Rethinking Solar Part 2: Solar Dollars & Sense

Rethinking Solar Part 2: Solar Dollars & Sense

Before You Begin: Getting Hands-on Ready

Rethinking Solar Part 2: Solar Dollars & Sense. Here’s the link if you missed: Part 1: What It Offers You (and the Planet)

This guide considers pre-install decisions: energy needs, roof viability, costs, incentives, and choosing an installer. Think of it as your solar readiness checklist.

1. How Much Energy Do You Use?

• The average Canadian household uses ~877 kWh/month (≈29 kWh/day).
• Look at the past 12 months of bills to find your usage peak and pattern.
• Use tools like the solarcalculator.ca to estimate system size.

2. Is Your Roof (or Site) Solar-Ready?

• •Roof age/condition: Must last ~30 years. Replace first, install second.
• Orientation & tilt: South-facing is ideal; east/west still works.
• Shade: Trees/buildings can reduce output—consider shade mapping tools.

• Alternatives: Pergolas, ground mounts, carports—leverage unused space.

3. What’s the Cost (Before Incentives)?

• •Small systems (3–5 kW): $9,000–$15,000

• Full-size systems (6–10 kW): $15,000–$30,000
• Battery add-on: +$8,000–$15,000

• Add taxes, permits, labour, and equipment costs.

4. What Incentives Can You Use?

• Federal: Canada Greener Homes Loan up to $40 k interest-free.
• Provincial: E.g., NS SolarHomes ($3,000), PEI rebate (40%), BC Hydro net metering.
• Net metering: Often provided by utilities, credits excess generation. (selling unused energy back to the utility.)

5. Ownership Options: Buy vs Lease

• Buy = full ownership, more savings, better incentives, higher upfront cost.
• Lease = lower entry cost, limited control and incentives.
• Decide based on budget, goals, and ownership preference.

6. Inverter & Battery Choices

• String inverters are cost-effective, but a single panel under shade weakens output.
• Microinverters optimize each panel, higher cost but better efficiency.
• Battery systems are optional but great for blackout protection.
• Ensure 25-year panel warranty + performance guarantee and 10+ year inverter warranty.

7. Funding & Payback

• •Payback period typically 6–10 years after incentives.
• Use solar calculators or installer quotes to model lifetime savings.

8. Choosing an Installer

• Go for certified professionals (e.g., NABCEP equivalent).
• Get 2–3 quotes, check local reviews, ask for detailed proposals and timelines.

Ready to Get Hands-On?

Great! Up next: a DIY solar project—building a solar pergola. To power lights, tools, or devices. Follow through the practical steps you just learned.

Rethinking Solar Part 1: What It Offers You (and the Planet) *** Rethinking Solar Series Part 3: Build a DIY Solar Pergola *** ReThinking Solar Series Part 4: What Solar Can’t Do (Yet) and Innovations