In Alberta, and particularly in communities like Okotoks, there is a brightening trend towards the use of solar energy. More and more homeowners are adding solar installations to the rooftops of their homes to:
Shrink their carbon (pollution) footprint, and...
...also save a whole bunch of money on utility bills.
This article will act as a primer for those considering solar installations in Okotoks. Here, you’ll find info on:
The types of solar panels you can choose from
The financials of going solar
How to go about getting solar installed
I’ve tried to make this article as relevant to the solar-curious of Okotoks as possible.
And, just for good measure, there are also implications for solar’s impact on property values, implications for helping you sell your home down the road (should you want to), and implications for how going solar (with a bunch of your neighbors) might help the environment by changing (or forcing change to) the resilience of the local or regional energy grid.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Okotoks?
For an average Okotoks home, a solar panel installation will typically cost between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on factors such as:
System size: Larger systems provide more energy, but come at a higher cost.
Type of solar panels: Higher-efficiency panels can offer greater long-term savings, though they have a higher initial price.
Roof complexity: The shape and pitch of your roof can impact installation costs.
There are options available for interest-free financing for up to $40,000 through the Canada Greener Homes Loan that allows for Okotoks homeowners to make the invesment into their homes without needing significant upfront capital.
Why Choose Solar Panels in Okotoks?
Okotoks, Alberta has a special climate that is extra friendly to solar panels. With well over 300 days of beautiful sunlight every year, homes have the advantage of long solar days and mild solar winters, allowing a solar photovoltaic array to generate quite a lot of energy. Okotoks residents are fortunate to have been granted the ability from the federal government to apply for very lucrative solar incentives and solar rebates. This discussion will explain why Okotoks, Alberta is an excellent place to install solar panels on your house.
The Solar Installation Process in Okotoks
Putting solar panels on your Okotoks home isn’t as simple as just slapping them up there. Like any other major project, it has to be well thought out and strategically planned.
The process starts with step number one, which is a solar consultation. You can talk to an expert about your energy-saving goals and learn about this exciting technology. This is your chance to ask questions before things get started.
Next is the site assessment. The solar professional will visit your Okotoks home and assess your property’s roof orientation, shading from trees or buildings, and energy consumption. This will help the installer determine the system size and panels that are suitable for your particular situation.
After the roofing assessment is made, a personalized solar system plan is designed around your home. We will use our knowledge to pick the right panels and inverters. This is the fun part where you will see a layout of how your roof will look and set up how you thought it out to help the solar professional.
Installation will begin after your approval. This process is easy and usually only takes one day or two.
For the last step, an inspection will come to your area and inspect your install to ensure it meets code.
Understanding Solar Energy
Solar energy is a sustainable, renewable energy source that captures the sun's raw power to make electricity. But why is solar energy important?
Its importance comes from its ability to be captured and used as is, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels—nonrenewable energy sources—for electricity. Fossil fuels have a fixed amount (i.e. they will run out), and they are a leading cause of qualitatively different levels of environmental catastrophes.
So what's in it for us as homeowners in Alberta?
For one, financial savings. The cost savings can be tremendous and can substantially reduce—you might even completely cover the costs of—homeowners' monthly bills. That's money added back into your pocket so you can use those funds for other important household items. What's more, with solar installations, there are (at the time of this writing) incentives and rebates for installations residents in places like Alberta, making it a compelling project to consider.
Finally, energy independence. The position we take—that is, the ability to generate electricity in—presents somewhat of a conflict: without any form of aid by us for ourselves, we would be susceptible to a number of varying effects. Those effects come from the prices of utilities, sure, but it's far more related to the potential for impose disruptions (however unlikely those disruptions are) within the supply chain of producing electricity.
Imagine a world of solar-adoption across every home in Alberta. How incredible would it be to know that everyone (i.e. the goal is to optimize the grid for sustainability and resiliency, not to cut cultural, commercial, and personal utilities off from the assertion of grid equality) is running in some capacity to power their homes off of a source they've harnessed? Policy goals would be met (all things equal, and holding production of utilities constant—which, of course, isn't a possible scenario, but work with me).
If you are a homeowner in Okotoks, then your advantages to having solar energy installed at home include reduced utility bills, increased future property values, and minimizing your carbon footprint. Switching to solar is a bright idea to have a cleaner and cheaper source of power (from the sun). This will remove your dependence on the grid. With solar, you're using a renewable source of energy—that is, the sun and the energy we get from it is 100% free! We believe the future starts now. Make a bold move to renewable energy and be proud for taking a solid step against climate change.
Final Thoughts—Owning Solar Panels in Okotoks Is Wise
If you live in Cochrane, the time is now to consider investing in solar panels. The conditions here for solar energy are pretty much as good as they can get; our numerous sunny days alongside the long summer days really maximize the amount of potent sunshine we receive. And that isn’t going to change; there’s no doubt in climate science that we have the sun as a long-term partner in the energy business. On the other hand, we can’t say the same about the price of electricity. It is climbing—no, it’s on a super highway to the moon. If the provincial Minister of Energy, Luan, is to be believed (and he really should be—I've checked the evidence), we in Mercer can expect to pay an average of 38.3% more for our electricity in 2023 than we did in 2022.
Get Started Today
At Solaris, we’re here to help Okotoks residents make the switch to solar energy. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process, from design to installation and beyond. Contact us today to learn how Oktotoks solar panels can transform your home and provide you with clean, affordable energy for years to come.
