Solar energy use in Edmonton on the rise

Paul Horsman had never been so excited to get his power bill.

He and his wife had just moved into his new home where they installed solar panels on the roof.

When Horsman finally tore open the envelope, a big smile spread across his face as he read the last line that said, amount owing: no payment necessary at this time.

We not only produced enough power to pay down all our admin charges and energy costs, we also have $7 credit on our bills, he said.

Horsman isnt the only one taking advantage of the sun.

While the cost of solar energy is declining, the number of people harnessing the suns energy in Alberta is on the rise.

Over the past three years in Edmonton alone, the amount of solar energy generated in Edmonton has increased by about 16 times.

In 2010 there were just a couple homes scattered across the city generating solar energy. Today, there are about 120 homes and businesses harnessing the suns energy and thousands of customers all over the province.

'Huge' demand for solar panels

David Vonesch of Skyfire energy, a company that installs solar panels in both Edmonton and Calgary, said that demand is huge.

Its going to be cheaper to put solar on your roof than to buy that equivalent amount of energy on the grid, said Vonesch. The price is now competitive with grid power so you can reduce the cost of your bill.

Three years ago, it would have cost about $25,000 to install solar panels for half of the average homes electricity. Today it costs about $10,000.

Mike Mellross who works for the City of Edmontons sustainable development department said the increasing use of solar energy is a good sign.

Its very impressive, said Mellross. Its definitely where we need to go as a society. We need to shift to renewable energy, low carbon energy.

However, those in the solar energy industry say the provincial government needs to step in to keep the trend going. There currently is no policy for renewable energy in Alberta.

Susan Horsman is satisfied with the decision to use solar energy.

II didnt sacrifice anything, said Susan. Ive got great European appliances, Ive got everything a girl could desire in a brand new home.