Canada 2022 Solar Growth

Another great year has wrapped for the solar industry in Canada. With 4 GW of total solar capacity now installed, we’re seeing a steady shift toward renewable energy­ across the country. Canadian households and businesses are embracing the sun, along with the undeniable benefits renewable-energy has to offer—both environmentally and financially.

Solar energy has come a long way in Canada, and it’s only getting started. In 2022, the renewable energy sector grew by over 10%, with solar especially gaining traction in the western provinces.

Each province has their own relationship with solar energy, and we’re going to take a closer look at the individual progress some provinces have made.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia comes in second in terms of renewable energy usage, with 13% of their electricity needs covered by solar and wind energy. Residential solar customers also have the choice between the $3000 Efficiency Nova Scotia rebate and the $5000 Canada Greener Homes Grant. With support from the provincial government, solar has flourished in Nova Scotia.

Prince Edward Island

Solar has seen massive growth in PEI thanks to the $10,000 provincial rebate, which is stackable with the federal CGHG grant. PEI offers the best government solar incentives, and weve seen an incredible payoff. 41% of the province’s total electricity needs are now met through solar and wind energy, the highest amount in Canada.

Ontario

Ontario was one of the early adopters of solar, making up 98% of Canada’s total solar power generation! Ontario is also one of the cheapest provinces to go solar, with the average price per watt at only $2.29–2.81/watt. 

British Columbia

British Columbia has invested in a couple of large scale solar projects, mainly viable in the northeast and southern interior, as well as the Southeast coast of Vancouver Island and the lower mainlands. Two of the most notable projects are the Sunmine Solar Power Project in Kimberly and Tsilhqot’in Solar Farm.

Alberta

Alberta is the fastest growing province for solar energy in the country. Thanks to prime solar locations and long sunlight hours, Alberta will continue to see rapid growth in the coming years. In 2022, Alberta added 1,391 MW of capacity.

Future of Solar Energy in Canada

There’s no escaping the renewable energy boom we’ve been experiencing, and it’s inspiring to witness Canadians taking a stance and making an effort to care for our planet and future generations. At the pace solar is growing, we can expect significantly lower emissions and increasing job opportunities across Canada.

Reference from: CanREA

Despite the phenomenal steps taken, Canada still has a lot of work to do if we want to meet our 2050 net-zero emissions goal. According to CanREA, We’ll have to ramp up installations and add at least 5 additional GW of wind and solar capacity every year to keep our environmental commitment on track–a high demand compared to the 1.8 GW growth this year.

Be a part of the change and make the future bright with solar energy and Polaron. Get your free quote from one of our experienced solar specialists and start saving the environment and your hard-earned money.

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