Solar Carports Increase in Popularity Across Canada in 2023 into 2024
Solar panels, tiles and shingles are increasingly being used in Canada to generate electricity for homes and businesses. The use of solar has many benefits, including reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering energy costs, and reducing carbon emissions. A solar array or carport can not only charge your car and reduce your electricity bill, but also add significant resale value to your home.
"The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) estimates that 13% of all residential homes will have solar installed in some capacity by 2030. One such application that’s gaining traction is the solar carport."
With photovoltaic panel prices trending downward and electric vehicle (EV) sales on the rise, demand for solar carports and roofs will only increase in the years to come. Harnessing the power of solar energy is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet. While roof panels are what often come to mind, solar shingles are another option for homeowners seeking to add value to their properties.
What Are Solar Shingles or Tiles?
Solar shingles or roof tiles are made of slim photovoltaic (PV) sheets that either overlay or replace the existing shingles on a roof. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. This format of solar collection can be much more customized to your roof vs traditional presized solar panels. Homeowners will not only save money on monthly bills and eventually recoup their initial investments, but also add to the resale value of their homes with solar tiles or shingles.
One of the main reasons for the increased use of solar panels in Canada is the availability of government incentives and subsidies. The federal government offers a rebate program called the Solar Energy Incentive Program, which provides financial incentives to homeowners and businesses that install solar panels. The program aims to encourage the use of renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
BC Solar Power Incentive Programs
BC's primary incentive comes in the form of PST exemption for solar equipment and devices, including solar panels, wiring, controllers, and inverters. BC Hydro has a list of solar incentives here.
Net Metering
Excess energy can be sold back to the grid and used against your current and future billing cycles.
Various institutions in BC offer other energy rebates that don't specifically pertain to solar panel installations. Read the full list of BC energy rebates. For estimates on the cost of solar panel installations in B.C., read this guide here. For vehicle rebates and incentives in BC click here.
In addition to government incentives, the cost of solar panels has also decreased significantly in recent years, making them more affordable for homeowners and businesses. As a result, more and more Canadians are turning to solar energy as a cost-effective alternative to traditional energy sources.
The average cost to install solar panels in Canada is roughly $10,000 to $16,000, which will provide all your engineering, material, labour, and permitting. Additionally, depending on your province in Canada, you may be eligible for solar power rebates and/or system financing, further dropping your investment in solar power.
Another trend in solar panel usage in Canada is the use of carports as a way to generate electricity. Carports are covered parking spaces that can be equipped with solar panels to generate electricity for homes and businesses. This is a convenient and efficient way to use solar energy, as the carport can provide shade for vehicles while also generating electricity.
B.C. Canada Solar Panel Carport - Tesla
Overall, the use of solar panels in Canada is on the rise, thanks to government incentives, falling costs, and innovative solutions such as carport solar panels. As the adoption of renewable energy continues to grow, it is likely that solar panels will play an even larger role in meeting Canada's energy needs.
How much will a solar panel carport save you per year?
It is difficult to estimate exactly, as the amount of money you save will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the carport, the amount of sunlight it receives, the efficiency of the solar panels, and your energy consumption.
To give you an idea of the potential savings, here are some estimates based on a few different scenarios:
i) If you have a small carport that generates enough electricity to offset the majority of your energy consumption, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars per year on your energy bills.
ii) If you have a larger carport that generates a significant amount of electricity, you could potentially save thousands of dollars per year on your energy bills.
iii) If you use the electricity generated by your carport to charge an electric vehicle, you could potentially save even more money on fuel costs.
Who can I talk to for a quote on solar panels for my carport or house?
To get a more accurate estimate of the potential savings you could achieve with a solar panel carport, you should speak with a solar energy professional or use an online calculator to estimate your energy needs and the potential savings you could achieve with a solar panel carport.
Here are some recommended solar panel resellers who can work with you on a quote for your carport or home.
- Kootenay Solar (BC)
- Kuby Energy (BC)
- Dandelion Renewables (BC to Ontario)
How else can I reduce greenhouse gas emissions around my home?
The use of gas-powered lawn and garden tools is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, as they release harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the air. These emissions contribute to climate change and air pollution, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
How can I lower emissions with property and lawn maintenance?
Greenworks Commercial is a worldwide brand of electric lawn and garden tools with 80% market share. We sell the 82 Volt Greenworks Commercial line as a licensed dealer at Grizzly Shelter Ltd.. They are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional gas-powered tools. By using electricity rather than fossil fuels, Greenworks tools produce zero emissions, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.
Electric tools are 50% quieter vs gas, keeping your neighbours happy. They are also 30% lighter for less muscle strain and great for seniors. Electric tools like Greenworks also have 5 times less vibration vs gas, which prevents "cold hand syndrome". Operating any handheld tool that vibrates exposes the body to pulsing and shaking that can affect circulation in the hands and fingers. Over time, this can permanently damage the blood vessels, nerves and muscles in the hand and arm.
By using electric tools such as those made by Greenworks, homeowners and landscaping professionals can help to reduce their carbon footprint and decrease their impact on the environment. In addition, electric tools are often quieter and easier to use than gas-powered tools with far less maintenance and pollution, which can make them more appealing to homeowners and professionals alike.
Overall, the use of electric lawn and garden tools such as those made by Greenworks can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, as well as other environmental impacts associated with the use of gas-powered tools. Already over the past 2 years we have sold many electric tools to city public works departments throughout British Columbia and Canada.