Earth Day is the one day a year everyone comes together to celebrate the beautiful planet we call home. It is a day to appreciate, reflect and give back to the environment for everything it has and continues to give to us.
At Solar YYC, we actively try to increase our environmental footprint. Since 2016 we have been powering more Alberta homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy from the sun. Going solar is not just about the economic benefits but its long-term impact on our environment.
We all know renewable energy is very eco-friendly, but how does it benefit the environment?
Solar panels don’t emit any greenhouse gases or produce air pollution during operation. They work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The sun is an excellent energy source as it is inexhaustible!
Solar also shines when it comes to water conservation. In fact, the average household powered by solar can save up to 61,000 litres of water in one year.
Like all energy sources, solar does have an environmental impact during manufacturing and installation. However, compared to other sources, it’s by far one of the cleanest. One helpful measure is the energy payback time—the time it takes for a system to generate the same amount of energy that went into making it. For solar, that’s typically under 4 years.
Customer Highlight:
One of our customers, Jeremy McIvor, shared his inspiring commitment to sustainability with us. His long-term goal? To transform his home into a Net-Zero Energy Retrofit—meaning it will produce as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. Solar power is a key part of his plan, helping him dramatically cut utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a big step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Additionally, he took advantage of the Greener Homes Loan and has seen an impressive return on investment! The government announced an extension with an added $600 million in funding. Take advantage while it lasts.
Watch his full testimonial video below:
The Local Impact of Solar in Southern Alberta
Solar YYC has offset 9 million kWh of electricity in the past year. This means our solar community has helped offset over 6,345 tons of CO₂, and that’s equivalent to:
- Taking approximately 1,380 gas-powered cars off the road for a year
- Planting about 105,750 trees and letting them grow for 10 years
- Avoiding the burning of approximately 14,760 barrels of oil
Every install matters. Every system counts. And every homeowner who chooses solar is part of this progress.
How You Can Take Action This Earth Day
If you want to join the Earth movement, there are a ton of ways you can get involved! If you are a past Solar YYC customer, you can spread the word about solar energy to your neighbours, family and friends. The more people that make the switch, the higher the impact on our planet (and don’t forget about the $400 referral bonus with Solar YYC).
You can make many small changes in your household and everyday life to help the environment.
- Lower your energy consumption at home.
- Sort your waste – recycle, compost and landfill correctly.
- Reduce food waste at home.
- When possible, opt for other types of transportation, such as bicycles, public transportation, walking, or even switching to electric vehicles.
- Reduce consumerism, the less we buy, the less garbage we create!
- Buy second-hand clothes or avoid fast fashion brands.
Local events in Calgary:
April 19: Earth Day Clean-Up at Prince’s Island Park
April 26: Earth Day Clean-Up in Kincora Community
Let’s Make Every Day Earth Day—Starting With Your Roof
Ready to make the switch?
Sign the form on our website and one of our sales consultants will be in touch shortly. Or better yet, call us directly at 587-296-7375 for immediate help.
Sources
(20, February 20). What are the safest and cleanest sources of energy? Ourworldindata. https://ourworldindata.org/safest-sources-of-energy
(2024, January 19). Solar explained. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/solar-energy-and-the-environment.php
(2024, March 31). Why are solar panels good for the environment? MET Group Countries. https://group.met.com/en/media/energy-insight/why-are-solar-panels-good-for-the-environment