In recent years, Canada’s solar energy sector has seen significant growth. In 2023, America’s capacity to generate carbon-free electricity also increased, continuing a decade-long trend in renewable energy growth. Solar and wind now make up a larger portion of the nation’s energy mix than ever before.
Climate Central analyzed historical data on solar and wind energy over a 10-year period (2014 to 2023) to study this growth in renewable electricity capacity and generation.
More solar projects are happening across the country, so solar energy is becoming even more important for Canada’s electricity system. Right now, about 82% of Canada’s electricity comes from sources like hydro and nuclear power, which don’t produce emissions.
Generating electricity with solar power is friendly to the environment and has become very popular in the last ten years. We’ve gathered some important facts to help you if you’re considering installing a solar energy system.
Environmental Facts
- Solar Energy Means Less Fossil Fuels
In Canada, using solar energy instead of fossil fuels helps the environment a lot. Solar energy comes from the sun and is always available, making it renewable. While some energy companies are starting to use more renewable sources, many still rely on fossil fuels like coal and oil, which can harm the environment.
By using solar panels to make electricity at home or in businesses, people can avoid using fossil fuels altogether. This helps to keep the air cleaner and reduces pollution. It’s like taking a big step towards helping the environment.
Switching to solar energy is like saying no to dirty fuels that pollute the air. Instead, it’s choosing a cleaner and safer way to power our homes and businesses.
- Solar Panel Manufacture Has Minimal Environmental Impact
When it comes to making solar panels, the good news is that it’s not just about using less fossil fuels. The stuff we use to make them is also good for the environment. One of the main things in solar panels is something called silicon, and there’s a lot of it around.
The best part is, using silicon doesn’t cause much harm to the environment at all. So, not only are we moving away from dirty fuels, but we’re also using materials that don’t mess up the planet. It’s like a double win for the environment.
- Silent Production Of Electricity
When people talk about solar energy, they usually mention how good it is for the environment. But there’s another benefit that doesn’t get as much attention: solar panels are quiet. Unlike noisy generators, solar panels make electricity without making any noise.
This is really helpful, especially in places where people use generators a lot. So, besides being good for the environment, solar energy is also nice because it’s quiet.
Efficiency Facts
- Effective Use of the Sun’s Energy
When sunlight hits a solar panel, about 20% of that sunlight gets turned into electricity. That means for every square foot of solar panel, you can get around six to eight kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. making solar energy a highly efficient and sustainable source of power for homes and businesses.
In fact, it’s more energy than the whole world uses in a whole year. So, even though solar panels only capture a small fraction of the sun’s energy, it’s still a lot compared to what we need for all our electricity.
- Solar Panels Do Not Need Direct Sunlight
Even when it’s not sunny outside, solar panels can still generate electricity. People sometimes worry that solar panels won’t work well in places with lots of clouds or during winter. But that’s not true, solar panels don’t need direct sunlight to produce power. They can still make electricity even on cloudy days and in the winter.
This means you can count on a steady supply of electricity from solar panels all year round, regardless of the weather. So, don’t let concerns about sunlight stop you from considering solar energy for your home or business.
- Solar Energy Comes With Storage
Solar energy systems have a special feature called storage technologies. This means that even when the sun isn’t shining, like at night, you can still have electricity. The system stores extra electricity produced during the day, so you can use it later when you need it.
This storage capability is very useful because it ensures you have power even when sunlight is limited. Plus, if you produce more electricity than you need, you can sell the extra power back to the national grid. This helps you offset the cost of your storage system and makes your solar energy setup even more cost-effective.
Cost Facts
- Setup Costs Having Drastically Reduced
Switching to solar energy used to be expensive, scaring many people away. But things have changed over the last ten years. The cost of setting up solar systems has dropped a lot.
In Canada, solar energy costs have gone down by a whopping 89% since 2020. This makes solar energy much cheaper and easier for people to afford. Now, more Canadians can consider going solar without worrying too much about the upfront expenses.
- Ongoing Costs Are Minimal
Once you’ve got solar panels installed, you won’t have much to worry about in terms of ongoing costs. Solar energy uses the sun’s free power, so you won’t have to pay for electricity in the future. This means you can save money over time because you won’t have monthly bills for electricity like you do with traditional power sources.
So, while there’s an upfront cost for installing solar panels, you’ll eventually end up saving money in the long run. It’s like a smart investment that pays off over time.
Canada’s Path to a Cleaner Future
The increasing demand for renewable energy solutions underscores the importance of solar energy in Canada’s transition towards a cleaner, greener future. By embracing solar power, Canadians can actively contribute to building a sustainable energy landscape while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Seeking assistance from professionals in this field is important to ensure that the transition to solar energy is done efficiently and effectively, taking into account factors such as system design, installation, and maintenance. Their expertise can help optimize the benefits of solar energy adoption while addressing any challenges or concerns.
Final Thoughts
Learning about solar energy in Canada shows us a hopeful future where we use cleaner energy. As Canada tries to use less dirty energy and switch to cleaner options, solar power becomes very important.
With lots of sunlight available, Canadians can use solar power to help the environment and make our energy future better. By knowing the benefits of solar energy, people can take steps to use it more and make our world cleaner and healthier for everyone.
FAQs
Why is solar energy gaining popularity in Canada?
Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Canada due to several factors, including declining installation costs, government incentives, and growing environmental consciousness. Additionally, advancements in solar technology have made it more efficient and affordable, making it a viable option even in colder climates like Canada.
How does solar energy work in Canada’s climate?
Solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into energy, and they can still produce power on cloudy days. While Canada’s climate does have its challenges, modern solar technology is designed to capture sunlight effectively, even in colder or overcast conditions. Additionally, snow on panels typically melts quickly due to their dark surface, allowing them to continue producing electricity.
What government incentives are available for solar energy in Canada?
The Canadian government offers various incentives to promote solar energy adoption, including the Federal Solar Tax Credit, provincial rebates, and net metering programs. These incentives help offset the upfront costs of installing solar panels and make solar energy more financially accessible for homeowners, businesses, and communities.
How much can I save by switching to solar energy in Canada?
The savings from switching to solar energy depend on several factors, including your location, energy consumption, available incentives, and the size and efficiency of your solar system. On average, Canadian homeowners can save thousands of dollars over the lifespan of their solar panels through reduced electricity bills and potential income from selling excess energy back to the grid.