Let the sun shine in
Skylit helps Nova Scotians shift to renewable energy
“For a newer home ... you might be looking at offsetting 100 per cent of your power bill.” Amanda Brulé
VP Sales
There’s a misconception that Nova Scotia does not receive sufficient sunlight to make solar power viable. Amanda Brulé quickly dispels that myth.
“We’re actually further south than Germany, which gets almost 10 per cent of its power from solar energy,” says Brulé, vice-president of sales and residential projects with Skyit.
“Nova Scotia is actually quite a good place for solar energy.”
Skylit was launched in 2016 to help Nova Scotians become leaders in renewable energy by making solar power accessible and affordable. The Kentville company is on the leading edge of the small, but growing, solar power sector in the province, and has installed solar systems in every part of Nova Scotia.
“We’ve seen a huge increase since 2018 when the solar rebate was announced,” Brulé says. “The industry has come a long way, but there is still lots of room for growth.”
Efficiency Nova Scotia offers a rebate on approved solar PV (photovoltaic) systems. The maximum rebate is $6,000 on up to 25 per cent of eligible pre-tax costs.
Skylit specializes in providing high quality, aesthetically pleasing solar installations, which is important for systems that are going to be around for 30 years or longer. A typical installation is a three-to-four-week process.
“We do everything from system design right through to the hook up,” Brulé says. “Nova Scotia Power is also involved, as they have to do an inspection and approve the system.”
The typical investment is in the $30,000 range, and Skylit offers 10-year financing at an attractive interest rate. Annual savings on power bills are usually $1,800 to $2,000, depending on the orientation of the panels.
“If you have a perfect, south-facing roof, at the optimum pitch, then you will have close to $2,000 in savings,” Brulé says. “For a newer home that is highly efficient, you might be looking at offsetting 100 per cent of your power bill. It depends on how much power you use.”
Systems can also be installed on the ground, as long as there is an unobstructed area on the property. However, there is an additional cost associated with a ground-based system.
Skylit’s systems come with a 25-year warranty, but last for 30-plus years. Once the system has paid for itself, the homeowner has cost-free energy. A solar PV system is an attractive selling feature when a home goes on the market, Brulé adds.
“What we’ve seen in jurisdictions where solar power has been around longer is that homes will sell sooner, and for more money, when they have solar panels attached.”
Incentives are also available through Efficiency Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Tax Credit for businesses to convert to solar. Companies can also take advantage of accelerated depreciation – 100 per cent in the first year – of renewable energy assets.
Home and business owners can obtain a free quote by visiting Skylit’s website.
“Efficiency Nova Scotia has been a great resource for the education and promotion of solar,” Brulé says. “Consumers are more knowledgeable about solar power than ever before.”