Solar Power Rebate Program makes upgrade make sense.

REBATE PROGRAM

 

Promised this summer, the Alberta Government will be offering a significant rebate for homeowners and businesses who install solar power systems to supplement their power consumption needs.

 

The announcement stated that rebates will cut installation cost by up to 30% for residential and 25% for business. We are wanting to jump on this to allow opportunity to discuss the potential with you in preparation for when the rebate program begins.

 

Solar power has been on the cusp of grid-parity for some time (when solar power cost is equivalent to buying power from a utility company), but with the proposed rebates the balance is now tipped towards the installation of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems now. This program provides an excellent opportunity to gain more control of your power bills while being environmentally conscious at the same time.

 

Depending on your situation, a 1kW PV panel set up (measuring around 5.5’ x 14.5’) mounted on a south facing rooftop or stand alone array in central Alberta produces around 1250 kWh per year. An average home consumes anywhere between 6,000 and 13,000 kWh per year. At full, non-rebated price, the average pay back of the initial investment for a typical residential installment is around thirteen years. With the proposed rebates, the pay back period can drop below the long-awaited ten-year mark.

 

We have the trained staff, information and desire to help you in your consideration of adding solar power to your current and future power needs. Please give TKO Electrical Contracting a call to arrange a free consultation. 780-362-1471.

 

 

 

FAQ

 

DURABILITY - Solar PV Panels are more than capable of handling Alberta winters. The tilt of the panels and their electrical components keep most snow at bay, as well as their durability having been successfully tested against hail by striking the panels with golf ball sized hail at 100Km/H.

 

CARBON FOOTPRINT - Studies done in the US conclude that each MWh generated can reduce carbon emissions by 0.6t per year. At that rate, a typical 5kW array will reduce carbon emissions by almost 100 tonnes over their thirty year lifespan. What about the environmental cost to produce solar panels? The energy used to manufacture PV panels is 'paid back' in less than three years of usage.

 

GRID-TIED vs. OFF-GRID - Most consumers opt for the ease and reduced cost of GRID-TIED systems. Generated power is tied to a power company to monitor usage. Generated power is used to offset or eliminate energy costs with any unused excess sold back to the power company. OFF-GRID systems are great for creating greater independence and/or reaching difficult to reach areas. They can be significantly more expensive however due to additional component and installation costs.

 

HOW MANY - A typical 1kW PV panel in good conditions will generate approximately 1250kWh per year in Central Alberta. How many solar panels are required then is further determined by your energy savings goals, household consumption, physical space available, and geographical situation.

 

COST - Due to the many factors involved, cost is determined on an individual basis after consultation with TKO Electrical Contracting, but a typical household installation is usually between thirteen and seventeen thousand dollars before any rebates.

 

SOLAR POWER

 

  • Is affordable, dependable, and makes smart use of a renewable, environmentally friendly power supply that will never run out.
  • Reduces or eliminates dependence on volatile energy market costs and power companies.
  • Provides significant long term savings in power consumption costs.
  • Can greatly reduce a household's carbon footprint by almost 100t over thirty years. (approximate with 5kW array)
  • Can be set up to provide an alternate form of income stream.