How to get solar power with Clean Energy Financing

Homeowners across Nova Scotia are getting extremely excited about the potential of solar installations. Adding solar panels to the roof of a home is not just helping people save on their energy bills, it’s also helping us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

But is solar a good option for homes in Nova Scotia? We think so. Here’s what you need to know about installing solar and how Clean Energy Financing can help you start saving now.

Why solar works in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s electricity rates mean that having the opportunity to offset these costs can be a huge benefit for homeowners.

Solar installs are even effective despite the winters we have here in Nova Scotia, partially because the sun is much closer to the Earth over these months. The foggy days and grey skies will mean homeowners generate less than what they see over the summer months, but most homeowners will find that they generate enough solar energy over summer that they can “bank” any excess electricity to cover these deficits in winter.

What makes a home suitable for solar in Nova Scotia?

Not every home will be ideal for solar, but there’s a list of features our Home Energy Advisors are looking for when they inspect your home, such as:

• How old is the roof? – If it’s older than 3 to 5 years or has damage, it might be best to replace the roof first.
• How much shading is on the roof? – Shade from surrounding trees or buildings will reduce their effectiveness.
• Is the roof south facing? – A south-facing roof will provide the most consistent access to sunlight.
• What is the roof area available for solar panels? – The bigger the roof, the more panels that can be installed which can result in a shorter payback period.
• Does the house heat with fossil fuels or electricity? – If the house isn’t heated with electricity, it’s best to make this upgrade first before further investing in solar.

A Home Energy Advisor’s role is to see if solar makes sense for your current situation, so they may also find there are other energy upgrades that would provide a better benefit to the home. They also recommend you get a free estimate from a solar company as these can often provide more detail on solar-specific features.

How long does it take to pay back an investment in solar?

Of all the home upgrades available through Clean Energy Financing, solar has one of the longest payback periods at around 10 to 15 years. This means that after 10 to 15 years of having solar on the roof, a homeowner will have saved enough on their electricity costs to cover the initial cost of the install.

It’s important to note however that sometimes a solar installation may not fit into the CEF program. Some municipalities require all upgrades to be paid back within a 10-year period, which can be challenging with solar. The actual payback period will differ according to a few variables, such as the size of the install and the amount of sun your property gets.