The Cochrane Environmental Action Committee brought two solar power experts to the Frank Wills Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 15 in the latest in their series of environmental speakers.
Stephanie Westlund from Solar Alberta debunked some of the myths related to solar power – capital costs, rebates, pay back periods and other issues.
Westlund is the Solar Training Lead for Solar Alberta. She manages the Solar Training Program as well as represents Solar Alberta in the Calgary area.
Solar Alberta is “a non-profit society dedicated to accelerating a just and sustainable energy transition.”
The second presenter was for those who have already installed solar on their homes. Darren Chu is the Managing Director at Utility Network & Partners Inc. ("UTILITYnet"), a leading retailer of electricity, natural gas, and Internet services in Alberta.
He explained the advantages of solar clubs in his presentation entitled Solar Clubs 101 - An Overview and Introduction to Maximizing Your Solar Power Economics.
Westlund said the average cost of going solar ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 and can be paid off in 7 to 15 years. She also said on average, an investor could expect their property value to go up by about six per cent.
From an overall societal perspective, by becoming part of the electricity generation system, it also can be seen as a way to make electricity cheaper for everyone, as it reduces the need to expand the grid.
Westlund outlined a number of financial incentives available to those contemplating making the switch.
The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) offers a low interest loan, paid off by property taxes. It is administered by Alberta Municipalities (ceip.abmunis.ca).
The Canada Greener Homes Loan offers interest-free financing to help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable.
The loan can help finance eligible retrofits recommended by an energy advisor and that have not yet been started (natural-resources.canada.ca).
There is also a federal tax credit available for farmers.
Westlund said Alberta is recognized as a leader in transitioning to solar power, compared to other provinces, especially recently.
“In the last ten years there’s been massive growth,” she said.
During t he summer months when more energy is being exported to the grid than imported, users can select a higher electrical rate and maximize their return.
In the winter months, when the opposite is true, they can select a lower electrical rate.
Westlund outlined some of the basic considerations that people new to the subject might want to consider.
For example, there is the roofing issue.
The best time to install solar panels is along with a new roof.
Those with a roof that is 10 years old or more should expect to have to take the panels off to re-shingle at some point. If the roof is 20 years old or more, it is recommended to replace the roof first.
Solar Alberta offers a good tool to compare solar retailers on their website solaralberta.ca. Westlund recommended always getting three quotes.
Westlund said some of the advantages of going solar include: drastically reduce or even eliminate electric bills; protect against rising energy costs; pay for themselves through energy cost reductions and/or energy export credits; increase property value; protect the environment, and, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
Typically, solar panels will last 30 to 40 years when installed properly and checked periodically. The only other major part of a grid-tied system is the inverter which will typically last 10 to15 years before replacement. Micro-inverters also may have 25 year warranties and be practical in certain systems. Off grid systems contain other components such as batteries, which will need to be replaced periodically based on the type of battery.
Chu gave an overview of the advantages of joining the Solar Club, where users typically switch from Lo to Hi rates in April or May and back from Hi to Lo in September or October.
The loyalty program offers cash back and discounted rates, among other membership benefits. For more information go to solarclub.ca.
Some other online resources for future and current solar power users that Westlund cited as possibly useful were: the Utilities Consumer Advocate’s Cost Comparison Tool (https://ucahelps.alberta.ca/retailers.aspx); Optimizing Your Solar PV Array – Webinar; and Frank Crawford – “How to Electrify Your Home” – webinar.
In 2017 the Renewable Electricity Act legislated the goal of generating 30 per cent of Alberta’s electricity from renewable resources.
