Watching the power meter roll backwards is a fine thing! Pulling up the app that declares how many tons of carbon dioxide we’ve prevented from entering the atmosphere is cool. Noting the equivalence of trees planted according to our solar app is astounding. Who knew that one tree takes care of so much carbon dioxide?
Our family is participating in the Alberta Government Residential Solar rebate program thanks to the $36-million grant which is projecting 10,000 new installations by 2020. This program allowed us to install solar power this spring for about two-thirds of the regular cost. There is also a new program providing financing for homeowners to upgrade the energy efficiency of their houses without having to pay costs upfront (Property Assessed Clean Energy).
Most folks who find out we have solar immediately ask how long it will take us to pay off the investment. We estimate at least a dozen years depending on fluctuations of electric power pricing. It’s a good feeling to know that our family of five is spewing less CO2 into the atmosphere while receiving credits on our monthly power bill. This is likely to increase our property value as well.
There is also the concept of energy sovereignty. Many predict as we reach peak oil and global demand accelerates, oil and gas prices will continue to inflate. It’s comforting to know we don’t have to hang on for that ride.
As I read the Gazette articles of late describing St Albert’s upcoming electricity franchise fee of five and then 10 per cent, I note the fear it strikes and wonder if others will climb on board the solar train.
Our public school board is suggesting a 10 per cent franchise fee will cost the district $36,000 annually, taxing an already strained budget. Wouldn’t it make sense to use the government rebate and begin to install solar on schools? Benefits would reach beyond the power bill savings. Reducing pollution, role modelling good environmental stewardship, and offering thematic-based learning opportunities will align well with educational goals.
St. Albert United Church has had solar panels since 2011, modelling ethical stewardship while enjoying long-term financial savings. Solar panels produce five to 10 times fewer carbon emissions per unit of energy relative to coal or natural gas (Kubyenergy.ca).
City of St. Albert facilities could get in on the opportunity. I can’t imagine the power bill our leisure facilities generate. I suspect recouping the initial investment wouldn’t take very long at all.
Businesses that are heavy electricity users could don sleek solar panels, avoid impending franchise fees and immediately begin to roll back massive power bills. As a potential customer, I’d be impressed with their self-responsibility. Speaking of business, more solar uptake will generate jobs in the green energy sector.
We need to be pulling out all the stops to reduce pollution and slow down anthropogenic climate change. The sun provides roughly four million tons of energy every second — and humankind uses only .0001 per cent of that amount in global energy consumption (solarpowerauthority.com).
Throw on some solar panels and enjoy these sunny Alberta days like never before!
Jill Cunningham grew up in St. Albert, has a Bachelor of Education from University of Alberta and is passionate about nature, the environment, and building community.
