December 7, 2011

Since the end of year 2011, the investments in grid-tie solar systems became financially viable with the savings on the power bill outweighing the initial investment. Here is what makes a grid-tied photovoltaic technology competitive and affordable in the Alberta power market today: constantly falling photovoltaic system costs, increasing power prices, a recent increase in … Continue reading “Solar power reached a grid parity in Alberta”

November 2, 2011

WIND POWER Investments in wind power have the potential to yield double digit returns, assuming proper selection of tower height and turbine at a good site. A good rule of thumb is that at the turbine hub height the average annual wind speed should exceed 5m/s to make the project feasible. SOLAR POWER At current … Continue reading “Energy Conservation – Economics”

November 1, 2011

The easiest thing a builder can do to encourage solar is to build new homes as solar ready. Dandelion Renewables has developed a 4 step process to ensure that a new home is truly solar ready. Dandelion Renewables consults with the builder about best practices for a specific home at either the design, or construction … Continue reading “Solar Power for Builders”

October 28, 2011

All across the globe community owned wind and solar projects are becoming more common. Many different groups benefit from a community project: residents, investors, the municipality, and the project developer. Here at Dandelion Renewables we believe that the time has come for Alberta’s communities to begin investing in these projects to ensure that the benefits … Continue reading “Solar Power for Schools and Municipalities”

October 26, 2011

While renewable energy continues to be adopted in residential settings, commercial scale renewable projects also have huge potential to help save businesses, building owners, and farmers even more money each year. Commercial renewable energy projects in Alberta have a few advantages that they are able to capitalize on. These include: Economies of Scale – Large … Continue reading “Solar Power for a Business”