Solar Questions Answered

Browse our Solar Encyclopedia for Clear, practical Answers for South Albertan Home and Business Owners

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Comparing Solar Options
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Comparing Solar Quotes

Learn how to read proposals, spot missing items and compare equipment, warranties and ROI so you’re truly comparing apples to apples.
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Ana Luy
4 min read
Jan 2025

Most homeowners don't need more information - they need clarity. If you're comparing systems, pricing or installers, these next steps will help you move forward confidently:

solar 101

Compare solar systems, inverter options and pricing factors so you can choose with confidence.

CASE STUDIES

Explore real solar projects by system size, offset percentage, roof type and more!

pricing

Estimate your system cost and ROI in minutes with our solar calculator.

Curious about how much solar could save you? Request your custom solar quote and proposal!

Frequently asked questions

From design to maintenance and weather, we tackle a few commonly asked questions. If your question isn't here, please contact us!

What is the cost of a solar panel installation in Calgary?
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Solar installation costs depend on system size (based on your home's consumption), roof complexity, electrical upgrades, with most Alberta homes landing around $2.50 –$3.15 per watt installed, $15,000 - $40,000. Use our free calculator or request a custom quote to get accurate, all‑inclusive pricing for your home.

How long do solar panels last in Canada?
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Most solar panels coming into Canada are warranted for at least 25- years, and there is no reason why they shouldn't last longer.

Is solar worth it in Alberta?
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Solar can be a strong long-term investment in Alberta, but only if the system is designed correctly. The most common issue is overestimated savings based on unrealistic assumptions. A properly sized and engineered system (based on your usage, seasonal production, and export rates) can deliver consistent long-term value.

How do I compare solar quotes properly?
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Comparing solar quotes goes beyond price per watt. You should evaluate system design assumptions, production estimates, inverter selection, monitoring capabilities, expandability, and installation quality. Two similarly sized systems can perform very differently depending on how they’re designed and installed.

Why isn’t my solar system offsetting my electricity bill?
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This is usually caused by one of three issues: the system was undersized, usage assumptions were incorrect, or the homeowner’s energy consumption increased after installation.

What affects the cost of a solar system the most?
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The largest factors include system size, roof complexity, electrical upgrades, equipment selection, and whether the system is designed for future battery integration. Installation details and overall system design approach also play a significant role in total cost.

Do solar panels work in Calgary winters?
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Yes. Solar panels continue producing energy in winter, and cold temperatures can actually improve efficiency. When snow covers the panels after multiple freeze-thaw cycles, your solar system will halt production - but don't worry! we account for snow losses when presenting your systems annual production estimates!

Aren't payback periods too long?
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Because solar costs have dropped over 80% in the past 10 years, payback periods are much better nowadays. Our clients see payback periods between 6 to 12 years, depending on what you are currently paying for electricity, and your roof geometry and orientation. Your solar system will produce electricity for 25+ years so after it has paid for itself, you'll keep making money.