Solar Viability in Alberta
What is the potential for solar power in Alberta and are we ready to make the transition?
Following the impressive installation of 500 solar panels on Edmonton's "Edge" office tower development along its south facing facade, many are wondering if Edmonton and Alberta are finally making the shift to alternative clean energy sources. At a price tag of approximately $400,000 and packing enough energy to power 25 houses, we have to consider that these panels are beginning to become cost efficient for developers and a viable long-term cost and environmental saving measure. The Architect of the 10-storey building on 104th Avenue & 107th Street believes they will have paid for themselves within five years (Global News).
The Edge office tower with Edmonton's downtown core seen behind.
"Dub has been told his office tower boasts the largest vertical solar wall in Canada." (Global News)
It turns out that Alberta is an extremely viable location for solar photovoltaic systems due to our abundance of sunlight year round, and believe it or not, our cooler temperatures. Solar cells perform better as semiconductors in cooler temperatures, and Alberta boasts some of the longest sunlight hours in the world! The map and chart below show the huge potential for solar energy in both Calgary and Edmonton. It's clear (and somewhat suprising!)to see that Alberta ranks among some of the best producers of solar energy on a global scale.
Yearly Solar Photovoltaic Potential Worldwide
In the past, solar has not been a cost effective means of producing energy and so it has been disregarded by the majority as a feasible option. As efficiencies are continuing to be improved in the production and installation of these systems however, more and more Albertans and Canadians are doing their part to make the transition to cleaner energy sources.
As early as this summer, Alberta will have a new rebate program which will be in place over the next two years to encourage homeowners and businesses to install rooftop panels. The Alberta government will be putting up $36 Million in rebates with the goal of having new panels on 10,000 Albertan homes over the following three years (CBC.ca). The program is designed to reduce installation costs by 25%-30% in business and homes, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 100,000 vehicles off the road.
Where do you see the future of solar energy in our province? For that matter, what other forms of alternative energy sources should we be expanding into over the next decade?