Are you looking to power up your home or business in Edmonton with clean and renewable solar energy? This blog post will help you do just that! Solar energy is becoming increasingly sought after due to its potential to provide clean, renewable electricity that can power homes and businesses without emitting any pollutants. And with an abundance of high pressure systems, high elevation and low air pollution rates, Edmonton is one of the best places in the world to do it!

Edmonton's climate is well-suited for solar energy. With around 2,300 hours of sunshine in an average year, Edmonton is among the sunniest cities in the country, according to Environment Canada. But we really don't need them to tell us that, because we are out enjoying it. This makes it easy to install solar panels and to generate sufficient renewable energy for household or business needs.

Having said that, it is equally important to get a reliable solar installer onboard to get the best experience when converting to solar. With the right installer, you'll gain access to quality products and services that will maximize your solar energy investments.

This post will guide you on how to find experienced and reliable installers to help you successfully transition to renewable energy for your home or business in Edmonton.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Installer in Edmonton

Here are seven important factors to consider when choosing a solar installer in Canada's festival city:

1. Experience and Reputation

When choosing a solar installer in Edmonton, it's important to look for someone with solid experience and an excellent reputation. Doing your research can help you get a better idea of who has the best credentials, including references from previous customers. You should also look into any awards or other recognition they've earned in the industry.

Ultimately, finding a reputable and experienced solar installer is key in ensuring that your installation will go smoothly and you'll get the best return on investment.

2. Types of Equipment and Technology Used

Edmonton has some of the most innovative solar installers in the business. Choosing one that employs quality equipment and state-of-the-art technology is key to achieving optimal performance. While it may appear more cost-effective to go with an installer who uses outdated technology, it will ultimately be less reliable, and your energy production won't be as high.

That's why it's important to ensure you pick any of the Edmonton solar panel experts with a good track record of using premier-grade materials, as well as access to the most cutting-edge technology available.

3. Customer Service and After-Sales Support

A reliable solar installer should provide friendly and professional customer service that is able to answer all of your questions clearly. Additionally, they should offer support after the sale, with a clear explanation of how to look after your solar installation over time.

Furthermore, even though you wouldn't really need it that often, they should be available if an issue arises and respond quickly to any problems. All of these points are essential factors to consider when signing up for solar power.

4. Cost and Financing Options

Cost can be one of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing a solar installer, so it's important to compare different estimates and fully understand the range of financing options available. Some installers may offer competitive discounts or no-interest loans for larger projects, so take time to research each option thoroughly before making your decision.

In addition to being aware of the cost and financing options, you should also get quotes from several different installers so you can compare services and choose the best option for your project. Or, why not save yourself all that work and simply get the best quote for free?

5. Warranty and Maintenance

With all other factors being equal, it is important to ensure that the warranty and maintenance coverage meets your specific needs and expectations. Consider how long the warranty is for, what repairs or replacements are covered, and if the coverage extends over time. Make sure to find an installer who provides regular system monitoring or maintenance checks, as proper upkeep of your solar panels will keep them running efficiently for years to come.

6. Edmonton Solar Rebate Program

Government incentives and rebates can be a great way to ease the burden of higher upfront costs associated with solar installations. Look into what incentives are being offered at the local, state, and federal government levels to see if there are any available to you.

Oftentimes governments have initiatives that provide homeowners with grants or tax credits when they invest in renewable technology like solar panels. Researching these types of programs is definitely worth it in the end.

7. Installation Process and Timeline

Knowing the estimated installation timeline and process will provide greater peace of mind when selecting a solar power installer. Ask potential installers to outline a schedule that shows each step of the installation. Regular communication throughout the project is also essential to ensure you're kept informed about the progress.

Are solar panels worth it in Edmonton?

Yes, solar panels can definitely be worth it in Edmonton! With the right solar PV system as well as an adequate energy storage & electrical system, homeowners and businesses in Edmonton can enjoy lower energy bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and a more sustainable energy source. Additionally, the government offers incentives and rebates for solar panel installation, making it a more affordable option for many.

However, it's important to consider the cost, installation process, and the experience and reputation of the solar installer to ensure a successful and worthwhile investment. Overall, the benefits of solar panels make them a worthy consideration for those in Edmonton looking for a clean and cost-effective energy source.

Alberta solar incentives and rebates

Alberta, as a province, boasts a lot of solar potential. There are different rebates from the government on several renewable energy products, including electric vehicles. The purpose is to make Alberta a leader in sustainability.

Similarly, when we talk about solar energy, in particular, the provincial government might have rebates, tax credits, and grants. But these incentives change from time to time, so it's always a good idea to do some research to see what's currently available.

You can also ask your solar installer or check with the relevant government agency for more information on what incentives and rebates are applicable to your type of solar PV system. The Government of Alberta wants to encourage the adoption of clean energy, so they offer these programs to make solar panels more accessible for homeowners and businesses.

Conclusion

Solar panels are a great option for those living in Edmonton looking to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. With the help of government incentives, rebates, grants, and tax credits, solar panel installation can be more affordable than ever before. It's important to research these programs as well as find an experienced installer who meets your specific needs and expectations when choosing a solar power provider. Whether you're a homeowner or business owner looking for sustainable energy solutions in Edmonton, investing in solar panels is definitely worth considering!

Get your customized solar report and free quotes here!

FAQs

Do you need a permit to install residential solar panels in Alberta?

Installing residential solar panels in Alberta requires a permit. Depending on the municipality, you may need an electrical permit and/or a development permit. The City of Calgary requires an electrical permit and the installation must be done by a licensed and registered electrical contractor. In Edmonton, both an electrical permit and a development permit are required for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Red Deer County may require a building permit (structural) for installing solar PV systems on roofs. Strathcona County requires both a Development Permit and an Electrical Permit for roof solar panels, while ground-level installations require both permits as well.

Do you need a permit to install commercial solar panels in Alberta?

Installing commercial solar panels in Alberta requires a building and development permit. The process involves more engineering work than residential solar panel installations, which require an electrical permit and must be installed by a licensed and registered electrical contractor.

How much does it cost to put solar panels on your house in Edmonton?

It typically costs between $11,000 to $18,000 to install solar panels on your house in Edmonton. The final cost can vary depending on the size of the system you're getting and the complexity of the project.

What are the different types of solar installations?

The most common types of solar installations are on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. On-grid systems are connected to the public electricity grid and rely on it as a backup. Off-grid systems are not connected to the grid and rely solely on the solar panels and batteries for power. Hybrid systems combine both on-grid and off-grid systems. And that is not all; there are also other types of installations, such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and floating solar panels.

What is the difference between residential electrical services and commercial electrical services?

Residential electrical services are typically focused on powering and providing electricity to homes and typically involve smaller-scale projects of 120V-240V on average. On the other hand, commercial electrical services cater to businesses and larger commercial properties and involve more complex and sophisticated electrical systems of 120V to 480V on average.

Commercial electric services also need to meet higher safety standards and codes, as well as accommodate the specific power requirements of different types of businesses. This may include electrical systems for lighting, heating, cooling, data communications, and more.

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