Account Login/Registration

Access KelownaNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

Why are Kelowna residents choosing to go solar?

Many say that solar energy is the way of the future — but how exactly does it work, and is it worth it? This question is especially relevant in places like Kelowna, with winters that rarely see the sun.

Despite our dark winters, many Kelowna residents are choosing to go solar. We spoke with Joshua Persaud, Partner and B.C. Regional Manager at Empower Energy, to learn more about the benefits of going solar and how it can provide for residents year-round.


Conserving the environment

One of the main reasons that people choose to go solar is for the environmental benefits.

“If you’re thinking about doing something good for the environment, solar is one of the best options out there,” said Persaud. “When you go solar, you don’t just do yourself a favour, you’re doing a favour for planet Earth.”

<who>Photo Credit: Empower Energy</who>

Energy created by solar panels is far cleaner than energy created through other common methods, producing 91% less carbon dioxide (CO2) than natural gas and 96% less CO2 than coal. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that is released from the burning of fossil fuels, and is a significant contributor to climate change.


Return on investment

Helping the environment is an important cause on its own, but it’s not the only reason to go solar. Those who use solar energy also tend to save money in the long run.

“Our clients in Kelowna are seeing an average return on investment of around 5% - 9% compounded annually for 25 years,” said Persaud. “When you invest in solar you invest into an appreciating asset; the value of your solar energy system keeps increasing each year as utility prices inflate.”

<who>Photo Credit: Empower Energy</who>

As solar technologies advance and the costs associated with installing the panels decrease, the economic advantages of going solar are becoming increasingly significant. If you’re curious about installing solar panels on your property, Empower Energy will perform a calculation for your specific situation (based on the amount of energy your system would be projected to produce and the value of that energy year over year), free of charge.


Long ‘harvest seasons’

Despite dark winters, the Okanagan receives an exceptional amount of sunlight in a year in comparison to other parts of the world. As a matter of fact, Western Canada has some of the highest potential for solar energy in the world. The Okanagan actually receives 25% more sunlight than Berlin — one of the world’s largest producers of solar electricity.

“Let’s say that I have an apple tree in my backyard, for much of the year I have to buy my apples from the local grocer (especially during the dark winters). However, during the harvest season, I'll have more than enough apples for me, my family, and to sell at the local market,” said Persaud.

<who>Photo Credit: Empower Energy</who>

“This draws a direct parallel to how grid-tied solar energy works, the only difference being that the harvest season in the solar business is much longer than that of the apple business,” added Persaud. “From the end of March to the end of September, your solar panels will produce more electricity than what you are using within your home. The excess energy will be sent back into the grid, and the utility company will compensate you by giving you an ‘energy credit’. This energy credit will then be applied to your next bill. Simple.”

Similar to many seasonal businesses in the Okanagan, the rewards reaped in the sunnier seasons can be enjoyed year-round. When it comes to solar energy, this is thanks to B.C. Hydro and FortisBC’s net metering program.


Net metering program

Essentially, the net metering programs allows you to sell the extra energy that you create in the sunnier months back to the utility companies, who then give you a credit to purchase energy when you aren’t able to create enough yourself.

<who>Photo Credit: Empower Energy</who>

“The ‘net metering program’ is amazing. It allows homeowners a simple transition to solar energy and allows them to use the ‘electrical grid’ as one big gigantic battery,” explained Persaud. “You send energy back into the grid when you have a surplus and then receive credit. And if your solar panels aren't producing any power, you purchase the electricity required from the utility company.”


The future of battery technology

Some residents have shown concern about the possibility that the net metering program may change, or disappear entirely, meaning they could no longer sell excess energy to the utility companies for credit. According to Persaud, this won’t be a problem, especially with the future advancement of battery technologies.

“It wouldn't be wise for the utility companies to change the program. Let's say that in seven years they did change the program (hypothetically speaking). The price of batteries could be so competitive at that point that each household could have their own battery pack, and the reliance on the utility company could drop by at least 50%, per resident,” stated Persaud. “This wouldn't be the first time a new technology has disrupted an old industry.”

<who>Photo Credit: Empower Energy</who>

While solar energy may not be right for everyone, it is worth considering for those who are interested in decreasing their impact on the environment through the use of harmful fossil fuels and reducing their utility costs in the long run.

“The goal is to integrate solar, batteries and utility power, to provide the cleanest electricity for the user, at the lowest price,” said Persaud. “The goal is empowerment.”

If you are interested in learning more about solar solutions for your property, contact Empower Energy or get a free quote.


Empower Energy Corp offers commercial and residental solar PV services across Western Canada. Empower Energy designs customized systems to best suit each customer's needs, supplies all the required components and offers professional installation services.

NowMedia sponsored content is written and posted in partnership with participating businesses. While NowMedia retains editorial control of sponsored content, the content is created in collaboration with the sponsor.



If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.

If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.


Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to news@kelownanow.com.



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Thu
12℃

weather-icon
Fri
11℃

weather-icon
Sat
12℃

weather-icon
Sun
15℃

weather-icon
Mon
17℃

weather-icon
Tue
16℃

current feed webcam icon

Recent Livestream




Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on Youtube Listen on Soundcloud Follow Our TikTok Feed Follow Our RSS Follow Our pinterest Feed
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy

Quick Links