The sun’s pros and cons
Solar power clean energy but not suitable for all homes
Throughout November, people can learn the pros and cons of upgrading their homes with solar power.
Daniel Mckay, of Solar Nova Scotia, is facilitating a workshop series this month throughout the Annapolis Valley and Southwestern Nova Scotia to provide people with basic information about the benefits of solar energy, as well as the cost and financing options available.
“You don’t need to be an expert on solar energy, you just need to know the basics,” he said.
“It’s no different than hiring someone to build a shed on your property. You don’t need know about woodworking to hire a carpenter; you just need to know the basics of what you need in a shed.”
People need to have an idea of how much electricity they normally use to help determine the cost and savings of upgrading their service with solar power. Solar energy is a clean, renewable energy source that uses sunlight to generate heat or electricity.
While most solar energy system upgrades can offset yearly energy costs and pay for themselves in about 10 to 12 years, they won’t completely power most homes, Mckay added.
The solar systems collect energy but don’t store power for use during a widespread outage. If the power goes out, the solar system will also shut down until the grid is available again, he added.
Not all homes are suitable for solar power, he says. Depending on the roof and its direction, or the size of the yard, solar energy may not be an option.
The ideal site for solar power faces southward. It`s recommended that people consult a solar professional and have a site assessment done to decide whether it would be an option for their home.
Over the long term, upgrading to include solar power will save money as well as help the environment. He added that installing a 10-kilowatt system for a small home with a southfacing roof would probably cost about $30,000, with a cost recovery time of between 10 to 12 years.
The equipment used in solar energy systems is durable and some parts last about 25 years, long after the initial investment is paid off.
While adding solar power may appeal to people looking to save money, it’s not wise to scrimp on the cost of hiring a professional to complete the installation, he says. Some people are initially interested in approaching it as a do-it-yourself project, but most will likely decide to work with contractors to install the panels instead.
“Many people start out thinking they’ll do it themselves, but usually find that while they could do that, it’s easier to hire someone,” he said. “There are specific codes and requirements that must be followed and the systems utilize potentially lethally high voltage electricity.”
Financial incentives being offered through various levels of government are also helping to take the bite out of the cost of upgrading, with some municipalities offering low-cost loans to help offset the upfront costs to eligible homeowners.
In the case of new home construction, some banks and credit unions offer green loans to help cover the expense.
All homeowners in Nova Scotia are eligible to participate in Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Solarhomes program, a program supported by the federal and provincial governments.
Solarhomes offers rebates to help homeowners install solar power, using approved professional contractors. Pre-approval is required from Efficiency NS prior to installing the equipment.
The rebate is $0.85 per watt for eligible solar PV systems, up to 35 per cent of the total cost, or a maximum of $8,500. For most solar installations, the rebate will equate to approximately 16 per cent of the total cost.
Go online: For more information on how to apply for the rebates available visit Efficiency Nova Scotia a https://www.efficiencyns.ca/residential/servicesrebates/solarhomes/
For the list of upcoming workshops in the Annapolis Valley and Southwestern Nova Scotia visit http://solarns.ca/
DID YOU KNOW?
Some Nova Scotian municipalities offer Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing programs to help with the upfront costs of solar upgrades. These low-cost financing programs are available to help pay for energy upgrades through a low-cost loan that can be paid over time through your property tax bill.
PACE programs allow homeowners to pay for the upgrades over time with the money they save on heating, cooling and electricity costs. Not all PACE programs support solar, so contact your local municipality to find out more.
For more information on municipalities offering financing programs and incentives for solar power visit https://www. solarassist.ca