SOLAR PANELS
The future is solar.
Starting your solar journey? Learn about solar panels and then map out your plans.
There are many reasons to consider solar:
- higher electricity and fuel prices
- government incentives
- improved technology
- lower costs for panels, batteries and chargers
In Alberta, there is also lots of sunlight. Alberta enjoys 1,200 to 1,400 peak sunlight hours per year (Government of Canada – Solar Potential, 2023), positioning it as one of the best regions in Canada for solar power generation.
Given the potential for rising electricity rates, solar panels serve as a hedge against future energy cost increases (Solar Energy Society of Alberta, 2024).
Can I make money from solar panels?
Yes. Solar panels capture energy from the sun and then generate electricity. You can use that power instantly, store it in a battery or send it on to distribution lines.
If you buy energy when the price is low and sell it to the grid when prices are high, you can lower your electricity costs and profit from the energy you release to the grid.
Is solar panel technology new?
Not really. Solar panel technology dates back to 1954, when scientists at Bell Laboratories generated electricity using a toy Ferris wheel.
Today, more and more Albertans are becoming micro-generators to lower their electricity prices and move away from traditional power plants that use fossil fuels like coal or natural gas to generate electricity.
What is a solar panel?
Solar panels include:
Solar cells: Made of semiconductor materials (usually silicon), these cells absorb sunlight. Photons from sunlight knock electrons loose, generating an electric current.
Inverters: Convert the direct current into alternating current (AC), which we can use in our homes. There are many types of inverters: string inverters, microinverters and power optimizers. Efficiency and reliability vary with each type.
Metering & grid connection: Through a net metering program, excess electricity goes back to the grid. This allows homeowners to earn credits on their utility bills. When solar generation is low (during the night and on cloudy days, for example) you draw electricity from the grid.
Battery storage (Optional): Batteries (like lithium-ion or lead-acid) store excess energy for later use. This provides backup power during outages and allows us to store energy during peak pricing times.
What do solar panels cost in Alberta?
Costs vary, depending on size, equipment quality, labour and additional features, such as battery storage.
Estimates for Alberta are as follows:
- Residential Systems (5-10 kW): $12,000 – $25,000 (before incentives)
- Battery Storage (Optional): $8,000 – $15,000
How do I install solar panels?
Follow these steps. The complete process may take several weeks to a few months, depending on local regulations and utility co-ordination.
- Site assessment & energy audit: A professional examines the roof’s condition, orientation and shading, as well as the homeowner’s energy consumption to determine the optimal system size and placement.
- System design & permitting: Engineers design a customized system that complies with local building codes and secure the necessary permits. Proper sizing helps maximize both energy output and financial return.
- Equipment procurement: The installer purchases solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and related components from reputable suppliers. Although higher efficiency panels come at a premium, they generate more power per square meter.
- Installation: Skilled technicians mount the panels, complete the wiring and connect the system to the electrical grid. This installation phase usually takes one to three days, depending on system complexity.
- Inspection & Activation: After installation, local authorities and utility companies inspect the system. Once approved, the solar array becomes activated, so the homeowner can begin generating clean energy.
The complete process—from assessment to activation—may take several weeks to a few months, depending on local regulations and utility co-ordination (Solar Alberta, 2024).
Can you store solar energy?
Batteries can store solar energy. Without batteries, there is no way to store the electricity solar panels generate. Solar panel batteries capture and store electricity, so you can access it later or send it to the grid.
Solartility has software that manages your battery, monitoring electricity prices for you and releasing the energy when prices are high.
Are there rebates and incentives?
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How do I become a smart power generator?
Switch to Solartility. If you’re not a micro-generator yet, sign up for solar panels then switch to Solartility.
How do I benefit from solar panels?
Alberta’s deregulated electricity market allows solar panel owners to benefit from price arbitrage by selling excess power to the grid at wholesale rates.
Example Calculation for a 7 kW Residential System:
- Annual energy production: Approximately 8,400 kWh (based on average solar irradiance in Alberta)
- Wholesale power prices: Typically range from 5 to 20+ cents per kWh, with peak values potentially exceeding 30 cents per kWh during high-demand periods (AESO Historical Rates).
Potential Annual Revenue:
- At 5 cents/kWh: ~$420 per year
- At 10 cents/kWh: ~$840 per year
- At 20 cents/kWh: ~$1,680 per year
Can a battery boost potential credits?
Adding a battery allows homeowners to store excess solar energy and sell it when electricity prices are higher. Key benefits include:
- Time-of-Use arbitrage: Store surplus energy during periods of low rates (e.g., midday) and release it during peak pricing periods (e.g., evenings), thereby increasing revenue.
- Enhanced self-consumption: Reduce reliance on expensive grid power by using stored energy during high-cost periods.
- Optimized revenue: With efficient battery management and real-time market monitoring, boost annual earnings from solar exports.
What does an electric vehicle (EV) cost?
EV Costs in Alberta
- Entry-level EVs: $40,000 – $55,000 (e.g., Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt)
- Mid-range EVs: $55,000 – $80,000 (e.g., Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5)
- Premium EVs: $80,000+ (e.g., Tesla Model S, Lucid Air)
- Home charging station: $1,000 – $2,500
What are the benefits?
- Lower operating costs: Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline, offering substantial fuel savings.
- Reduced maintenance costs: EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, which reduces the frequency of maintenance tasks, such as oil changes and engine repairs (U.S. Department of Energy – EV Maintenance Costs, 2024).
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions.
- Synergy with solar: Charging an EV using home solar power further reduces energy costs and creates a sustainable energy loop.
Should I invest in Solar Panels?
Investing in solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicles:
- reduces energy costs
- increases energy independence
- lowers environmental impact
With abundant sunshine, favourable government incentives and a progressive energy market, Alberta provides an ideal environment for renewable energy solutions.
Homeowners can benefit from:
- lower utility bills and potential revenue from excess solar production
- battery storage that maximizes solar credits through time-of-use arbitrage.
- significant fuel savings and reduced maintenance costs associated with EVs, along with the environmental benefits of reduced emissions.
As technology advances and energy markets evolve, adopting these renewable energy solutions will provide long-term financial rewards and also contribute to a more sustainable future for Alberta. Homeowners making the transition today are well-positioned to enjoy lower operating costs and a positive environmental impact for decades to come.
Helpful Links
Explanation of Solar Install Costs
Residential Solar Calculator to determine potential system size and solar potential
Clean Energy Improvement Program from the City of Calgary for potential funding
Canada Greener Homes Loan breakdown of requirements and Loan Details
Greener Homes Loan Portal for applying
