If you've ever heard the rumor that solar panels don't work well in Alberta, you might be wondering if it's true. This misconception has been perpetuated by individuals who lack a deep understanding of how solar energy functions and the true costs and benefits associated with a solar panel installation. If you're in a dilemma about whether to invest in a solar panel system for your Alberta home, you're not alone. Many people seek expert guidance to clear up the confusion and get up-to-date, relevant information on solar panel costs and installation.
Is Alberta's Geographical Location Ideal for Solar Panel Installation?
First, let's address the concern about sunlight in Alberta. If you're worried about having enough sunshine, rest assured. Some parts of Alberta enjoy up to 320 sunny days per year, making it a promising location for solar energy. In fact, for every kilowatt (kW) of solar power installed, your Alberta solar system can generate between 1000 to 1500 kWh of energy annually. This abundant solar potential, coupled with a solar-friendly environment, makes Alberta an attractive place for solar panel installation.
Despite Alberta's northern latitude (between 49 to 60 degrees), it falls under climate zone 7. The province experiences around 5000 Heating Degree Days (HDD) and 33 Cooling Degree Days (CDD) each year. Summers are long, with up to 18 hours of daylight in June, while winters have bright sunlight, though with reduced daylight hours (around 8 hours per day in December).
You might be wondering whether it's sensible to install solar panels in a cold climate like Alberta. Surprisingly, it does make sense. Solar panels are more efficient in cold weather, producing more voltage and electricity when temperatures drop. At -25°C, solar panel efficiency is significantly higher than at +45°C. However, this doesn't mean they generate more energy in winter than summer, as electricity production depends on sunlight hours, which are fewer during the winter.
Worried about snowy conditions? You needn't be. Snow generally has minimal impact on solar panels because the majority of annual sunshine in Alberta occurs between March and October, when snow is less common. Light snowfall will slide off the smooth surfaces of pitched roof-mounted solar panels, and the panels themselves generate enough heat to melt snow faster than the surrounding shingles. Heavy snow can reduce production by around 4-6%, potentially up to 10%, depending on various factors. However, Alberta's Net Metering system ensures that snow doesn't significantly affect the overall feasibility of solar projects.
Rain actually benefits your solar panels by cleaning off dirt and particles. As for hail, if your panels are mounted at the right angle (18 to 45 degrees) and facing south, they are well-protected from hail damage. Solar panels are usually certified to withstand hailstones up to 25 mm in diameter, falling at speeds of 23 meters per second.
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost in Alberta?
The cost of a solar panel installation in Alberta depends on several factors, including system size, installation complexity, equipment type, and the quality of the installation company.
System Size: Determining the size of your solar system involves knowing your annual energy consumption. On average, an Alberta home uses 7,200 kWh per year. Depending on where you live in Alberta, a 1 kW solar array can produce around 1,000 kWh to 1,200 kWh annually. So, if your annual energy consumption is 7,200 kWh, you'd require a 7.2 kW grid-tied solar system to achieve net-zero energy consumption in Northern Alberta. In Southern Alberta, where there's more sunlight, you'd need a slightly smaller system to achieve the same result.
Your solar contractor will assess additional factors like shading, roof tilt, and azimuth to determine the final size of your photovoltaic array.
Alberta's sunny climate, even in the winter, makes it a promising location for solar panel installation. Despite occasional snow and hail, solar panels are resilient and equipped to handle these conditions. The cost of a solar panel installation varies depending on your energy needs and other factors, but with the right system size and quality installation, you can enjoy the many benefits of solar power in Alberta.
Alberta shines as one of the top provinces when it comes to abundant sunlight, enticing financial incentives, and affordable installation expenses. Recent rankings place Alberta at the impressive third position in the nation for solar system installations. If you choose to invest in solar panel installation in Alberta, you can be confident that you're making a wise move. Installing solar panels in your Alberta residence or business not only safeguards your investment but can also yield profitable returns.
