By: Deanna McArthur
In order to spread the word about the benefits of investing in residential renewable energy and sustainability technologies, dozens of Albertans are opening their doors (virtually) to the public this month at the 2021 Eco-Solar Home Tour.
If you have been thinking about adding a solar system to your home, investing in energy efficiency technologies like geothermal heating, or are considering retrofitting your home to be net-zero, then this is the perfect event to attend.
The tour consists of 32 homes across three cities, Edmonton, Calgary, and Lethbridge. The first round of the tour took place in Edmonton last weekend (June 5-6) where people from across the province logged on virtually to attend presentations which highlighted each home’s unique energy savings features, followed by Q&As with the homeowners.
“The Eco-Solar Home Tour is an amazing event where you can see and talk to homeowners about technologies you have read about,” said Denise Hawkins, owner of Camrose Energy, a local electricity and natural gas retailer and sponsor of the Tour. “There is something about actually seeing these environmental practices in place. When we see new innovation it also challenges us to think beyond what we are familiar with. It reaffirms that we can do more, from exploring foodscaping, retrofitting homes to become net-zero, to delving into Electric Vehicle ownership.”
The next group of homes to be featured online are located in and around Calgary, and presentations will take place Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13 between 12 pm and 3:40 pm.
Attendees can visit the Eco Solar Home Tour website now to browse the homes that will be participating in the tour and choose which ones they would like to visit on tour day. Visitors can then join the Zoom presentation during the scheduled times to get the guided tour and talk with the homeowners.
The best part? All of the tours are free to attend!
Near Net-Zero Home in Airdrie Gets Boost from Solar Club Membership
The homeowners that are participating in the Tour are a great resource for information. One such example is Adrian Bollard who owns the Airdrie Near Net Zero (NNZ) home that is being presented on Saturday, June 12 at 12:20 pm.
Bollard’s home was built by Excel Homes under the Built Green program. Some of the energy upgrades, found in the home came as standard features such as:
- Triple glazing (R3) on windows
- Airtightness
- Heat Recovery Ventilator (HVR)
- Energy Star appliances
- Low flow toilets and faucets
Other upgrades above and beyond the standard features were later added by Bollard:
- 10.5 kW solar array (13,000 kWh/year)
- Electric Vehicle charger in the garage
- Additional R10 to bring the attic insulation to R60
- Underslab insulation in the basement
- Heat-pump hot water tank (350% efficient)
- Double cell honeycomb blinds
While there can be a variety of different reasons for homeowners to invest in energy efficiency technologies, Bollard says his main motivation was reducing his impact on the environment.
“I am passionate about the environment and was feeling guilty about my own carbon footprint,” said Bollard. “I was keen to contribute in a more positive way by driving an Electric Vehicle (solar powered) and having our house as efficient as possible. The goal is to get the house to Net-Zero, with extra wall insulation and adding a Cold Climate Air Source Heat-Pump (that now qualifies for the Federal Greener Homes Grant).”
With a 10.5 kW solar array, Bollard’s home is a net exporter of solar electricity for six months of the year. This means that it was important for him to find an electricity provider that could help him get the most out of his solar generation potential.
Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation allows Albertans to meet their own electricity needs by generating electricity from renewable or alternative energy sources. Under this regulation, micro-generators receive credits for the electricity they produce but do not consume. Small micro-generators are credited for the electricity sent back to the grid at their monthly retail rates.
For Bollard, Camrose Energy and its Solar Club were the right fit.
The Solar Club was designed to pay micro-generators a reasonable price for the surplus electricity they produce and ship back to the grid. Members of the club have access to exclusive electricity rates and receive 5% cash-back on all electricity imported from the grid, annually. Additionally, Members will have 50% of the electricity they import from the grid offset by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), free.
The key to the Solar Club’s popularity has been the ability to switch between a high export rate of 25.85 ¢/kWh and a low export rate of 7.10 ¢/kWh, with no penalties, depending on the time of year and how much electricity they are importing and exporting.
“We net export solar energy for six months out of the year, so getting a generous 25.85 ¢/kWh rate can generate a nice credit on our utilities bill,” said Bollard. “In October we go back to net importing from the grid, and only pay 6 ¢/kWh on the net imported power. Last summer our electrical bill dropped to zero, and that’s after powering our home, heating our hot water, and driving thousands of kilometers in our Electric Vehicle.”
“My friends with Solar in Ireland only get a credit on 20% of the solar they export. Alberta’s deregulated market with multiple generators and retailers allows for a much more competitive and fair market. We should all make the most of the green benefits available here. If your solar array is big enough to generate surplus power during the summer, you should definitely be signed up with a retailer that offers the Solar Club. It can help reduce the payback period on solar by years.”
In addition to the benefits of the Solar Club, Bollard prefers the local business structure of Camrose Energy compared to the large incumbents that dominate the market.
“Camrose Energy is much more personal than dealing with the large utilities who can leave you on hold for an hour only to drop your call. The ability to connect with your representative on a first-name basis is so much more appreciated.”
For Camrose Energy owner, Denise Hawkins, offering the Solar Club to its customers was a no-brainer and she has seen firsthand how the program has been able to impact Albertans.
“Environmental stewardship is a core value of ours and the Solar Club has proven to be an important factor for those deciding whether or not to take the leap to solar,” said Hawkins. “This makes it a win for our customer, the environment, and our community. Plus, us Solar Club folk are a different breed. We actually get excited to see our electricity bills! We are always curious as to how low they can go.”
Learn more about Bollard’s NNZ home and many others across the province at the Eco-Solar Home Tour June 12, 13, and 19.