Edmonton is one of the sunniest cities in Canada, receiving approximately 2,300 hours of sunlight per year. Therefore, solar panels have the potential to fulfill a high percentage of electricity needs. Although electricity consumption constitutes only 16% of the total energy usage in Edmonton, it contributes approximately 40% of greenhouse gas emissions which makes it an appealing target when looking to reduce carbon footprint, hence the Edmonton Solar Program.
By adopting rooftop solar systems, homeowners can not only shield themselves from the volatility of energy prices but also actively contribute to diminishing the carbon footprint of both your household and the wider community.
As such, there is great news for those looking to go solar in Edmonton this year. The Change Homes for Climate: Edmonton Solar Program has invested an extra $1.96 million in rebates which means it will be taking on more homes to make the upgrade to solar. So, if you have been thinking about lowering your energy bills and reducing your environmental impact, this might be for you.
What Is the Change Homes for Climate Solar Program?
This incentive is run by the City of Edmonton and operates on a first come first serve basis. The city agrees to pay a rate of either $0.40/watt for existing residential properties or $0.30/watt for new residential properties, all with the aim of helping residents transition to greener homes. The rebate can be combined with the Canada Greener Homes Grant leaving property or business owners the opportunity for up to 100% return on their initial investment.
Requirements
Residential properties must be connected to the grid for the system to be considered eligible. It is also essential that a Qualified Installer designs and installs the system, and that all components adhere to the electrical safety standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or possess an equivalent certification that aligns with the relevant Canadian standards. The participant must be the owner of the house and be open to having their home listed on Edmonton’s Home Energy Map.
Eligible Buildings Include:
- Duplex Housing
- Garden Suite
- Mobile Home
- Multi-Unit Housing
- Row Housing
- Secondary Suite
- Semi-Detached Housing
- Single Detached Housing
- Stacked Row Housing
The Rebate Covers Expenses for:
1. Solar PV equipment for the project.
2. Design, development, energy modeling, engineering, specification, procurement, and construction.
3. Required electrical permit and grid-connected approvals, as well as required building and development permits.
4. Required electrical and building inspection.
5. Transmission and distribution system upgrades necessary to obtain interconnection approval.
How to Apply
The application for the Edmonton Solar Program is a 2 part process that requires the help of a qualified energy advisor. They should guide you through the process, informing you about the financial feasibility of solar power for your home, the technical operation of your solar system, and provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding rebates and eligibility requirements. They will also help you with approvals, permits and rebate claims as well as your application.
Once the applicant has been approved for part one and has completed the retrofits within the time-frame, they can fill out part 2 of the application.
If you are outside Edmonton, check out our comprehensive updated list of rebates and incentives available in Canada. Alternatively, book free assessment call with one of our Solar Advisors. They will help you get set up and select the correct packages and incentives for your home.
