Boasting wall-to-wall sunshine for many months of the year, great altitudes, and a relatively dry climate, Calgary has proven popular with homeowners seeking to benefit from everything that solar power has to offer. When federal grants and other governmental incentives were introduced to encourage the uptake of solar among the city’s residents, many more homeowners signed up to enjoy lower energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment.
All in all, solar installation in Calgary makes sense from both a money-saving and environmental perspective, and if you live in Calgary but haven’t yet signed up for solar, here is a brief guide to help you get started:
How much will switching to solar cost you?
The answer to this question may vary significantly from household to household, but the average homeowner can expect to pay between $12,500 and $17,500 without taking government incentives into account.
This is the amount you could expect to pay for a standard 5kW system, which is generally considered ample for an average-sized home in Calgary.
What do you need to think about before making the switch?
While Calgary typically experiences around 300 days of sunshine every year, the orientation of your home’s roof, how much of it is in the shade at certain times of the day, and its overall condition can have a significant impact on the efficiency of any solar panels installed on it.
A south-facing roof with little shading is ideal. If the roof requires repairs or replacement, you must take care of this before even considering having solar panels installed. It’s also important to note that the materials used to construct a roof can impact a solar installation, so a conversation between you, a roofing contractor and your solar installer should take place.
Your solar panel system’s size is also something to think carefully about. While you might need a larger system to meet the energy needs of your home, this will inevitably increase the cost. It may be that you choose to start with a smaller system and work your way up to a bigger one if/when it becomes necessary.
How should you maintain your solar panels?
To ensure that your solar panels generate maximum energy levels throughout the year, you should carry out regular checks to monitor dust, dirt, and debris levels on the panels, or if unsafe to do so, simply schedule a regular clean from your local solar installer every few months or after a storm.
During the winter season, heavy snowfall may reduce the panels’ efficiency, at least until it slides off. If snow doesn’t slide off after a particularly heavy storm, it’s best to simply wait for it to melt rather than tackle it yourself and potentially damage the panels.
It’s also important to schedule annual inspections of your solar panels. A professional can assess them for damage or wear and tear and can also check the monitoring system to make sure everything is working as it should be.
If you’re considering investing in residential solar panels in Calgary, you could be making one of the smartest decisions of your life! With favourable climatic conditions, compelling government incentives, and the opportunity to save money on your energy bills while also reducing your carbon footprint, Calgary truly does present residents with a solar-switching opportunity that’s hard to resist.
