Is Solar Energy Feasible in B.C.?

This post will examine Solar Power as one strategy I’m often asked about for those wanting to aim for energy efficiency in the home they own. 

 
First of all, what is Solar Energy? 

Solar Energy comes from the light and radiant heat of the Sun.  Solar is the most plentiful form of energy on the planet, although it is highly diffuse.  Solar technologies take advantage this renewable energy source for:

• electricity production using concentrating thermal or photovoltaic technologies;
• space and water heating; and
• space cooling.

Overall, British Columbia enjoys better solar energy resources than world solar leaders Germany and Japan.  Solar resources are good in most areas of the province and best in the southern interior.

 Challenges include:

• Currently, the cost for photovoltaics is high;
• Initial capital costs take years to be recovered;
• Solar is a variable energy resource, providing electricity only when the sun is shining.

What’s Happening in BC? 

Out of 14 Other Programs SolarBC Comes Out On Top!

We’ve come a long way in two years! Under the SolarBC Program, there have been 532 systems installed in residential homes across the province, making us the most successful solar pilot in Canada! Of the 14 other pilots, the second most successful pilot project, headed by Bullfrog Power, in Ontario achieved only a fraction of our total, with 150 installs

Currently, PV modules largest use is for remote sites that have no access to grid power. These include, but are not limited to: Radio repeater stations, Remote monitoring stations, remote homes and cottages.

As opposed to other technologies such as Wind or Microhydro, solar PV requires much less maintenance—generally limited to keeping the panels clean and perhaps a seasonal tilt adjustment.

What Does it Cost?

Solar PV modules in Canada currently retail in the $6-$8 per watt. Additional costs include "balance of system" components such as mounting hardware, wire, controllers, batteries, etc.

For many remote sites, solar PV can compete aggressively with the costs of electricity derived from conventional sources. Many sites that require extensive power line construction (expensive) will find solar systems may be more cost effective. If you are spending more than $20k on power lines, you should consider PV.

For people that are on the grid, one does not currently buy solar PV for Return on Investment (ROI). There are many purchases we make that are not purchased based on ROI, but other concerns. Cars, entertainment system and furniture are generally not purchased with ROI in mind.

Toby Welch draws our attention to Solar Roofing Tiles 

In the past, homeowners that wanted to find a green power source were pretty much limited  to solar panels. But with the relatively recent affordability of solar roofing tiles, homeowners have another option. The shiny tiles are similar in size and appearance to conventional roofing tiles but they generate power while being aesthetically pleasing.

Roofing tiles are constructed of photovoltaic cells, mounted on a sturdy composite roofing tile, which capture sunlight and convert it into energy. All Sunslates are connected together in series as groups. Electrical lines for each group runs to an inverter, which converts the DC power into AC power. The AC lines are then connected to an AC electrical panel. Solar roofing tiles perform the same protective function as any other quality roofing material and are mounted to the roof using methods similar to traditional tile roofing. The angles of your roof (30 degrees is ideal to catch the maximum amount of sunlight) and the direction the roof faces (south is preferred) determine the efficiency of your solar roofing tiles.

Is There Enough Sun here?

 Yes, there is enough sun in rainy Metro Vancouver to generate electricity. The nation that generates the most electricity from photovoltaics is Germany and much of that country receives less annual sunlight than Vancouver. There are examples of houses that provide 100% of the electricity needed for some North Vancouver households.  Victoria gets more sunshine than North Vancouver.

Can I sell excess power to BC Hydro? Are there any grants or incentives?

 Since 2004 BC Hydro has allowed renewable energy systems to connect directly to the grid, allowing you to use the grid as a rechargeable battery  — selling surplus power to the grid to be used by others and taking it back when you need a little extra.

VREC has installed the first such systems in Vancouver and North Vancouver and has experience arranging for permits and grid interconnection in municipalities that are unfamiliar with photovoltaics.

The incentives currently for photovoltaics are is PST-exemption for the equipment and a small Live Smart grant.  Take a look at BC Hydro's website where you can download all the information and application forms

Summary:

The potential for future use of Solar Energy in BC is definitely there.  It is not as well developed primarily because we have “relatively affordable” electricity due mostly to the massive dams build during the W.A.C. Bennett era.  If one owns property in a remote area, Solar Energy immediately makes sense.  For the rest of us it likely fall into the realm of owning a Prius. 

 

Comments

[solar panel]

There is enough sunshine in the rain Metro Vancouver to generate electricity. The nation that generates the most power from solar cells are Germany and most of these countries receive the least sunlight annual Vancouver.