What is humanity’s biggest concern currently? This question sparks a great deal of controversy. Some believe it is the COVID-19 pandemic or political tension, but I can argue otherwise. Climate change is a rising issue that requires immediate action to resolve. It was first discovered over a century ago and was only formally addressed in the late 1900s.
By definition, “Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.” (United Nations, n.d.) Electricity, along with carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), are produced through the burning of fossil fuels. The energy supply sector (including electricity and heat) contributes to 35% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Since energy production is such a large contributor to climate change, it goes without saying that we should focus on reducing these emissions. How can this be achieved and what, specifically, can Calgary do to help? Two words: renewable energy.
WHAT IS RENEWABLE ENERGY?
“Renewable energy is energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a rate that is equal to or faster than the rate at which they are consumed.” (Government of Canada, 2017) In other words, renewable energy is energy from natural, infinite sources and is self-sustaining. For instance, a wind turbine is a renewable energy source that is powered by the wind. The wind is natural, plentiful, and will never “run out”. Other popular examples include solar power (from sunlight) and hydropower (from water currents).
WHY RENEWABLE ENERGY?
Renewable energy systems provide numerous benefits other than being environmentally friendly. This includes being extremely dependable, positively impacting our economy, and improving the general well-being of humans. This is already proven in Canada, one of the cleanest countries in the world, where wind and solar renewable energy are the fastest growing electricity sources. Recent growths in the use of solar and wind renewable energy systems followed the sharp decline of fossil-fuel-powered electricity generation. In addition, the cost of renewable energy systems has rapidly decreased.
CALGARY + RENEWABLES?
In 2020, renewable energy provided 14% of the total electricity generated in Alberta, with the “capacity” being 23%. However, this data is subject to change with more funding and investments in the near future. The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) anticipates that the capacity will reach 26% by 2023 (next year!), with an emphasis on solar energy. Believe it or not, Calgary is the sunniest city in all of Canada, with roughly 2 396 hours (333 days) of sunlight every year! With that in mind, Calgary is the perfect candidate for solar panel usage. Advantages of installing a solar panel system include (but are not limited to):
- Carbon emissions are reduced by 5 to 10 times
- After the initial cost, the system will pay for itself (and even gain you profit!)
- You will be helping the economy and creating more jobs
- Just like putting cash into a savings account, you could make use of your roof by installing solar panels
- The appearance and aesthetics of your home will be improved, and you can boast your cutting-edge technology
- Providing your own energy will give you a sense of self-sufficiency
- The value of your home will increase
Therefore, if you live in Calgary and want to reduce your environmental footprint while lowering your energy bill, consider installing a solar panel system!
I HAVE BEEN PERSUADED. NOW HOW DO I GET STARTED?
First, the amount of exposure to sunlight in Calgary varies with location. To determine the feasibility of installing a solar panel system at your location, visit this interactive Calgary Solar Potential Map: Solar Potential Map. Once that has been figured out, the next step is to contact a solar panel company. They will lead you through the entire process. More information can be found in this thorough, informative guide to installing a solar panel system: Guide.
Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / Solar Potential Map / Guide / Featured image