Future of solar power looks bright
PRICES FOR EQUIPMENT CONTINUING TO FALL
For Albertans, the cost of powering a home or business with solar energy has never been lower.
With prices of solar panels and equipment continuing to fall, a Lethbridge conference explained, Alberta government initiatives are making the green technology even more cost-effective.
Homeowners and companies from Italy to Australia are installing solar power systems, participants were told Thursday. And nations from China — where they’ve had amazing growth — to Chile, Germany and Turkey have created large-scale solar farms to bolster their power grids.
“There has never been a better time to go solar,” Lethbridge-area entrepreneur Milo Holthe told an audience at Economic Development Lethbridge’s northside “tecconnect” centre.
While installation and financing costs have plunged, Albertans’ power bills are bound to rise.
With the range of solar products available, he said, his customers report they’re saving money immediately.
For small businesses, speakers pointed out, the Alberta government is planning to outline new incentives in January — making up-front costs lower still. And with the federal government’s new write-off options for small business, they could be recovered quickly.
But the Alberta government’s grant programs are based on revenue from its carbon levy. And the opposition United Conservative Party vows to cancel that tax — potentially making these initiatives a limited-time offer.
“If the government changes, these grants aren’t going to be here,” warned Holthe.
Chief operations manager for 3B Energy Ltd., Holthe said his company designs, finances, installs and maintains the solar systems. Custom-designed for each home or business, he said a Lethbridge-area residential system might cost $20,000 to $30,000 installed.
The proven Ensolar panels and gear carry a 20-year warranty, he said, but their service life is projected to be 40 years. And the manufacturer offers financing at zero per cent interest.
The province’s grants are based on systems connected to the power grid through “net metering,” speakers said. On a sunny day, homes and businesses would be exporting energy to the grid while also covering their own power needs; at night, they’d use dependable grid power.
Owners would still see fixed service fees on their power bill, but charges linked to consumption could be reduced to the minimum. For southern Alberta businesses operating a typical 9-to-5 day, solar panels on their roof could recover their solar investment quickly.
Martin Ebel, economic development officer with Lethbridge County, expects a number of businesses in the county’s Stewart Siding industrial area may make that investment. County officials were successful, he said, in applying for a provincial grant to pay for engineering studies that confirmed solar installations could begin.