Less in Bills  In an economic scenario where the average cost of living has increased substantially, finding ways to save money has become more relevant than ever. By producing your own electricity with solar energy, you can compensate for a significant portion of your energy consumption from the grid, reducing your reliance on utility companies. As electricity prices continue to rise, the savings from solar become increasingly valuable. You probably are wondering by now, “How much can I save?” The answer will depend on your specific energy consumption, the orientation of your roof and shading, among other factors that need a customized estimate of potential savings. If you want to know how much money you can save with a solar system, book a consultation, and we will assess your case for free. 5 – Increased Home Value It is no secret that the Canadian real estate market has been under pressure recently.  Homeowners with plans to sell soon are looking for ways of preserving or enhancing their property value when the time to list it on the market comes.  Solar panels are a proven way of increasing a home’s value, as they are seen as a desirable feature, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and those seeking long-term energy savings willing to pay a higher price than for a non-solar home. 6 – You Help the Planet If you’re conscious of your environmental impact, getting solar panels is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint, because they don’t produce CO2 emissions or air pollution during operation. Using solar energy is a positive step towards fighting climate change and safeguarding the environment for the next generations. Take Action Today As demand for renewable energy increases and technology improves, there’s never been a better time to switch to a solar-powered home. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll be equally eager to put solar panels on your roof and start saving money while inspiring your family and friends to do the same. 

One of the most common concerns homeowners have when considering getting solar panels is if installing them on their roof will damage it. The short answer is no, but some key factors are involved and make this topic more nuanced. We will cover everything you need to know about installing solar panels on your roof and how we ensure it doesn’t get damaged. First, Assess Your Roof’s Current Condition Installing solar panels on a roof that is already in poor condition can worsen things. A professional installer will be able to determine if your roof can bear the solar panel racking once installed, but these are some aspects you need to keep in mind: Roofs with asphalt shingles (also known as composition shingles) are the best candidates for solar panels. They are made of a mix of fiberglass or cellulose, asphalt, and other mineral granules, which makes them very flexible, resistant, and durable. This type of shingles also has the best solar reflectance among the solar-approved shingles. Other suitable roofing shingle materials for solar panels are some types of metal, tar and gravel. On the other hand, if your roof has shingles of any of these materials, solar panels may not be ideal: Get Your Roof Solar-Ready If the assessment determines that your roof’s current condition is not ready for solar panels. Here are some things you can do: What About Ground-Mounted Solar Panels? You may want solar panels, but if you’re not ready to invest in extra roof prep, ground-mounted solar panels can be an option to consider. However, this option works best on farms or properties further away from urban areas because the extra buildings often bring extra shade.  Solar Panels Won’t Damage Your Roof If They’re Properly Installed Now you know that solar panels shouldn’t cause any damage to your roof; however, a good roof inspection and the advice of a professional installer are essential to go solar successfully.  Working with a seasoned solar company will give you the peace of mind that you’re getting sound advice, that your home’s integrity is being taken care of, and that you’ll have support when you need it after getting your solar system. If you’re ready to go solar and want to know your roof’s condition, contact us for your free assessment.

Home solar panels are in high demand right now. Many homeowners start their research on the topic online, and sooner or later, they come across information regarding DIY solar panel installation. Although the idea of saving money by learning how to install solar panels and do it yourself may seem appealing, there are more factors to consider before jumping into the DIY path.  These are the main differences between DIY solar panels and professional installations, so you can assess both options carefully before making your decision. DIY vs Professional Solar Panels Installation Comparison Time If you have the time to dedicate to learning everything that is involved in a solar system installation and you like to take care of major home improvement projects, the DIY way may be an attractive option. Installing solar panels can be a time-consuming process for first-timers. Between going through the learning curve and the actual installation, DIY homeowners can have their daily lives and obligations significantly disrupted.  On the other hand, professional installers already have the training and experience needed to complete work quickly and efficiently, minimizing the time homeowners need to take care of the installation. For example, most of our installations are finished within one or two days. Expertise Professional solar panel installers not only know how to work fast, they know how to do installations safely and efficiently as well. When working with solar panels, having a deep knowledge of electrical systems, the technical design requirements, necessary permits, and safety regulations is essential. DIY installers may lack knowledge in some of these areas, which can cause many problems like the malfunctioning of the solar system, damage to the home’s electrical system, roof damage, or safety and compliance issues. Equipment When homeowners consider the cost of a solar system, they tend to keep the panels and labour costs at the top of their minds. In reality, solar panel installation requires the use of specialized equipment, like racking to mount the panels, inverters, an electric meter and other speciality tools. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety shoes, helmets, gloves, and harnesses, is mandatory to ensure the safety of every person working on the installation. These tools are fundamental for a successful DIY installation and can increase costs substantially. Cost Even though a DIY installation seems like the most affordable way to go solar, it can end up being more expensive than a professional installation in the long run. DIY installers can make mistakes that may require costly repairs to the roof, the electrical system, or early replacements on the solar system itself. Most professional installers offer guarantees on their work or additional system monitoring, which adds peace of mind for the homeowner and protection to their investment. The Final Word Overall, deciding between doing a DIY installation or hiring a professional solar installer is yours. A DIY installation can be the best choice for homeowners with experience working with electrical systems and the willingness to invest time in learning how to design and install solar systems. However, the convenience and peace of mind that comes from having a professional company to rely on before, during and after installation is unmatched. Getting solar panels for your home is more affordable than ever, thanks to the financial incentives available to homeowners. Read our dedicated article to find out what you need to know about these programs and how to apply. These incentives can reduce costs significantly, making hiring a professional solar installer more accessible. 

When homeowners decide to install solar panels, most are thinking about energy bill savings, and reducing their carbon footprint. But another perk of having a solar-powered home is an increase in market value and overall appeal to potential buyers can increase. This may help you to sell your home faster and at a higher price in the future. So, whether you’re considering installing solar panels for environmental or financial reasons, read on to discover how they can add value to your home. Increased Resale Value and Faster Sales Homeowners often see a significant home renovation, like getting a new kitchen, as a potential add-on to their home sale price if they decide to sell. Solar panels are no exception to this.  Industry studies have found that houses with solar panels can have up to $6000 of added value for each 1 Kw installed and tend to sell for 4% more than homes without solar. Having a house with solar panels may also help you sell it faster. Solar powered homes sell, on average, 20% faster than traditional homes. The Eco-Friendly Real Estate Market is Increasing As people become more concerned about their environmental impact, they start looking for ways to make their lifestyle more sustainable. This also applies when they’re in the market to buy a new home. A study by the pricing consultancy Simon-Kucher & Partners found that more than a third of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services.  Moreover, the TD Canada Trust Green Home Poll showed that 72% of Canadians surveyed stated they’d be willing to pay more for a home with eco-friendly features. Having a house with solar panels will attract this share of environmentally conscious homebuyers who understand the value of solar as a more sustainable energy source, in addition to buyers looking to save money on utilities. Beyond the Market Value If you choose not to sell your home and have decided it is the place to settle, a solar-powered home will still provide you with returns for many years. The general financial break-even for a home with solar panels is 10 to 15 years, after which your solar system will pay for itself in utility bills and start producing energy for free for the rest of its useful life. This, and the credits you receive for being part of the micro-generation program, are the key to reducing your dependence on the grid and keeping more money in your pocket. Going Solar is a Win-Win Whether or not you choose to sell your home in the near future, installing solar panels is a wise decision that will help you increase the value of your home and keep your utility bills low for decades, all while contributing to a more sustainable future. If you’re ready to get your own home solar system or have more concerns regarding the installation process, we can help. Contact us to book a free consultation to ask us all your solar questions, no matter how big or small.

Solar energy has gained popularity recently due to its position as a greener and cheaper long-term alternative to power homes and businesses. This growing interest has led to a surge of online and offline misinformation, making many interested in installing solar panels stay on the fence. To fight the misconceptions about solar power, we want to help you separate fact from fiction by debunking the most common solar energy myths. Myth #1: Solar Panels Don’t Work in Cold Weather or Cloudy Days Fact: Solar panels work even in winter when we have below-zero temperatures most days. This myth is widespread since many believe solar panels depend on solar heat to produce energy. The fact is that solar panels get power from the sunlight, and this light is absorbed by the photovoltaic (PV) cells the panels are made of, turning the light into usable energy. Moreover, solar panels are more efficient in cold temperatures, just like any other electrical appliance in your home. High temperatures reduce PV cells’ output efficiency by 10% to 25%, that is, their ability to produce power. Solar panels will work at their maximum efficiency on cold, sunny days; this is why Southern Alberta is one of the best places to install solar panels in Canada. As for solar panels’ performance on cloudy or rainy days, they will still produce power on a slightly reduced level, depending on the thickness of the clouds. Myth #2: Solar Panels Cause Roof Damage Fact: A well-designed solar system installed by professionals takes into consideration roof integrity, and it should never cause any damage. This is why it’s always recommended work with a dedicated and experienced solar company to avoid any potential headaches in the long run. Myth #3: Solar Panels Aren’t Efficient Enough Fact: Under optimal conditions, solar panels should start powering your home and reducing your dependence on the grid almost immediately. Over time, your solar panels will produce more energy than your home needs and that excess energy will be sold to the grid, granting you credits that will reduce your electricity bills. Myth #4: Solar Panels Are Too Expensive Fact: The upfront investment still exists, but thanks to the increasing availability of government financial incentives, solar panels are more accessible than ever. Once you get a home solar system, you become a micro-generator. By selling the excess energy you produce back to the grid, the initial investment you made at the beginning will pay itself over time.  Myth #5: Installing Solar Panels Is Complicated and Are High-Maintenance Fact: Home solar system installation is quick and straightforward if you work with an experienced installer. From our experience, most systems are up and running within a day. If homeowners want, they can clean the solar panels with water to remove accumulated dust or snow to keep them in good condition, but most of the time, the rain will do this for them. As for technical maintenance, solar systems have very few moving parts for maintenance and, in most cases, do not require extensive maintenance on the homeowner’s behalf to function correctly. Solar YYC customers get lifetime system monitoring, so we can offer support quickly if something is wrong with their panels. Myth #6: Reselling a Home with Solar Panels is Difficult Fact: Solar panels have increased in popularity, and homes have become more valued and appealing to buyers. Research has found that homes with solar systems have an average appreciation of 4% in Canada, which can help pay for your investment. In addition, solar-powered homes tend to sell faster than traditional homes. Myth #7: Solar Panels Can’t Withstand Hail Fact: Modern solar panels are covered with heavy-duty tempered glass and are incredibly resilient. The panels are tested to resist hail storms and harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, and high winds. We hope this article helps you understand solar energy better and make an informed decision on getting solar panels. If you have more concerns or questions about solar, we can give you the answers. Book a free, no-obligation consultation to make us all your solar questions, no matter how big or small.

“Why are my electric bills so high?” is a question that more and more Albertans are asking when they receive their monthly bills, and it’s for good reason. Alberta’s electricity rates have been rising consistently for the past two years.  Since the provincial government removed the price cap for Albertans with access to electricity plans with the regulated-rate option (RRO) back in the fall of 2019, power prices have been climbing consistently. As a result, regulated rates have gone up from an average of 2.88 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), to around 17 cents per kWh as of November 2022. With higher inflation on other daily items and services, many Albertans are looking for options to cut down on utility expenses. For those looking to save money on Alberta electricity bills, solar may be a suitable option. How Solar Panels Can Help You Lower Your Alberta Electricity Bills Once the solar panels are installed, they absorb sunlight energy through their photovoltaic (PV) cells and turn it into electricity that will start powering your home alongside your regular grid electricity service. In addition to the installation of the solar panels, the homeowner will also have a bi-directional meter installed, where they’ll be able to see the amount of solar energy that their panels produce. Sometime after the installation (in sunny Alberta this can be a matter of a few weeks) the energy production of the solar panels will start to surpass your home requirements, and that excess energy will be exported. This process is regulated by the Alberta Micro-Generation Program, hence you’ll become a micro-generator.  Following the program regulations, your energy company will automatically credit your account against the electricity consumed during the night or at periods when the energy used by the home exceeds what the solar system is producing. This process is called net billing. As a result, you will be producing your own power with the solar panels, gradually reducing your dependency from grid-electricity, receiving monthly credits for your grid-energy consumption, and getting lower electricity bills every month.  The following graph illustrates how the process works: “Selling Back to the Grid”: How Investing in Solar Starts Paying Itself Depending on the size of your solar system and your daily electricity needs, you will start producing enough energy to consistently power your home almost immediately.  Over time, the excess energy your solar system produces and sends back to the grid will reduce your bills consistently by using the credits you receive to offset your grid consumption. You’ll have to negotiate the credit rates you’ll receive with your electricity retailer beforehand. This process of “selling back to the grid” to pay less and less in electricity bills over the years, is what will pay for your solar system investment. On average, most homeowners see the financial break-even between 10 to 15 years. Plus, you get the extra cash in your pocket from reduced or eliminated utility bills right away. Beyond Paying Less in Electricity Bills Going solar in Alberta is an investment that does more than save you money on electricity in the long haul. It’s low-maintenance, it reduces your carbon footprint, increases your home’s market value, and it’s a reliable energy source that will help you whenever grid-electricity is not available. If you want to become a micro-generator and start saving on electricity bills in Alberta, contact us to get a free consultation.