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How much does it cost to install solar panels on my home?
With incentives, most homeowners pay between $10,000 and $20,000—or even less—depending on system size and location. Plus, you may qualify for a federal interest-free loan of up to $40,000.
Why should I go solar?
Going solar can lower your electricity bills by $100 to $300 every month, increase your property value, and reduce your carbon footprint—all while protecting you from rising energy costs.
How long do residential solar panel systems last ? Is there a warranty?
Residential solar panels typically last 25–30 years. Most come with a 25-year performance warranty and a 10–12-year product warranty.
It’s very cold in Canada, will my solar panel system work effectively? What about hail and snow?
Yes, solar panels work efficiently in cold climates and even perform better in cooler temperatures. They're built to withstand snow and hail, and most systems are tested for extreme Canadian weather conditions.
What should I do to maintain my solar panel system?
Solar systems require minimal maintenance—just keep panels clean and free of debris. We also offer professional cleaning services, and an annual inspection is recommended to ensure peak performance.
What is the microgeneration program?
The Microgeneration Program in Alberta allows homeowners and businesses to produce their own electricity using renewable or alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, to meet their energy needs. If you generate more electricity than you consume, the excess is fed back into the grid, and you receive credits on your electricity bill from your retailer.
Will I be paid for any extra electricity my solar system generates?
Yes, in Alberta, if your solar panel system generates more electricity than you consume, the excess energy is sent back to the grid, and you receive credits on your electricity bill. Under Alberta's microgeneration regulation, this process is known as net billing. Your electricity retailer credits you for the surplus electricity you supply to the grid. The rate at which you're credited is agreed upon between you and your retailer; the government does not set this rate. These credits can be used to offset your future electricity consumption costs. If you accumulate more credits than you use over a year, your retailer is required to compensate you financially for the unused credits annually. This system allows you to reduce your electricity bills and potentially earn compensation for the excess energy your solar panels produce.
How does a grid-tied solar system work?
A grid-tied solar system powers your home with sunlight during the day. If you generate more electricity than you use, the extra goes to the utility grid—and you earn energy credits. These credits offset your electricity usage when your system isn’t producing, like at night or on cloudy days.
What does the solar installation process involve?
The solar installation process involves five main steps: Site Assessment – A technician evaluates your roof, sun exposure, and electrical system. System Design – Experts create a custom solar plan based on your energy needs. Permitting & Approval – Necessary permits and utility approvals are secured. Installation – Certified installers mount panels and connect the system, usually in 1–3 days. Inspection & Activation – After final inspections, your system is connected to the grid and turned on.
Are special permits required to install a solar power system?
Yes, installing a solar power system in Alberta typically requires obtaining specific permits to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Key Permits and Requirements: Electrical Permit: Mandatory for all solar installations. It must be obtained by a certified electrical contractor who is licensed in your municipality. Building Permit: Required if your solar panels are mounted on a roof or wall. This ensures the structure can support the additional load. Development Permit: Necessary if the installation affects land use or zoning, such as ground-mounted systems or installations in areas with specific land-use bylaws. Micro-Generation Notice: If you plan to feed excess electricity back into the grid, you must submit a micro-generation notice to your local distribution company and sign an interconnection agreement.
I want to install solar panels, but I don’t plan to stay in my house forever. Am I still able to install it?
Yes, you can still install solar panels if you don’t plan to stay long-term. Solar panels can increase your home’s resale value, and many homebuyers are attracted to homes with renewable energy systems. Additionally, depending on your location, you may be able to transfer any available solar incentives or warranties to the new owner, making it a selling point when you move.
Am I able to increase the size of my system overtime?
Yes, you can increase the size of your solar system over time. As long as your system is grid-tied and meets local regulations, you can add more panels or upgrade components as your energy needs grow. Be sure to consult with your installer to ensure your electrical system can accommodate the expansion.
How many panels do I need to install for my house?
The number of solar panels you need depends on your energy usage, the size of your roof, and the efficiency of the panels. On average, a typical home needs between 15 to 25 panels to cover most of its electricity needs. A solar installer can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing your energy consumption and roof space.
How will installing solar panels affect my utility bills?
Installing solar panels can significantly reduce your utility bills by generating your own electricity. Depending on the size of your system, you may be able to cover a large portion or all of your energy consumption. Any excess power you generate can be sent back to the grid for credits or compensation, further reducing your bills. Over time, this can lead to substantial savings.
How long does it take to process a residential solar system?
Initial Consultation & Site Assessment Duration: 1–2 weeks This phase involves selecting a reputable installer, conducting a site evaluation, and designing a custom solar system tailored to your energy needs. Permitting & Approvals Duration: 2–4 weeks Obtaining necessary permits from your municipality and utility provider is essential. For instance, in Calgary, a development permit may be required before applying for a building permit for solar installations. System Installation Duration: 1 day Once approvals are in place, the physical installation of solar panels and associated equipment typically takes between one to three days, depending on system size and complexity. Inspection & Activation Duration: 1–2 weeks After installation, a final inspection by local authorities ensures compliance with safety standards. Following approval, your system is connected to the grid and becomes operational.
What is the average installation time?
Our average installation time for a residential solar system is typically 1 day. This includes the physical setup of the solar panels, inverter, and other equipment. However, the entire process, from consultation to activation, can take between 2 to 6 months, due to the time needed for permits, approvals, and inspections.
I have solar. What happens if I want to maintain my roof?
If you need to maintain or repair your roof after installing solar panels, it's important to work with your solar installer. Here’s what typically happens: Solar Panel Removal: If roof work requires removing panels, your installer will safely take them down, and they’ll be reinstalled once the roof work is complete. Roof Inspection: Make sure your roof is in good condition before installing solar panels. If you're planning maintenance, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof first to avoid removing the panels multiple times. Coordinating with Roofers: Your installer can work with your roofer to schedule the work, ensuring minimal disruption to both your roof and solar system.
How big is a residential solar system?
A typical residential solar system is usually between 4 kW and 10 kW in size. This translates to about 10 to 25 solar panels, depending on the system's capacity and the efficiency of the panels used. The total space required for installation depends on the panel size, but a typical system needs about 300–600 square feet of roof space.
How do I reach out for service support?
To reach out for service support for your solar system, follow these steps: Contact us: If you have a maintenance or performance issue, your first point of contact should be the installer who set up your system. They can help with troubleshooting or repairs. Check Manufacturer Warranties: For issues with specific components (like panels or inverters), refer to the manufacturer’s warranty and reach out to them directly. Customer Support from Your Utility Provider: If you’re experiencing grid connection or billing issues, contact your utility provider for assistance. Online Support: Many solar companies offer online customer service or dedicated help centers where you can submit service requests or get assistance remotely.
What if my system isn’t working?
If your solar system isn’t working, here are the steps to take: Check the Inverter Display: Most inverters have a display showing system status. If it shows an error or warning, consult the manual for troubleshooting. Verify the Breaker: Ensure the circuit breaker for the solar system is turned on. If it’s tripped, reset it. Clean the Panels: Dust or debris can affect performance. Clean the panels carefully if they appear dirty. Check the Weather: If it's cloudy or there's heavy snow, it may be a temporary issue. Solar panels produce less energy on overcast days. Contact Your Installer: If the issue persists, contact your solar installer or the company that provided the system. They can inspect the system for electrical issues, wiring problems, or faults in the components. Check for Warranty: If the issue involves a defective component, check whether it’s covered under warranty.
What is the capacity of a battery?
The capacity of a battery is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This indicates how much electricity the battery can store and provide over time. For residential solar energy storage, the capacity generally ranges from 10 kWh to 15kWh. The larger the capacity, the more energy the battery can store for use when the sun isn’t shining. A typical home may require a 10 kWh battery to cover essential loads for a full day, depending on energy usage.
How many batteries do I need for my house?
The number of batteries you need depends on your energy consumption and how long you want to be able to run your home on battery power alone. Here's how to estimate: Estimate Daily Energy Usage: Check your electricity bill for your daily energy consumption, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Determine Battery Size: A typical home might use around 30 kWh per day. If you want to store enough energy for a day, you might need 3 to 6 batteries (each with around 5-10 kWh capacity). Consider Your Backup Needs: If you want your batteries to power critical appliances (e.g., fridge, lights, HVAC) for a few hours, you’ll need fewer batteries. Consider System Efficiency: Batteries typically have a round-trip efficiency of 85-95%, so the actual usable energy will be slightly lower than the rated capacity.
How long does the battery last?
The lifespan of a solar battery typically ranges from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of battery and usage. Most lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in residential solar systems, last about 10 to 15 years. Lead-acid batteries tend to have a shorter lifespan of around 5 to 10 years. The longevity of the battery is influenced by factors such as: Cycle Depth: The more deeply the battery is discharged, the shorter its lifespan. Temperature: Extreme temperatures can reduce battery life. Usage Patterns: Frequent charging and discharging can affect longevity. Some battery manufacturers offer warranties for up to 10 years, ensuring that the battery maintains a certain capacity throughout its lifespan.
How much does 1 battery cost?
The cost of a solar battery can range between $5,000 and $15,000 or more, depending on the brand, capacity, and technology. For example: Lithium-ion batteries, which are the most common for residential systems, typically cost between $7,000 and $12,000 for a system with around 10 kWh of storage. Lead-acid batteries are generally cheaper, ranging from $5,000 to $8,000, but have a shorter lifespan and lower efficiency. Additional costs may include installation, inverter compatibility, and system integration, which can add another $1,000 to $2,000.
Will I have power with solar when the grid goes out?
Without batteries: No power during an outage. With batteries: You can have backup power for critical loads (like lights, fridge, etc.) during a grid outage.
Can I connect car batteries to my system?
While it's technically possible to connect car batteries to your solar system, it's not recommended for several reasons: Different Battery Types: Car batteries (typically lead-acid) are designed for short bursts of high power, like starting a car, not for long-term energy storage. Solar storage systems, on the other hand, require deep-cycle batteries that can handle constant charging and discharging. Compatibility: Solar systems use specialized inverters designed to work with deep-cycle batteries (like lithium-ion or AGM), which are built to handle regular cycling. Car batteries are not designed for this kind of use and can degrade quickly if used in a solar system. Efficiency and Safety: Car batteries are not as efficient for energy storage and may not provide consistent power. Additionally, improperly connected batteries can pose safety risks, including overheating or risk of fire. Warranty Issues: Using car batteries could void warranties on your solar system or components, as they may not be approved for use with solar energy storage. For optimal performance, it's better to use solar-specific batteries that are designed for long-term energy storage and are compatible with your solar system.
Does the solar quote include a storage device?
Whether or not a storage device (battery) is included in your solar quote depends on the specific system and quote you receive. Typically, a basic solar quote will cover the solar panels, inverters, and installation costs but does not include energy storage (batteries). If you want a solar system with battery storage, you’ll need to request this explicitly in the quote. Adding a battery will increase the overall cost of the system, as batteries are a significant additional expense, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size and type of battery. When requesting a quote, be sure to clarify if you want battery storage included, and ensure that both the solar system and battery costs are detailed separately in the proposal.
Does the solar How long can 1 battery keep my house running in a blackout? include a storage device?
The amount of time a single battery can keep your house running during a blackout depends on several factors: Battery Capacity: The size of the battery, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example, a 10 kWh battery might provide 10 hours of backup power if you're using 1 kW of energy per hour.1 kWh can power LED lights for 1 hour, a fridge for 6 hours, or a ventilator for up to 25 hours. Your Energy Usage: The more energy your household uses, the shorter the backup duration. Essential appliances (like lights, fridge, and phone chargers) consume less power compared to larger appliances like HVAC or electric stoves. Power Management: During a blackout, you can prioritize essential loads (like lighting and refrigeration) to extend the battery life, while non-essential appliances can be turned off. As an estimate: A 10 kWh battery might last about 8-12 hours for a moderate household, but this can vary greatly based on usage and the number of appliances you need to power. To maximize battery life, you can: Run only essential devices. Use energy-efficient appliances. If you need extended backup, larger battery systems or adding additional batteries will extend your power supply.
Are Evs batteries harmful for the environment?
EV batteries have some environmental impact: Mining: Producing lithium-ion batteries requires mining materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can harm the environment. Manufacturing Energy: Battery production is energy-intensive, but this impact decreases as renewable energy use increases. Recycling: Improper disposal can cause pollution, but advancements in recycling technology are improving. Overall, while EV batteries have environmental costs, electric vehicles produce far fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to gas-powered cars, making them more environmentally friendly in the long run.
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