Solar panels cost in Alberta

Cost to install Solar Panels in Alberta

If you are a homeowner or a business in Alberta looking for ways to reduce your energy bill, you may have probably heard of the concept of generating your own electricity with solar panels. Alberta Residential and Commercial Solar program currently offers some of the best solar incentives in Canada. But before applying for solar subsidies you probably want to know the full cost to install solar panels system for your home or business.

It is important to understand that solar energy installation costs vary widely based on many factors including your own energy consumption you are looking to offset, geographical location, available space to install solar modules, type and quality of components, and level of solar incentives. Let’s take a closer look at what could influence the total price of your investment in solar panels.

Energy consumption in your household usually depends on a number of things including: age of construction, size, type of your home, number of residents, type of appliances, insulation, etc. According to the Energy Efficiency of Alberta a typical household in our province uses 7200 kwh of electricity every year. In order to minimize or offset this consumption, you would have to install approximately 6,000W (6kW) of panels (4 solar modules of 250W each would give you a 1kW), and with an average solar system cost of $2.50 to $3.50 per watt, you will be looking at $15,000-$21,000 total price before the incentives. You can fill out a request form on our website to receive an exact estimate for your own property.

It is important to note that you won’t be able to get rid of your electricity bill entirely in Alberta (unless you go completely Off-Grid). Depending on the set up with your local Wire Service Provider, you may still have to pay some administration, transmission, or distribution charges.

What Makes Alberta a Good Location for Solar?

The province of Alberta is considered one of the sunniest spots in Canada, averaging nearly 2,400 hours of sunlight per year. That means solar panels in Alberta have a greater opportunity to convert sunlight to energy year-round. Albertans who choose to install solar panels will get more out of their investment than people who live in areas where it is frequently rainy or overcast.

Current Alberta solar rebates.
The innovative Residential and Commercial Solar Program makes solar energy more affordable for residential, commercial and nonprofit property owners by providing financial incentives of $0.75 to $0.90 per watt of installed capacity. And if you live in Edmonton, you may qualify for an additional $0.15 on the top of the existing RCSP rebates for residential properties.

Please keep in mind the cost of solar panels system can be affected by the type and price of its components, i.e. solar modules, inverters, racking system, wiring, combiner boxes, system disconnect, etc. We strongly encourage you to obtain at least 2 or 3 quotes from professional solar panels installers in your area, so you can compare “apples to apples”, and make an informed decision. A qualified installation company will also conduct a site assessment, measure your roof, calculate system size, and assess shading (if any).

Why Are Solar Panels a Smart Investment?

Installing solar panels is a significant investment in your home or business. And, just like when you purchase a property, you can expect to recoup the cost of your investment over time. That’s what makes solar panel installation a savvy long-term decision.

It helps to think of it this way: If you get your electricity through your local utility company, you are essentially “renting” your power from them every month. However, solar panels allow your home or business to generate its own power from the rays of the sun. In other words, if you installed a solar panel system with a 25-year lifespan, it would be comparable to locking in today’s electricity prices for the next quarter-century.

Use our free solar calculator to determine how much you can expect to invest in solar panels, how long it will take you to pay off your system and how much money you will be able to save on your utility bills. Then, send us your request to receive free quotes from professional solar panel installers in your area. Good luck with your project!