Five Reasons to Go Solar in Calgary
Are you considering going solar in Calgary? Solar rooftop panels and home batteries are now more affordable, accessible, durable, and efficient than they’ve ever been.
If you’re still on the fence, we’ve compiled a list of five key advantages of solar in Calgary.
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Solar in Calgary, AB
1. You have control over your electricity
If you live in a house with solar panels and a battery, you may be able to get rid of your utility companies and enjoy regular electric expenses. If the grid goes down, you’ll be able to use your generator for a few hours without risking a shocking electricity bill.
Over the last seven years, electricity prices have risen significantly across the country (from $0.022 per kWh in March 2015 to $0.0116 per kWh in February 2022), and they are expected to grow even more. Solar service agreements can provide low and consistent rates that are frequently less expensive than your electricity provider’s prices. So, you can expect to save money on energy when you go solar.
Solar-powered batteries can also protect you from high electric rates or Time-of-Use (TOU) rates in some regions. Your local electric utility sets these prices, which vary depending on the time of day. Power is more costly during peak demand and less expensive during low-demand periods. You may avoid the more costly rates under a TOU rate structure while further boosting your energy savings with a rechargeable home solar and battery system.
A solar-powered home battery will also give you freedom from the next blackout. A solar battery system recharges with solar energy and eliminates the hassle, uncertainty, and expense of refueling a gas or diesel-powered generator.
2. Provides environment-friendly, renewable power
Home solar is a carbon-free, emission-free, and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, home solar does not produce harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
Like other renewable energies, solar energy has the potential to substantially boost Canada’s power generation and cut pollution in the country. Fossil fuels are not only harmful to the environment, but they are also a dying technology of energy production that is dependent on government subsidies to stay accessible and affordable for Canadians. The government spends between $5 and $6 in taxpayer’s money to prop up fossil fuels, while every dollar spent on marketing and promoting the use of renewable energy like solar power in Canada costs around $1.
This is especially true due to the environmental advantages of solar energy and other renewable resources, as well as how the demand for fossil fuels will soon outstrip the supply. It is only a matter of time before we fully convert to renewable energy, sooner rather than later.
Solar power’s potential is enormous. We could run the world for an entire year on the energy captured from the Earth in just one hour.
When you cut down on carbon emissions, you’ll be helping to eliminate hazardous pollutants produced by burning fossil fuels. Renewable energy technologies are critical for achieving a cleaner and brighter future for everyone.
3. Raises property value
Another benefit of home solar and batteries is the boost in property value. Investment price is the amount it adds to the sale price of your house, and solar power can raise the value of your house by up to $6000 for each 1kW installed.
Solar panels can increase the value of your house by 3-4%. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and solar panels are installed, the added value could range from $12,000 to $16,000. On top of the financial benefit that comes with solar panels, they also tend to sell faster than non-solar homes. The cost of a typical rooftop solar installation and battery is often recovered in the home’s sale price.
The figures speak for themselves: Installing home solar panels is a good investment. Property values typically rise significantly after improving your house for a future sale or making it your permanent home.
4. Efficiency and Aesthetics
Even though cities are growing and spreading, it is critical to make the most of our resources. Although we are fortunate in Alberta and Canada to have a lot of space, being efficient with our construction is always a good idea. Why not use space on your roof when you may produce energy and profit from it?
Of course, installing solar panels is not the only way to take advantage of this benefit; growing a rooftop garden (if you have a flat roof) is another option for efficiently using previously wasted space.
Another issue to consider is the overall aesthetics of your property. Many individuals feel that solar panels improve the appearance of their homes since beauty is subjective. The aesthetic appeal of solar modules is improving with new technology, so it only makes sense to consider it as a benefit.
5. Employment
The number of jobs created by the solar power sector isn’t something you often hear from naysayers.
The coal industry currently employs 160,119 people, according to the Department of Energy’s 2017 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, whereas the solar sector presently has 373,807 employees.
In Canada, the exact data is not readily available, but because we have a comparable proportion of energy production from coal (close to 30%) and solar (less than 1%), it’s reasonable to assume that the employment ratio will be similar.
Solar power is rapidly gaining ground in Canada, but the issue of whether it has completely surpassed coal remains to be seen. On a worldwide scale, employment and new renewable energy capacity are growing at a faster rate than any other fuel.
Enjoy the Benefits of Solar Energy with Panel Upgrade Experts
We will assist you with our solar expertise services, from planning and installing your solar system to monitoring and maintenance. Panel Upgrade Experts only work with the most experienced solar installers in our region, so you can be certain that your solar installation is in excellent hands.
Get a Free Solar Estimate Today
Get a free pro estimate from Panel Upgrade Experts today and learn why Calgarians are taking advantage of the benefits of home solar with us. You’ll be connected with one of our experienced Panel Upgrade Experts who will guide you every step of the way.