Alberta gets a lot of sun. Prairie skies all summer and winter long ensure our solar projects have clear view of the sun a lot longer than in other areas… but that’s only a part of the story.
We are INTENSE. Compared to Germany (a world leader in solar installations) every solar panel here in the Edmonton region performs around 30% better. So you get a boost from a quarter to a third in performance, in reduced cost, and in bragging rights.
This has to do with our position on the planet, our altitude from sea level, and a few other factors.
In solar design this is a huge performance boost over the advertised STC (standard test conditions) that we have to account for, even to where we need to use tougher equipment to handle the extra juice! Make sure you talk to solar designers who understand so you’re taking full advantage to pay back your system faster and provide the maximum benefit without risk to your equipment from under-design. Shop local! We are a home grown Alberta outfit.
Take a look at this rough example of identical systems in Edmonton and Berlin to get some idea. This is enough solar to cover an average double garage roof on the south facing slope.
With this kind of benefit, it’s even more attractive to go solar in Alberta. Costs are lower, performance is higher, and it does well enough even in winter!
BERLIN
EDMONTON