Alberta Residential and Commercial Solar Program
Energy Efficiency Alberta, a third-party organization, has been designated to distribute multiple rebate programs, including the Residential and Commercial Solar Program and other rebates to help you save money on Energy Efficiency upgrades. The solar rebate is funded by a $36 million-dollar pool generated from carbon tax revenues. The rebate is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis subject to your time of application.Funding
The residential rebate provides $0.75/W up to $10,000 or 30% of eligible system costs. The commercial rebate provides $0.75/W up to $500,000 of 25% of eligible system costs. Commercial installations are also eligible for an additional incentive in the form of an accelerated Capital Cost Allowance which allows renewable energy assets to be depreciated at 50% per year. Contact your financial advisor/accountant for depreciation details. Eligible costs for this rebate program will cover all materials and construction costs. GST is not included in the rebate.Eligibility
- The system must be grid-tied (off-grid systems are not applicable)
- System must be a Micro-Generator as classified by the Micro-Generation Regulation (all residential systems will be ok)
- Array must not be eligible for other provincial rebates (Farms and businesses cannot apply for this specific grant)
- Only one application per property (based on Site ID). e. if you expand your solar array, you can’t apply for the rebate on the expansion
- The applicant must own the property or have long-term rights to the property
- Solar power system must be designed and installed by a qualified solar installer.
What to Expect
Installing solar panels is quite easy and can be done on any roofing type. Most installations can be completed in just one or two days. Solar modules are performance warrantied for 25 years and are expected to last even longer so you will have peace of mind that your investment is secure.
Your home might need an electrical upgrade to complete the project; your qualified solar installer can assess this and provide any necessary upgrades as well.
It's not the cost of the power itself that is the issue. It's the delivery charges and all the other charges that they tack on. You may only use $5 of energy in a month, but your bill will be $75 after all charges.
Posted by GM on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at 12:20amWill these installations increase the value of your home?
Posted by Tim on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at 8:43pmThat is true, we have solar panels and even though we're not using electricity there are all sorts of other charges.
Posted by Sara MacLennan on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at 9:57pmIt's hard to say for certain. There are studies like this one: https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/lbnl-6942e-fullreport-factsheet.pdf that prove it does increase the value of a home. But in Edmonton, there are not many homes that have solar power yet, so it's not a feature most buyers would put ahead of say, a garage, or an ensuite bathroom. If you were looking to improve the value of your home specifically for resale, there are definitely other upgrades we would suggest then a solar power system. If you're looking to improve your enjoyment of your home, and over time save money on energy while reducing your carbon footprint, go for it! The technology is improving all the time, and in the future, it will be feasible to go "off the grid" with batteries and other technology.
Posted by Sara MacLennan on Thursday, January 25th, 2018 at 10:05pmLeave A Comment