WHY SOLAR

Why solar energy is rapidly becoming one of the most popular and accessible sources of renewable power worldwide stems from a combination of financial savings and environmental benefits.

Between 2020 and 2023, global solar capacity saw an incredible 74% growth in 2023 alone, with 346 gigawatts (GW) of new solar installations added. 

One of Canada’s leaders in renewable energy, Ontario, for example, played a significant role in this growth. By 2022, the province had contributed substantially to the national solar capacity of over 3.3 GW, driven by initiatives like net metering and various government incentives. 

These programs encourage homeowners to adopt solar technology, reduce their reliance on traditional energy, and lower their electricity costs in a province where energy prices are some of the highest in the country.

Now you might be wondering why solar energy, especially solar panels in Ontario, is so popular—are the financial incentives enough to motivate mass adoption, or do environmental concerns drive people to switch?

This blog will help you understand how solar panels work, why solar energy is beneficial, and why investing in solar power is a smart choice.

Solar energy, as the name suggests, harnesses power directly from the sun. The sun emits light and heat, which systems convert into electricity. 

Inverters, solar panels, and sometimes batteries capture and transform sunlight into usable power. These systems start working the moment sunlight hits, usually from sunrise to sunset.

For centuries, people have harnessed solar energy, starting with drying clothes and heating homes in ancient times. 

Today, solar energy powers modern homes, businesses, and large-scale plants. It now fuels lighting, heating, electrical devices, and even transportation, with solar-powered cars, buses, and charging stations becoming more widespread.

Governments across Canada, are encouraging the adoption of renewable energy by offering financial incentives such as tax credits, grants, and rebates for commercial solar installations. 

The Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (ACCA) is one such program. Under ACCA, businesses can write off a significant portion of the cost of solar panel installations in the year they are purchased. 

This program, available under Classes 43.1 and 43.2, allows businesses to deduct up to 50% of the cost of specified clean energy equipment, making solar investments more financially appealing. 

Commercial solar projects are typically much larger than residential ones, allowing businesses to benefit from bulk purchasing and lower per-watt installation costs., making the overall investment more cost-effective. 

And since they obviously consume more electricity than homes, higher energy usage results in greater savings from solar energy, leading to faster cost recovery.

Thinking about investing in reliable solar energy for businesses in Ontario? Talk to our solar experts now.

Homeowners often worry about fluctuating utility prices and power outages. These are common issues with traditional energy sources, where prices can spike, and grid failures can leave homes without power. Solar energy provides a reliable solution to both problems.

Take Ontario, for example, where the grid energy supply is as unpredictable as its energy prices. 

Between 2013 and 2016, the province experienced multiple outages, with durations ranging from minutes to much longer outages. On top of this, Ontario saw a 10.6% increase in electricity rates in 2023, driven by rising supply costs for nuclear and natural gas generation.

By installing on-grid solar systems, Ontario homeowners can generate their own electricity, reducing dependence on the grid while taking advantage of net metering to sell excess energy back. Paired with battery storage, solar systems ensure consistent power during outages and help shield households from rising energy costs.

With solar panels, Ontario households generate an annual capacity between 1,160 and 1,200 kWh per kilowatt. With battery storage, solar systems can store excess energy during the day, ensuring continuous power at night, on cloudy days, or during blackouts.

One of the main reasons why is solar good for the environment is that it doesn’t release harmful pollutants like traditional energy sources. 

Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, emit large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. 

Solar energy, on the other hand, generates clean power without these emissions, making it a much greener alternative. By switching to solar, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint. 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this reduction is equivalent to planting over 100 trees annually or eliminating the emissions from driving about 10,000 miles in a typical passenger vehicle.

While rapidly gaining popularity, many misconceptions about solar energy still exist. Below, we debunk some of these myths and explain why solar energy is far from what many think:

1. Solar energy is too expensive

   Solar energy costs have dropped significantly, and government incentives and financing options make it affordable for many homeowners. Over time, solar can save you money on energy bills.

2. Solar only works in sunny weather

   Solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days. Plus, with battery storage systems, you can store excess energy for use at night or during cloudy periods, ensuring a consistent power supply.

3. Solar energy isn’t effective in cold climates

   This has been proven wrong in Canada, where solar energy is increasingly adopted despite the cold climate. Solar panels can actually be more efficient in cooler temperatures, making solar energy a reliable power source even in the country’s colder regions.

4. Solar can’t fully power a home or business

   A well-designed off-grid solar system can absolutely power both homes and businesses. A 5 kW to 10 kW system would be enough for homes that needed power for lighting, refrigeration, and occasional use of larger appliances. For businesses, the system size usually starts at 25 kW or more.