PProviding Solar Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Solar panels are extremely expensive
- Since 2008 the cost of solar panels has dropped by 80%, and they will probably drop a bit further. However, it is expected to near its limit. Climate change is asking us to turn away from fossil fuels and move to solar energy sooner than later.
We don’t have enough sun to make solar power feasible
- Although the amount of sun varies from place to place, southern Canada receives 10-30% more solar radiation than Germany, the world-leading nation in the use of solar energy per capita.
Solar panels do not work well in cold weather
- Solar panels work the best at low temperatures. Some panels can create 130% of their rated output at -20 degrees Celsius.
Solar panels have no Return on Investment
- Based on our current electricity rate, solar panels will pay back themselves at least twice over their lifetime. Apart from reducing or eliminating your monthly power bill, it will also increase the value of your house. It’s an ideal way to build your pension plan without having the risk of losing your money in the stock market.
Solar panels are not very durable
- Many modern solar panels have a 25-year warranty and will produce at least 80% of their rated output after 25 years. A properly installed solar panel can withstand the worst hail storms and are tested with 200-gram ice pellets at 144km/h.
One also needs to buy a battery system
- Because most buildings a connected to the grid, a battery system is not required and, based on the current prices, still expensive. BC Hydro’s grid can serve as a battery and store electricity when you produce more than you need and provide electricity when you need more than you produce. With their Net Metering program, they allow you to store a surplus of power in the summertime and use that surplus in wintertime.
