We Canadians

Reason 1: More Incentives, Lower Costs

Ontario has  planned a great incentive program that should become law very soon. For each unit (kilowatt-hour) of  solar power that you produce you would be paid over 80 cents. For each unit of power you consume you pay far less, probably just 10% of this.  This magic is achieved using Feed In Tariffs, the reason  behind Europe’s renewable energy boom.

Prices of solar PV panels have dropped in the last two years making  installations more attractive than ever before.

Reason 2: Just do the math

If you meet just 3% energy needs with solar panels, the Feed In Tariffs could reduce your utility bill by 30%. With current prices of solar panels, the payback could be less than ten years.If you sign a contract, the tariff is guaranteed for twenty years.

Reason 3: The benefits may not last too long

The feed in tariff is adjusted from time. If the program becomes very popular, the rates may be revised downwards. The price of solar panels depends on availability of  high quality silicon. Demand for solar panels is likey to take off  under the new US administration and this may well drive the prices upwards.

Reason 4: Solar energy is non-polluting

Solar energy is abundant and it causes no pollution, either. Just think of all the greenhouse gases that you save. It is a myth that producing solar panels takes too much energy; this might have been true a decade ago, but it is not true with current technology.

Reason 5:The cost of entry is very low

You can start with a very small project and expand as you gain experience.  Solar panels can be added at any time. A new, expandable line of inverters is now available; you just keep adding inverters as you add more panels.

Reason 6 :Solar panels are maintenance free

With solar energy, there are no mechanical parts to worry about. Unlike windmills, there are no noise issues.

Reason 7: Be a part of the solution

Once the Feed In Tariffs come into effect, you will pay for renewable energy regardless of whether you install a solar panel or not. The cost of  renewable energy will show up as a slight increase in everyone’s utility bills. The increase  may well be just a couple of dollars a month but why pay for other people’s installations.? Why not install your own and be ahead of the game?