The sun is a powerful source of energy that we often take for granted. But what if we could harness its rays to power our homes and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels? In Halifax, that’s not just a fantasy – it’s a reality thanks to solar power technology.
Solar panels let homeowners make their own clean electricity. In Halifax, this is smart – we get tons of sun. And install costs aren’t crazy. This guide explains solar power basics. It shows how you can go solar in Halifax too.
What is Solar Power?
Solar power takes energy from the sun’s rays. It turns that into electricity for your home. The magic happens in solar panels. These are made of many small solar cells. The cells are usually made from silicon. When sunlight hits the cells, it knocks electrons loose. Conductors in the panels capture this electron flow. This results in electricity you can actually use.
Why Go Solar in Halifax?
Sun’s your friend – Halifax gets tons of sunshine, perfect for solar power.
Sell your extra – Nova Scotia lets you sell extra solar power back to the grid for credits on your bill.
Slash your bill – Solar panels can seriously cut your electricity costs, saving you money in the long run.
Save big now – Government programs can help you afford solar panels upfront.
Boost your home’s value – Homes with solar panels often sell for more than those without!
Home value increase – Homes with solar panels installed tend to sell for higher prices than comparable non-solar homes.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Now that you know the benefits, let’s dig into how exactly residential solar panel systems function:
The Panels – Solar panels are the powerhouses of a solar system. They consist of many solar cells, usually made of silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose. Metal plates on the panels capture this electron flow. This generates a direct current (DC) of electricity. More panels mean more surface area to absorb sunlight. More surface area means more electricity production.
The Inverter – Solar panels generate DC power from the sun’s rays. But your home runs on AC (alternating current) electricity. That’s where the inverter comes into play. It converts the DC solar power to usable AC power. This AC power can then power your home’s electrical systems. Inverters are highly efficient at this DC-to-AC conversion process.
Net Meter – With a solar system tied to the utility grid, you’ll need a special net meter to keep track of the electricity being generated versus consumed. Net meters are bi-directional, allowing them to accurately measure both the solar power your system produces and any supplemental power you pull from the grid. This allows you to receive credits on your utility bill for any surplus solar energy fed back into the grid.
Utility Grid – When your panels produce surplus power, it gets fed back into the grid. At night or cloudy days, you simply draw electricity from the grid as usual.
Most residential systems are “grid-tied”, meaning they remain connected to the utility power grid as a supplement on low-producing days.
What to Look for in Solar Panels
Not all solar panels are created equal. When evaluating options for your Halifax home, keep these factors in mind:
Panel Efficiency – This represents how effectively the solar panel can convert sunlight into electricity. Higher efficiencies mean you need fewer panels to produce the same amount of power.
Temperature Coefficient – Cheaper panels often experience more dramatic drops in efficiency during hot weather. Look for panels with better temperature tolerance.
Power Output and Size – Make sure to choose panels capable of meeting your household’s energy needs based on their power output ratings.
Brand and Warranty – Buy from reputable manufacturers that offer at least 20-25 year performance warranties for peace of mind.
Evaluating Costs and Savings
The upfront cost of installing solar can seem daunting at first. But with incentives and the long-term savings, going solar is often a smart investment that pays off.
To calculate your potential costs, savings and payback period, start with factors like:
Your current electricity usage and rates
The size/output of the system needed for your home
Available tax credits, rebates and incentives
Financing terms if taking out a solar loan
Most solar installation companies provide free quotes and payback calculations tailored to your specific home and needs.
Once installed, solar monitoring apps and programs let you track exactly how much electricity your system is producing versus how much you’re saving in real-time.
Going solar is a long-term investment, but with proper planning and the right system, many Halifax homeowners see payback times of just 5-10 years before enjoying free electricity for decades after.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to embrace the East Coast sun and transition your Halifax home to solar power, follow these steps:
Do Your Research – Read up on the basics of solar, the available incentives in Nova Scotia, and the leading brands/installers.
Get Multiple Quotes – Invite at least 3 different solar companies to assess your home and electricity needs, then compare their quotes, product offerings and warranties.
Review Financing Options – From solar loans and leases to paying cash upfront, explore the best financing route for your budget.
Submit Permits & Interconnection – Once you’ve selected an installer, they’ll secure necessary permits and approvals to connect your system to the utility grid.
Install and Activate – After installation, your system will be commissioned and you’re ready to start producing clean solar power!
Why rent sunshine from Nova Scotia Power when you can harvest it for yourself with solar panels? Make the smart investment in solar power today and start enjoying the freedom of generating your own renewable electricity. Contact the solar experts at SunKissed to request your free solar evaluation and quote. It’s time to embrace the East Coast sun!