Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. This electricity can power your home, business, or be fed back into the grid for credits.
A PV system uses solar panels made of semiconductor materials (like silicon) to generate electricity directly from sunlight through a process called the photovoltaic effect.
A solar system typically includes solar panels, an inverter (to convert DC electricity to AC), a mounting system, electrical wiring, and often a monitoring system. Optional components may include battery storage.
Yes, depending on your energy needs, available roof space, and the size of the solar system. Grid-tied systems use grid power as a backup.
Costs vary depending on the system size, location, and type of installation. On average in Canada, residential systems range from $10,000 to $25,000 before incentives.
Savings depend on your electricity rates and solar production. In Alberta, with net metering, customers can significantly reduce or even eliminate electricity bills.
Typically, it’s 8–12 years in Canada, depending on your energy usage, installation cost, and available incentives.
Not usually, but costs for permits, inspections, or system upgrades (like an electrical panel upgrade) may apply.
Yes, homes with solar installations often have higher resale values and appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers.
Monitoring systems, usually accessed via a smartphone app or computer, provide real-time data on energy production, consumption, and system performance.
Monitoring systems alert you to any issues. Most problems can be resolved through warranty service or by contacting your installer.
Yes, solar monitoring apps show live energy production and cumulative savings over time.
Yes, most monitoring systems require an internet connection to provide real-time updates.
Programs like Canada’s Greener Homes Grant offer up to $5,000 for solar installations. Provincial incentives, like Alberta’s solar rebates, also help offset costs.
Yes, Alberta has the Energy Efficiency Alberta program, Saskatchewan offers net metering, and BC provides solar incentives through BC Hydro.
Applications are often done through your installer or directly with the incentive program’s website. A pre-assessment is usually required.
Yes, programs like Canada’s Clean Energy Incentive allow businesses to deduct solar system costs more quickly.
Start with a site assessment to evaluate solar potential, then work with a certified installer to design and install your system.
A site assessment determines roof orientation, shading, and structural capacity to ensure your property is suitable for solar.
Installation typically takes 1–3 days, but permitting and approvals may add a few weeks to the process.
Yes, electrical and building permits are required, and your installer usually handles the process.
Most roofs can support solar panels, but an inspection may be needed to ensure structural integrity.
Canada’s cold temperatures and high solar irradiance in provinces like Alberta ensure excellent performance, despite fewer sunny days.
Modern panels are built to withstand harsh weather. Snow usually slides off, and panels are rated for hail impact.
Panels still generate power on cloudy days, but at reduced efficiency—about 10–25% of their usual output.
Panels typically last 25–30 years, with warranties covering 80% or more of original efficiency.
Yes, but only slightly. Panels degrade by about 0.5–1% per year, meaning they still perform at 80–90% efficiency after 25 years.