Solar Energy Guide Introduction for Canadians

The Creation of Solar Energy

For many years, we looked at the sun shining brightly in our sky and imagined how we could tap its seemingly limitless energy. While many of us first became aware of solar energy in recent decades, humans can technically be said to have been using solar power, in one form or another, for hundreds of years. As early as the 7th century B.C., sunlight was being used to light fires using ersatz magnifying glasses.

Then, many centuries later, in 1839, Edmond Becquerel, a physicist working in France, observed the photovoltaic effect, in which voltage or an electric current is generated in a photovoltaic cell that is exposed to sunlight. This was the start of solar panel energy.

Today, solar energy and the use of solar panels are becoming a more common sight. Whether on your roof, your neighbour’s roof, or your place of work, you have probably encountered solar energy several times already and will undoubtedly encounter it many more times in the future. But how much do you know about solar power? How exactly does it work and how reliable is it?

How Does Solar Energy Work?

The sun emits solar radiation, also referred to as electromagnetic radiation, which contains tremendous amounts of energy. When this solar energy strikes Earth, it produces thermal energy, or heat, which is responsible for many global phenomena, such as ocean currents, wind patterns, and more. Plants can take sunlight and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

While humans have long used solar energy in a passive manner, such as the lighting of fires, sun- drying fruit and vegetables, or creating salt by evaporating water, we are now using it actively. Solar technology allows us to convert solar energy into a secondary form, such as electricity. This can be done through thermal systems or photovoltaic ones.

Thermal Solar Technology

As the name implies, thermal systems use solar energy to heat something, whether that be water or another substance, which can then be used in many ways from powering a turbine to simply providing heat to an area. Here in Canada, solar thermal collectors are common for home water heating and space heating. Sunlight will heat pipes on the roof that send heated liquid to a storage tank.

On a much larger scale, concentrated solar power plants use hundreds of mirrors to direct sunlight to a large tank filled with heat-transfer liquid. As the liquid boils, the steam it produces spins a turbine that creates electricity, as with traditional power plants.

Photovoltaic Solar Technology

One of the most advanced means of gathering solar energy, photovoltaic cells use extremely thin semiconductors that create a small electric current when exposed to solar energy. The resulting direct current (DC) from these cells can then be used for anything from powering lightbulbs to machinery, though an inverter will generally be required to change it to alternating current (AC).

The Advantages of Solar Energy

While solar energy is continuing to develop, it has proven advantageous in many ways:

It’s a Renewable Source of Energy

Probably the most important fact about solar energy is that it is a truly renewable source of energy that will continue to be available for as long as the sun is in the sky. It can be captured virtually anywhere in the world, and unlike other sources of energy, it will not run out.

It Reduces Your Electricity Bills

Using solar power to help meet your energy needs cuts your energy costs. The exact reduction will depend on the size of your system and your normal electricity usage on things like heating, air conditioning and everyday appliances.

It Is a Proven Technology That Is Becoming More Affordable

Solar energy has been in use for decades and the technology continues to develop. As it does so, it is becoming more affordable, with prices dropping significantly over the past several years. Additionally, there are financial incentives that can reduce the cost for families and businesses even further.

Solar Panels Have a Long Lifespan

Solar panels are more durable than you might think and can survive harsh weather conditions. They do not require a great deal of maintenance, other than keeping them relatively clean. They are an investment that will last for years to come.

They Can Increase Home Values

Adding solar panels to help provide for your home’s energy needs also has the advantage of increasing its value. When selling your home, potential buyers who are educated in solar panels and energy efficiency will understand the value of purchasing a home with solar energy.

Environmentally Friendly

Solar energy has fewer carbon emissions than other forms of non-green energy that heavily rely on fossil fuels. Solar energy relies entirely on gathering energy from the sun and converting it into electricity, using it means that you are not producing any greenhouse gases or contributing to global warming.

Long Lasting and Minimal Maintenance

The manufacturing process for solar panels has come a long way in recent years, the fact that they last so long and do not require much maintenance is good news for solar investors. Conventional heating methods require relatively regular replacement and maintenance, which can cause a lot of environmentally unfriendly waste, as well as increase the need for more units to be made. The performance warranty on panels is usually quite long, but you could expect the panels to last even longer.

Solar Energy Guide Commonly Asked Questions

Q: Can I still get solar energy if it's cloudy?

A: Solar Panels can still operate in cloudy weather and provide solar energy. They won't produce as much energy as a sunny day, but the sun can penetrate moderate clouds and can even go through a small amount of snow.

Q: Does building solar panels have negative effect on the environment?

A:It is a common myth that the environmental cost of solar panels is negative.

Yes, solar panels use metals that are extracted from the earth for the modules, inverters and associated wiring. However, solar panels still provide a positive net impact on the our planet relative to generating electricity from carbon intensive means such as natural gas or coal. The carbon payback period of a solar system is less than 3 years compared to fossil fuel alternatives.

Q: What size of a solar energy system do I need to power my home?

A: The size of your system depends on two main factors, your usage and the available space you have to install panels. With the net metering models you do not want to produce much more than you need because you can’t get any extra benefit from that. Connecting a solar energy system will reduce your yearly power consumption and your power bill. It is important to size for your needs and assess how you can get the biggest financial benefit from your investment.

Q: What are the solar rebates in Canada?

A: Canadian provincial governments are offering incentives to reduce the cost of solar. This can sometimes come in the form of rebates or low rate financing options. This has a benefit to you but it also benefits all Canadian's futures. See more about solar rebates in your area here.

Each province has a different system in place for their solar rebates:

Alberta: None

British Columbia: PST exemption

New Brunswick: $0.20-$0.30/watt

PEI: Please refer to Solar Electric Rebate Program
Sunly PEI Solar

Nova Scotia: $0.6/watt
Sunly NS Solar

NWT: 50% of system

Yukon: $0.80/watt

Quebec: None

Newfoundland: None

Ontario: None

Saskatchewan: None

Manitoba: None

For more information, take a look at our solar rebates resource for the latest news on Canadian solar rebates. Information provided on provincial rebates is sourced from August 2021, and may change in the future.

Q: How much does it cost to install solar power at my home?

A: The price of installing solar energy systems varies depending on the size of the system. An average home could expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 for a solar energy system.

While paying for the whole system upfront is definitely an option, there are financing options available so that you do not have to front that cost-some with even 0% financing! The money you save from the energy production of your solar system will cover a portion of your finance fee if not the entire monthly expense! For years 1-10 while your monthly expense is being paid, you may only see a small savings of around $100-$300/year. Once the system has been paid for, that is when the savings really start coming in (imagine most of your electricity bill being covered)!

Q: How do I get started with solar energy?

A: Make sure that your home is as energy efficient as possible; you may want to do your due diligence to help determine which improvements will be most beneficial. You will also want to determine how much power your home uses on average on a month to month basis so that you can choose the correct size solar energy system. Here at Sunly we take all the guesswork out for you. We provide a complimentary assessment that includes a design with estimated production values and a cash flow analysis of how much you will save based on your current usage and electric bills.

Solar energy is an excellent investment that can provide you with significant savings and advantages. To find out exactly what solar technology can do for you, contact us today and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Marwick Marketing30 August 2021