Alberta Announces $36 Million Solar Program

• Canada's Alberta government has launched $36 million Residential and Commercial Solar Program
• For homeowners there will be rebate of up to 30% on solar installation cost up to a maximum of $10,000
• Businesses and non-profit organizations can expect up to 25% of system installation cost with a maximum rebate of $500,000
• Only systems installed after April 15, 2017 will be eligible for rebate of this program

The province of Alberta in Canada has launched a $36 million Residential and Commercial Solar Program, which offers rebates on solar installation cost basis the size of installation which is calculated at $0.75 per W.

Homeowners can claim up to 30% subsidy on solar panel installation cost up to a total rebate of $10,000. Businesses and non-profit organizations are eligible for up to 25% of system costs up to a maximum of $500,000. The program will run for a period of 2 years..

Systems installed after April 15, 2017 will be eligible for this rebate. Direct deposits are said to reach residents within 15 business days of connection. With the help of this program, the province is hoping to create 900 jobs in the province's solar sector.

"This solar program helps Albertans lower their utility bills and invest in their homes," said Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office. Adding, "Solar jobs are growing and the industry is putting Albertans back to work. Solar electricity puts the power in Albertans' hands, making life more affordable while diversifying the economy and reducing carbon pollution."

Alberta's has a solar power capacity of merely 2 MW. With the help of this program, it aims to increase its solar capacity to 8 MW in 2017 and up to 140 MW by 2022. The government believes without incentives, the province's solar uptake is projected to grow from 2 MW to just 30 MW over the next five years.