Solar Power FAQ

Solar battery chargers are an off-grid investment. They make it possible to stop relying on big power companies that rack up your bills each month and to start relying more on natural sunlight — for free. Energy independence means predictable costs and resilience against power outages.

Alberta's Residential and Commercial Solar Program provides rebates that can cut solar installation costs by up to 30% for homeowners and up to 25% for businesses and non-profits. The program is funded through a $36-million provincial investment to put solar panels on 10,000 Alberta rooftops.

Key benefits include:

• Rebates available for rooftop solar on homes, businesses, and non-profits
• Supports hundreds of jobs in Alberta's solar sector
• The micro-generation regulation allows systems up to 5 MW and permits arrays to serve adjacent sites
• Excess electricity can be sold back to the grid under micro-generation rules

The Prairies have some of the best solar resources in Canada. Contact us to find out exactly what incentives you qualify for.

Less than you might think. Living off-grid doesn't mean giving up modern conveniences — it means becoming your own energy provider. Most families find they simply become more mindful of when and how they use energy, which naturally leads to lower consumption and lower costs.

Modern off-grid systems can comfortably power fridges, washing machines, televisions, lighting, and more. The main shift is in awareness, not sacrifice.

System size depends on your daily and seasonal energy consumption. A few things to consider:

• What you want to power — lights, water pump, TV, computer, fridge, microwave, HVAC
• Your location — latitude, average sun hours, and seasonal weather patterns all affect output
• Battery storage needs — how many days of autonomy do you want without sun?

The more detail you can give us, the better we can size your system. Get a free quote and we'll do the math for you.

We offer several mounting options — ground mounts, roof mounts, and pole mounts — each with its own advantages depending on your property and system size.

• Roof mounts are space-efficient and ideal for residential installs
• Ground mounts allow easier maintenance and optimal angle adjustment
• Pole mounts are popular for off-grid and remote properties

Browse our solar mount options or reach out and we'll recommend the best fit for your setup.

Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity — one of the most powerful and freely available energy sources on earth. Key reasons to switch:

• Panel costs have dropped dramatically and continue to fall each year
• The energy your panels produce is essentially free after the initial investment
• Excess energy can be sold back to the grid in eligible provinces
• Panels last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance
• Zero emissions during operation — good for the planet and your conscience

Yes. Studies consistently show that solar panels add significant value to residential properties — often dollar-for-dollar or more relative to the system's cost. Buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for homes with lower ongoing energy costs.

Beyond resale value, you'll see monthly savings on your energy bill from day one. It's one of the rare home improvements that pays you back while you live there and when you sell.

A solar system is a long-term investment, so look beyond price alone. Key factors to evaluate:

• Panel efficiency — higher efficiency means more power from the same roof area
• Warranty — quality panels carry 25-year performance guarantees
• Brand reputation — we carry trusted brands like Victron Energy, Canadian Solar, and Hanwha
• Battery compatibility — especially important for off-grid systems

Read our guide to choosing the right solar panel or call us for a personalized recommendation.

Start by reviewing your past electricity bills — your actual usage history is the most reliable baseline. From there, panel count depends on:

• Your average daily kWh consumption
• The wattage of the panels you choose
• Your location's peak sun hours
• Whether you want battery backup or grid-tie

As a rough guide, an average Canadian home using 30 kWh/day would need approximately 20–30 panels depending on panel wattage and location. Get a quote and we'll size it precisely for you.

Winter energy bills can spike significantly in Alberta. Practical ways to keep costs in check:

• Switch to LED lighting throughout your home
• Eliminate phantom loads by unplugging devices you're not using
• Programme your thermostat to lower temperatures overnight and when you're away
• Ensure your home is properly insulated — heat loss is the biggest winter energy drain
• Use solar battery storage to draw on daytime solar production during peak evening hours

Read our winter energy-saving guide for more tips.

Quality solar panels are rated for 25–30 years and degrade gradually — they don't simply stop working. Most manufacturers guarantee 80% of original output at year 25.

System components have different lifespans:

• Panels: 25–30+ years
• Inverter: 10–15 years (often the first component to need replacement)
• Batteries: 5–15 years depending on chemistry and usage cycles
• Wiring and mounting: 30+ years with proper installation

Read more about solar panel lifespan and maintenance.

Absolutely. Solar panels actually perform more efficiently in cold temperatures — heat is what reduces efficiency, not cold. The only thing that matters is sunlight, and Alberta gets plenty of it year-round, including bright winter days.

Snow slides off angled panels naturally, and even a partially snow-covered panel still produces energy. Thousands of Canadians run solar systems through Prairie winters without issue.

Read more about solar panels in winter conditions.

Panels produce reduced output on overcast days and no output at night — that's expected. The solution is battery storage: your system charges batteries during peak sunlight hours and draws from them in the evening or on cloudy days.

A properly sized battery bank can provide 1–3 days of autonomy without any sun input, more than enough to bridge typical cloudy stretches in Alberta.

Solar costs have dropped over 90% in the last 15 years and continue to fall. The upfront investment covers:

• Equipment costs — panels, inverter, batteries, mounting, wiring
• Installation costs — licensed electrician, permits, inspections

After that, your fuel is free. Most residential systems in Alberta pay for themselves in 7–10 years through energy savings and rebates, then continue generating free power for another 15–20 years. Read more about the true cost of solar.

Solar panels are one of the lowest-maintenance investments you can make. Routine care is simple:

• Wipe down panels every 4–6 weeks to clear dust, pollen, and bird droppings
• After heavy snowfall, panels can be gently cleared — or just wait for them to melt off naturally
• Check wiring and connections annually as part of a general system inspection

No moving parts means very little to go wrong. The inverter is typically the first component that may need attention after 10–15 years of operation.