Adjustable Bill Structure: Invoice Design Offers Flexibility in Charges Calculation
Going solar might sound daunting with all the variables involved, but fear not! Here's a straightforward lowdown.
First off, the size of your roof determines the number of panels you'll install, though you don't necessarily have to cover it entirely. According to Ecosolaris, a Quebec solar power specialist, the average number of panels bought by residential clients ranges between 10 and 24. A typical 16-panel setup of 300-watt each could set you back around $14,400 for an average-sized house.
Next up, batteries! The price of these batteries depends on their storage capacity, but they often constitute at least a third of your total solar project bill. While not essential for your solar panels to function, adding batteries allows you to store energy produced during high-sunlight hours and avoid power outages. For instance, Yves-Christian Lavoie boasts an energy independence of about 18 hours by cutting the current of his heat pump and water heater with his batteries.
Excess energy produced can even be injected into Hydro-Québec's network, earning you a credit on your electricity bill. Even without batteries, you can still reap these benefits, like Anne-Louise Lalancette does.
Now, when it comes to consultation and installation, expect varying costs depending on the company you choose. Luckily, there's a registry of solar installers and consultants in Quebec, run by Énergie solaire Québec, comprising over 200 companies throughout the province—with more joining!
As for maintenance, unlike other renewable energy sources, solar is relatively inexpensive regarding maintenance due to its mechanical-free nature. The only consideration is snow removal, particularly in Quebec, but the heat produced by the panels usually melts the snow quickly.
One concern that hasn't arisen for the three citizens La Presse spoke to is the impact of solar panels on their home insurance costs. While some suggest a slight hike in premiums might occur once panels are declared, insurers haven't yet implemented special pricing for solar-equipped homes. However, this may change depending on statistics and an insurer's pricing mechanisms.
In conclusion, the cost of a solar project in Quebec can vary substantially depending on system size, battery capacity, and installation costs. But, solar panels add value to a building like any other substantial investment, and renewable energy incentives, energy savings, and carbon footprint reductions could positively impact your portfolio.
- The French-speaking resident Yves-Christian Lavoie has achieved an energy independence of about 18 hours by cutting the current of his heat pump and water heater with his solar battery setup.
- Though costs depend on the company chosen, there's a registry of solar installers and consultants in Quebec, run by Énergie solaire Québec, for homeowners to consider.
- The photovoltaic industry in Quebec offers an opportunity to earn a credit on one's electricity bill by injecting excess energy produced into Hydro-Québec's network.
- Contrary to some assumptions, the impact of solar panels on home insurance costs hasn't been documented for most Quebec residents, and insurers have yet to implement special pricing for solar-equipped homes.
- It's essential to consider the cost of batteries, as they typically constitute at least a third of the total solar project bill for an average-sized house in Quebec.
