The current realities of declining oil prices in Alberta
Alberta’s long-term economic health is being altered by the current realities of declining oil prices. To ensure that the province’s oil and gas is sold in new markets, it must simultaneously speed the diversification of its energy economy and display environmental leadership. Renewable energy is being used in Alberta to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency on fossil fuels, which is known for its abundance of renewable energy. Located in Canada’s sunniest country, Alberta is ripe with solar energy opportunities. Many Albertans believe that solar energy will not be effective in the winter due to low temperatures and short days, but I maintain that it is the best option for the province because of its many advantages. Installation costs, space restrictions, and other issues exist, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
As of now, Alberta’s solar resources make up less than one percent of the national grid’s total capacity. Installing solar panels on your home or business is a long-term investment in the future of Alberta’s energy supply and a role model for other Albertans to follow in the province’s move to renewable energy. Alberta has the second-highest potential for generating solar energy in Canada! As of this writing, Saskatchewan has the most potential for growth each year. Renewable energy from the sun is more abundant in Alberta than Berlin, Tokyo, Paris and London. Solar PV production in southern Alberta can rival that of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Rome, Italy! Taking a deeper look at the sun’s rays in Alberta reveals where solar PV can generate more power.
Canada’s sun belt consists of southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. There are about 2375 hours of sunshine every year in the region stretching from Calgary, Alberta, to Estevan, Saskatchewan. Manyberries, in the southeast region of Alberta, sees the most sunlight. At an average of 2567 hours of sunshine per year, the hamlet accounted for 55% of its daytime hours between 1971 and 1990 July is the sunniest month at Manyberries, with 74% of the daylight hours spent in direct sunlight. The Manyberries weather station was shut down by Environment Canada in the 1990s. Medicine Hat, Alberta, is the city with the most sunshine, according on data from 1981 to 2010. Manyberries’ closest official weather station now measures sunshine at a location 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of the town. A average year in Medicine Hat sees 2544 hours of sunlight.
Several contracts that are set to expire in 2017 need Alberta to find builders who can enable the operation of solar power facilities that could supply 135,000 MWh of electricity annually (Laverty, 2016). This might lead to Western Canada’s first commercial solar farm, thanks to the government’s request for information Among the 250,000 MWh of electricity the government agency buys each year, more than half will be supplied by contracts expiring soon (Laverty, 2016). Installing solar panels as a future energy alternative will have the following immediate benefits: There are a lot of benefits to going solar, and some Albertans are even making money selling electricity back to the grid. With a grid-tied solar pv system, you can cut your electricity costs in a number of ways. Cut back on how much power you use from the grid. While grid-tied solar PV micro-generators cannot avoid distribution, transmission, and administrative fees, you will see a decrease in your kilowatts-per-hour (kWh) charges. The price of electricity fluctuates according to your choice of energy suppliers. Customers that generate their own power with solar panels are being given preferential pricing by utility providers: You may save a lot of money on your electricity bill and on the payback period of your solar PV array by picking the proper utility retailer in Alberta (Balaban, 2019).
The need for diversification of the province’s energy economy
Energy savings and/or export credits from solar installations will always pay for themselves. Other home improvements simply don’t do this! With a well-thought-out solar system, you’ll know when you’ll reach your payback periods in both the simple and the real sense. You may get a breakdown of how quickly your solar system will pay for itself by asking your solar installation provider for this information. Keep in mind that as electricity prices rise, you’ll save more money (Balaban, 2019). The cost of electricity in Alberta is expected to climb, so installing a solar power system now will save you money in the long run. If you have a solar power system with energy monitoring software, it will help you better understand the energy cycles and demands of your business or residence. Make sensible energy use decisions using this program to improve your building’s efficiency and save money on utility bills.
A fixed income might benefit greatly from going solar because it shields them from escalating energy costs and provides a regular monthly bill. The cost of power in Alberta has ranged from $0.03/kWh to $0.16/kWh over the last three decades (Kouhestani et al,, 2019). Consumers were shielded from rising electricity costs in 2017 when the NDP implemented a regulated rate option (RRO), which set the price at $0.68/kWh even if utility rates went up to $0.74/kWh. In October 2019, the United Conservative Party (UCP) abolished this limit (UPC). Albertans may expect higher prices in the not too distant future. Fortunately, there are a number of ways in which households and businesses can reduce these expenditures.
Additionally, it is an investment in energy independence and security. Adding solar panels to your home has been shown to raise the value of your home and potentially speed up the sale process in the United States and Canada. The installation of solar PV can put you ahead of the curve as more jurisdictions make solar PV mandatory for new residences (California implemented this legislation in 2020). The instance in the United States is a good indicator of what is likely already the case in Canada, even though the data isn’t yet complete.
A solar-powered home is worth more and sells faster. Homes with solar PV systems sold for 4.1% more, according to a survey conducted in 2019. An additional $16,000 for a $400,000 house (e.g. According to two 2015 surveys by the U.S. Department of Energy, homes with a typical size host-owned (not leased) solar PV system sell for approximately $15,000 more than those without. One study found that energy-efficient residences sold for an average of 8 percent more than less efficient homes because they save homeowners money in the long run and reduce the amount of time they need to spend on energy upgrades. It’s crucial to have a real estate agent who can readily convey the advantages of solar PV or other energy efficiency modifications to possible customers while the word isn’t out for sales in Canada (Urban, 2021).
A solar PV system, on the other hand, is not something you can just shift from one place to another. For those who plan to move prior to seeing the payback on a new solar panel or energy efficiency upgrade, they may be concerned that the real estate market may not be able to recognize the genuine added worth. The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) administers Alberta’s Clean Energy Investment Program (CEIP) (MCCAC). The first Edmonton CEIP pilot is scheduled to begin in 2020. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a highly successful U.S. initiative that began in 2008. PACE Canada is a great resource for learning about PACE programming around the country.
The abundance of solar energy in Alberta
One of the best ways to combat climate change is to move to renewable energy sources. GHG emissions can be reduced by transforming the grid to renewable energy, storage, and non-emitting sources of electricity generation, reducing energy consumption by increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, and adopting electric vehicles (EVs) instead of traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) (Awad et al., 2018). There are several ways society can take to reduce GHG emissions.
Renewable and non-GHG emitting sources make over 67 percent of Canada’s total electricity supply. Between 8% and 17% of Alberta’s generating capacity is made up of renewables, depending on how you measure it. Climate-warming CO2 and other strong greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted by many of Alberta’s remaining energy sources (GWP) (Jagoda et al., 2021). It is estimated that buildings account for 17% of Canada’s GHG emissions, when power use is taken into account,” the Senate of Canada stated. Furthermore, natural gas or oil-fired furnaces and boilers heat practically all Alberta homes; in 2016, Alberta accounted for half of all Canadian natural gas use.
Although Alberta’s electricity comes from coal, EVs do lower GHG emissions. If you generate your own electricity, the savings are even greater. For more information on combining solar power with electric vehicles, see our dedicated website. There are many people who utilize solar energy to lessen their carbon footprint and combat the health concerns associated with carbon emissions (20 metric tons of carbon are emitted annually from one family). For a two-person family, solar PV has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3-4 tons per year. How, then, does it safeguard the natural world? ‘ Using solar panels reduces your reliance on carbon-dioxide (CO2)-emitting energy sources because the electricity they generate has no emissions. Payback in terms of environmental or carbon footprint? While the manufacturing of solar PV, wind, and other renewable energy devices necessitates energy. Their carbon payback period is relatively short.
When the electricity grid is disrupted by storms or regional blackouts, a properly configured solar and/or battery installation can keep your critical electrical equipment running. Outages may become more frequent as a result of climate change-induced increases in the probability of extreme weather occurrences. The sun’s rays are converted into electricity via solar panels. Power generated by sunlight can be used at home or exported to the national grid depending on how much sunlight is available. Because of this, it is necessary to pay for the installation. With increased labor costs and dwindling photovoltaic panel supplies, prices are expected to rise. With 10 to 15 panels, the typical home solar system produces between 200W and 350W per panel, according to the Energy Saving Trust—a non-profit that advocates for energy efficiency. The more solar panels on the roof, the more expensive the installation, but the possibility for greater electricity. With labor, the typical cost of an installation of this size is £4,800. This usually has around 12 panels in total. Senior insight and analytics consultant Brian Horne of the Energy Saving Trust states that this is the typical size of a UK home’s HVAC system. You’ll have to pay more for installation if you have problems getting to your roof, which will effect the cost. Solar energy can be stored in a battery, but this price does not include that expense. According to GreenMatch, a site that reviews green energy products, they cost between $1,200 and $6,000.
Immediate benefits of installing solar panels
As a result of rising labor expenses and a lack of solar panels from China, Newby believes that solar systems are now more expensive than they were a decade ago. Material prices have gone up, but it’s also a result of a rise in labor costs. “That’s a significant portion of the work.” It is the friends and neighbors bringing solar energy to Alberta. Supporting small, local businesses like solar installation is a good way to boost the local economy. You can count on an expanding solar workforce in Alberta to help you identify the finest solar solution for your unique circumstances. Everyone’s success in showing the viability and visibility of solar electricity in Alberta depends on yours.
As the number of individuals switching to solar grows, so will the number of jobs available and the potential for long-term employment in the industry. Solar power is one of the fastest-growing methods of generating electricity in the world. Low- and middle-skilled employees alike will benefit from the clean energy economy’s increased employment options and higher wages. Alberta’s solar industry is expected to grow by 10,000 jobs by 2030, mainly in construction and labor. As of 2015, there were 250,000 people engaged in the solar energy sector in the United States, which was more than double the number employed in the coal sector during the same period (Rabaia et al., 2021). The price of solar power will continue to drop for the average customer as the market grows in popularity. Reduced solar costs will lead to more jobs and a larger economic contribution from the solar industry. The increase of solar power will help the economy and the environment in the long run.
The homes, business, or organization will be seen as a pioneer in environmental stewardship if you are the first to install solar panels. People are more likely to invest in solar power when they see it in their neighbors’ homes, which creates a domino effect. Businesses benefit from it. For businesses of any size, commercial solar is a wise investment because it provides a steady stream of revenue while also enhancing your company’s image. Having “green” credentials is a major motivator of customer purchase decisions, fostering goodwill and enhancing business results, as businesses are discovering. Solar panel expenditures can be recouped in three to seven years by enterprises, according to data from EnergySage. It is only after that period that businesses may reap the full benefits of going solar, as they will be able to receive free electricity for 25 to 35 years. Installing solar panels is like prepaying for 25 to 35 years of electricity costs. Long warranties are provided with solar systems. As Colburn points out, “the majority of module makers give a 25-year warranty.” That tells me a lot about the quality of their products,” he posits.
It is becoming more and more common for people to reward firms that operate in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. Customers are more content when they know that the food they’re eating is produced in a way that respects both the environment and human rights. Global consumers are willing to pay more for products and services from sustainable companies, according to a 2014 study. Boosting employee morale: People enjoy working with companies that care about the environment. Employees will be happier, more productive, and more invested in the firm if the company is devoted to solar power. Employees, according to entrepreneur.com, have a stake in the company’s success and are encouraged to make contributions. There is a correlation between a company’s commitment to its community and the quality of its employees’ morale.
The long-term economic benefits of solar energy
Households can get reimbursed for electricity they don’t use that is exported back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). You can compare prices for the energy you generate by doing some research. The best tariffs for residences that feed power back into the grid are listed by the trade group Solar Energy UK. Tesla’s Energy Plan is the best, paying 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, but it necessitates the installation of a Powerwall battery from the company. It costs Octopus Energy 7.5p per kWh. The savings on your bills and the time it takes to recoup your investment depend on a number of factors, including the location of your home, whether or not electricity is sold back to the grid, and the amount of energy you consume each month. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a property in London where residents are at home all day and are selling energy back to the grid can save £385 a year. The identical house would save £120 if the residents were out until after 6pm and didn’t contribute electricity to the grid. Keeping a house occupied and feeding back in Stirling saves $340 per day, but leaving it unoccupied and not feeding back saves only $110 per day. Despite a lack of research, the Energy Saving Trust claims that properties with more efficient solar panels sell for more money.
As a result of recent increases in energy costs and the resulting attention on ways to reduce energy requirements and transition to renewable energy, Horne predicts that their impact on house prices will intensify.
According to a survey by Solar Energy UK, the value of a home with solar panels can rise by £1,800. Using the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as a starting point for finding local installers who are certified to use renewable energy sources for electricity and heat generation is a good idea, according to Horne. It’s a good idea to get three quotations before making a final decision.
Finally, the damaging effects of non-renewables, or rather fules, are another reason why alberta is encouraging solar energy in the future. For example, the drawbacks of relying on fossil fuels Natural gas, petroleum, and coal are the most widely used forms of energy in the world. They are responsible for consuming 80% of all electricity. It is well-known that fossil fuels have a significant part in the greenhouse effect, among other downsides. Fossil fuels don’t always get the credit they deserve. That’s why it’s a good idea to look into alternatives to fossil fuels. Despite this, we continue to make use of them because of their efficiency, affordability, and dependability. All energy sources have their pros and disadvantages, just like everything else.
In spite of the enormous progress made in technical innovation, traditional fossil fuels have not yet been replaced by renewable energy. Until recently, solar and wind energy were significantly more expensive than the status quo, so governments imposed tax incentives to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. Consumers have seen the direct costs of solar and wind energy fall as a result of greater production, government subsidies, and rising environmental concerns. The truth is that in some markets, renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels. Solar energy, on the other hand, may be utilized for both commercial and residential purposes, which is why it should be promoted more aggressively in the future than wind energy. Many federal, provincial, and local governments are providing incentives to help cut the initial cost and make these systems more accessible to the majority of households.
References
Balaban, D. (2019). In Alberta, solar energy is at a tipping point; Province is ideally placed to profit from sunshine, Dan Balaban says. Edmonton Journal. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2184340128?parentSessionId=Pt%2B1peJ%2FTYVKnKQfI57%2BN1AS96Hqsslukoc2eOQ3bOE%3D&pq-origsite=primo&accountid=12654
Laverty, G. (2016). Alberta government issues request for solar energy information. SNL Energy Renewable Energy Week. https://www-proquest-com.libezproxy.nait.ca/docview/1829638208?pq-origsite=primo
Kouhestani. F. M., Byrne, J., Spencer, L., Hazendonk, P., Brown, B., & Johnson, D. (2019). A comprehensive assessment of solar and wind energy potential at the University of Lethbridge campus, a medium-sized western Canadian university. International Journal of Green Energy, 16(14), 1246–1263. https://doi.org/10.1080/15435075.2019.1671400
Urban R. (2021). Solar Power Alberta (2021 guide), Retrieved from https://www.energyhub.org/alberta/
Solar power advantages and disadvantages. Kuby Energy (n.d.). Retrieved from https://kubyenergy.ca/blog/solar-power-advantages-and-disadvantages
Awad, H., Gül, M., Salim, K. M. E., & Yu, H. (2018). Predicting the energy production by solar photovoltaic systems in cold-climate regions. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 37(10), 978–998. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786451.2017.1408622
Jagoda, K., Lonseth, R., Lonseth, A., & Jackman, T. (2011). Development and commercialization of renewable energy technologies in Canada: An innovation system perspective. Renewable Energy, 36(4), 1266–1271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2010.08.0
Rabaia. M. K. H., Abdelkareem, M. A., Sayed, E. T., Elsaid, K., Chae, K.-J., Wilberforce, T., & Olabi, A. G. (2021). Environmental impacts of solar energy systems: A review. The Science of the Total Environment, 754, 141989–141989. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141989
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