Alberta has taken a bold step in maintaining its position as a Canadian energy superpower with the addition of solar through the Government of Alberta’s solar rebate program. According to a Calgary Herald article of March 2017, the “Alberta government has created a $36-million solar rebate program to cut solar installation costs. The program will offer rebates of up to 30 per cent for homeowners.” But how do you know if your home is appropriate to convert to solar energy?
A. Clark Roofing & Siding LP has been in the roofing business for over six decades and have witnessed the many changes in the industry, and often at the forefront of building trends and opportunities, like solar panel installation. Solar panel benefits include instant savings on your hydro utility bill; enjoying a higher asking price when it comes to selling your home; and, is a renewable energy source that can help you decrease your overall environmental footprint.
Solar energy is created by solar modules attached to the roof of a home, harnessing energy from the sun and converting it into clean electricity. A typical installation involves the panels, constructed of many individual silicon-based photovoltaic cells and their support structures, along with an inverter, electrical conduit piping, and AC/DC disconnect switches. The size of your solar energy system will depend on a variety of factors like roof size, shape, and personal preference. This system works when, once installed, a bi-directional meter measures the amount of solar energy that is consumed and exported back to the grid for other people to use.
When it comes to feasibility, there are two common concerns, will it work on my roof, and what is the return on investment – how long will it take to pay back the original cost (and start making money). If your roof is covered in shade most of the day throughout the year, it might not have a favourable enough “solar window” to justify the costs of panels. If you do have a suitably sunlit rooftop to work with, be prepared to prune your foliage to keep the panels clear. You also need to ensure that your roof is in good shape structurally – check your support beans and roof deck, and this is a good time to replace shingles – solar installations these days can come with warranties for 20 or 25 years, the roof underneath it should match. When it comes to money, remember that if energy prices continue to stay low, a homeowner will see a much longer return on investment. If they rise, a homeowner will see the return sooner.
Solar Panel Installation Edmonton
In order to decide whether or not converting to solar is right for your home, contact A. Clark Roofing & Siding LP in Edmonton at 780-465-7571 today to learn more about how solar panels can improve your home or business.