#Powertec Solar

[powertecsolarwpg]

Winnipeg Solar Company Excited About Recent 50% Increase In Provincial Rebates For Commercial Solar

Winnipeg Solar Company Excited About Recent 50% Increase In Provincial Rebates For Commercial Solar https://ift.tt/WnAkZqC WINNIPEG, MB:  Powertec Solar, an award-winning Canadian solar installer headquartered in Winnipeg, is excited about a recent 50% increase in Efficiency Manitoba’s rebates for commercial and agricultural solar.  Increased rebates accelerate the payback for solar investments and make solar a more attractive energy option overall for Manitoba business owners and Farmers.     As of May 12, 2025, Efficiency Manitoba began offering a rebate of $0.75 per direct current (DC) watt installed on eligible commercial buildings connected to Manitoba Hydro’s grid.  This represents a 50% increase from the Crown corporation’s previous commercial solar rebate amount of $0.50 per direct current (DC) watt.  This means on a 100kW system the rebate is now $75,000.   In order to be eligible for rebates, a commercial solar PV system must be appropriately sized to offset electricity consumption.  Larger systems may be installed, but rebates will be limited to their annual average electricity usage.  Other eligibility criteria for the commercial solar rebate program include having a building with its own meter and an active Manitoba Hydro account billed at a commercial general service electricity rate, having a new solar PV system purchased in Canada, and having the project pre-approved by Efficiency Manitoba.  Business owners can visit Efficiency Manitoba’s website to learn more about how to qualify for and participate in the commercial solar rebate program.     Daniel Hartley, the owner and president of Powertec Solar Inc., is thrilled with Efficiency Manitoba’s commercial solar rebate increase:  “It’s very exciting and puts solar in reach for so many more businesses,” he said.  “We expect to see an influx of new businesses investing in solar in the coming months and look forward to helping them achieve their energy goals with our state-of-the-art installation processes.”     As a division of Powertec Electric, Powertec Solar is an electrical company that does solar—rather than a solar company trying to do electrical-based work.  This is a vital distinction because it means that every solar project taken on by Powertec Solar is completed by professional electricians who have the training and experience to ensure a superior outcome.  Powertec Solar is dedicated to providing high-quality solar panels at an affordable price point and has helped numerous businesses achieve their sustainability goals and see a positive return on their investment.  The company also proudly offers a warranty for every installation.     For more information about Powertec Solar and the services it provides, visit https://powertecsolar.ca.  To learn more about and apply for Efficiency Manitoba’s commercial solar rebate program, visit https://efficiencymb.ca/business/solar/.   The post Winnipeg Solar Company Excited About Recent 50% Increase In Provincial Rebates For Commercial Solar appeared first on Powertec Solar. via Powertec Solar https://ift.tt/M5BTEUw June 20, 2025 at 03:06PM

[powertecelectricinc]

How Upgrading Your Fixtures Can Save You Money

How Upgrading Your Fixtures Can Save You Money https://ift.tt/xb81j25 installing a security camera Did you know that your old fixtures might actually be costing you more money than they need to? You can look at both plumbing fixtures and lighting to see how some simple upgrades could be the final touch necessary to save hundreds on utility bills at the end of the year.  New fixtures will give your home a much-needed upgrade and save you money. Here is what you need to know to start upgrading your lighting:  Daylight Sensors Turn Off Lights Many homeowners are unaware of the technological upgrades available with their task lighting. In some newer fixtures, you will find daylight sensors that automatically turn off the lights when the sun comes out. This means that you only pay for the electricity that you truly need and let the sun do the rest of the work.  Energy Efficiency Incentives One way to save money on the cost of your new upgrades is to install energy-efficient fixtures. This applies to upgrading plumbing fixtures as well as your indoor lighting. Some provinces provide credits for making the switch to greener fixtures.  For example, Manitoba Hydro might  offset the cost of moving from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs that last longer.  If you are worried about the out-of-pocket cost of upgrading your plumbing fixtures or lights, these incentives make it a little easier on your wallet.  Increase Home Value When you replace older plumbing fixtures and lighting, you are making a solid long-term investment in your home. Prospective home buyers are looking for new fixtures that cut back on energy costs and water consumption. Outdated plumbing fixtures and poor lighting don’t impress buyers.  Sell your home for top dollar by upgrading to all LED lighting and using water-efficient bathroom fixtures.  People are looking for energy savings that can substantially cut down on their monthly energy bills. As a result, they are willing to pay a higher price tag for high-quality fixtures. Look for modern fixtures that match the design and aesthetic of the rest of the home.  Add Outdoor Lighting  Another way to increase home value is to add more outdoor lighting. This deters burglars and allows for outdoor space enjoyment even after the sun sets. This can take the form of floodlights, bulb lighting, or anything else that illuminates both the front and rear parts of your home.  In particular, you might want to investigate solar lighting that doesn’t cost a dime (after initial purchase) to brighten up your living spaces. This ensures that you can always use your outdoor spaces without adding to your utility bills.  Get Significant Savings for the Average Household Upgraded features like new fixtures for your home can lead to a significant difference in your monthly energy bills. Look for fixtures rated by Energy Star and those that use LED bulbs, as well as some of the other features listed above.  When you are ready to find new lighting solutions in Winnipeg, let Powertec Electric help you save money! 

The post How Upgrading Your Fixtures Can Save You Money first appeared on Top Electricians | Winnipeg MB | Powertec Electric Inc..

via Top Electricians | Winnipeg MB | Powertec Electric Inc. https://www.powertec.ca May 16, 2024 at 10:10AM

[cynthiawillson]

Climate Change and Winnipeg

We know climate change exists; we hear about it all the time, and debates rage about how fast it’s changing, how much it’s going to change, and what the consequences of those changes will be. Predicting how the climate will change is done with degrees of accuracy; we know, for example, that icecaps are going to melt, but we don’t necessarily know how much or how quickly with certainty. This makes climate change a slippery problem to deal with; we know there will be consequences, but it’s uncertain what those consequences will be. Some may be good, some may be bad, but all are somewhat unpredictable.

There are a plethora of resources that allow us to better understand what transformations climate change might bring to Winnipeg’s economy. A report made for the Government of Manitoba analyzes what impacts climate change might have on agriculture; another online tool allows you to map out potential changes to average temperatures and precipitation throughout Canada. These sources show that Winnipeggers can expect shorter, warmer winters, hotter summers, more precipitation and less year round snow cover.

There are potential benefits to all of this. Less snow cover year round and less below 0 temperatures each year means a longer growing season, which could be a tremendous boon to our already agricultural province. This longer season might also give us the opportunity to plant new crops that thrive with more heat and precipitation. The reduced cold means you’ll need to fire up your furnace less, and fewer cold days might mean more pedestrian activity, a boon for retailers.

All of the advantages are lovely, and you’d be remiss to find a Winnipegger who wants a longer winter season. Drastic changes to climate can create a whole host of problems, however. Longer growing seasons also mean more pests and weeds, some of which might develop before our ecosystem is prepared to handle them. Heat waves will become more common, creating health hazards for the elderly, homeless, and disadvantaged. This can also cause stress for livestock; droughts and floods may also be more common.

The City of Winnipeg runs on a yearly budget; they have to balance the budget because they can’t have year-end deficits. The problem with this system lies in its inflexibility; the City can’t incur deficits now in order to establish climate change proofing infrastructure for when problems hit. Climate change’s unpredictability may also mean a sudden uptick in the use of emergency services. This is where the real problem lies; if we could determine exactly how climate change will affect us, we could prepare more adequately for those eventualities.

As it stands, the best way to increase the predictability of climate change is to slow it, so we can gather more data and have more time to make adjustments. One way you can help reduce climate change is by getting solar panel installers to install a solar array on your home; the energy you produce will supplement the grid, which means Manitoba Hydro can sell clean, hydroelectric energy to places that would otherwise use coal.

The post Climate Change and Winnipeg appeared first on Powertec Solar.

Via https://powertecsolar.ca/climate-change-and-winnipeg/

source http://powertecsolar1.weebly.com/blog/climate-change-and-winnipeg

[powertecsolarstuff1]

Climate Change and Winnipeg

We know climate change exists; we hear about it all the time, and debates rage about how fast it’s changing, how much it’s going to change, and what the consequences of those changes will be. Predicting how the climate will change is done with degrees of accuracy; we know, for example, that icecaps are going to melt, but we don’t necessarily know how much or how quickly with certainty. This makes climate change a slippery problem to deal with; we know there will be consequences, but it’s uncertain what those consequences will be. Some may be good, some may be bad, but all are somewhat unpredictable.

There are a plethora of resources that allow us to better understand what transformations climate change might bring to Winnipeg’s economy. A report made for the Government of Manitoba analyzes what impacts climate change might have on agriculture; another online tool allows you to map out potential changes to average temperatures and precipitation throughout Canada. These sources show that Winnipeggers can expect shorter, warmer winters, hotter summers, more precipitation and less year round snow cover.

There are potential benefits to all of this. Less snow cover year round and less below 0 temperatures each year means a longer growing season, which could be a tremendous boon to our already agricultural province. This longer season might also give us the opportunity to plant new crops that thrive with more heat and precipitation. The reduced cold means you’ll need to fire up your furnace less, and fewer cold days might mean more pedestrian activity, a boon for retailers.

All of the advantages are lovely, and you’d be remiss to find a Winnipegger who wants a longer winter season. Drastic changes to climate can create a whole host of problems, however. Longer growing seasons also mean more pests and weeds, some of which might develop before our ecosystem is prepared to handle them. Heat waves will become more common, creating health hazards for the elderly, homeless, and disadvantaged. This can also cause stress for livestock; droughts and floods may also be more common.

The City of Winnipeg runs on a yearly budget; they have to balance the budget because they can’t have year-end deficits. The problem with this system lies in its inflexibility; the City can’t incur deficits now in order to establish climate change proofing infrastructure for when problems hit. Climate change’s unpredictability may also mean a sudden uptick in the use of emergency services. This is where the real problem lies; if we could determine exactly how climate change will affect us, we could prepare more adequately for those eventualities.

As it stands, the best way to increase the predictability of climate change is to slow it, so we can gather more data and have more time to make adjustments. One way you can help reduce climate change is by getting solar panel installers to install a solar array on your home; the energy you produce will supplement the grid, which means Manitoba Hydro can sell clean, hydroelectric energy to places that would otherwise use coal.

The post Climate Change and Winnipeg appeared first on Powertec Solar.

source https://powertecsolar.ca/climate-change-and-winnipeg/

[daviscaase]

Climate Change and Winnipeg

We know climate change exists; we hear about it all the time, and debates rage about how fast it’s changing, how much it’s going to change, and what the consequences of those changes will be. Predicting how the climate will change is done with degrees of accuracy; we know, for example, that icecaps are going to melt, but we don’t necessarily know how much or how quickly with certainty. This makes climate change a slippery problem to deal with; we know there will be consequences, but it’s uncertain what those consequences will be. Some may be good, some may be bad, but all are somewhat unpredictable.

There are a plethora of resources that allow us to better understand what transformations climate change might bring to Winnipeg’s economy. A report made for the Government of Manitoba analyzes what impacts climate change might have on agriculture; another online tool allows you to map out potential changes to average temperatures and precipitation throughout Canada. These sources show that Winnipeggers can expect shorter, warmer winters, hotter summers, more precipitation and less year round snow cover.

There are potential benefits to all of this. Less snow cover year round and less below 0 temperatures each year means a longer growing season, which could be a tremendous boon to our already agricultural province. This longer season might also give us the opportunity to plant new crops that thrive with more heat and precipitation. The reduced cold means you’ll need to fire up your furnace less, and fewer cold days might mean more pedestrian activity, a boon for retailers.

All of the advantages are lovely, and you’d be remiss to find a Winnipegger who wants a longer winter season. Drastic changes to climate can create a whole host of problems, however. Longer growing seasons also mean more pests and weeds, some of which might develop before our ecosystem is prepared to handle them. Heat waves will become more common, creating health hazards for the elderly, homeless, and disadvantaged. This can also cause stress for livestock; droughts and floods may also be more common.

The City of Winnipeg runs on a yearly budget; they have to balance the budget because they can’t have year-end deficits. The problem with this system lies in its inflexibility; the City can’t incur deficits now in order to establish climate change proofing infrastructure for when problems hit. Climate change’s unpredictability may also mean a sudden uptick in the use of emergency services. This is where the real problem lies; if we could determine exactly how climate change will affect us, we could prepare more adequately for those eventualities.

As it stands, the best way to increase the predictability of climate change is to slow it, so we can gather more data and have more time to make adjustments. One way you can help reduce climate change is by getting solar panel installers to install a solar array on your home; the energy you produce will supplement the grid, which means Manitoba Hydro can sell clean, hydroelectric energy to places that would otherwise use coal.

The post Climate Change and Winnipeg appeared first on Powertec Solar.

source https://powertecsolar.ca/climate-change-and-winnipeg/ source https://powertecsolar1.blogspot.com/2019/04/climate-change-and-winnipeg.html

[adakirklland]

Climate Change and Winnipeg

We know climate change exists; we hear about it all the time, and debates rage about how fast it’s changing, how much it’s going to change, and what the consequences of those changes will be. Predicting how the climate will change is done with degrees of accuracy; we know, for example, that icecaps are going to melt, but we don’t necessarily know how much or how quickly with certainty. This makes climate change a slippery problem to deal with; we know there will be consequences, but it’s uncertain what those consequences will be. Some may be good, some may be bad, but all are somewhat unpredictable.

There are a plethora of resources that allow us to better understand what transformations climate change might bring to Winnipeg’s economy. A report made for the Government of Manitoba analyzes what impacts climate change might have on agriculture; another online tool allows you to map out potential changes to average temperatures and precipitation throughout Canada. These sources show that Winnipeggers can expect shorter, warmer winters, hotter summers, more precipitation and less year round snow cover.

There are potential benefits to all of this. Less snow cover year round and less below 0 temperatures each year means a longer growing season, which could be a tremendous boon to our already agricultural province. This longer season might also give us the opportunity to plant new crops that thrive with more heat and precipitation. The reduced cold means you’ll need to fire up your furnace less, and fewer cold days might mean more pedestrian activity, a boon for retailers.

All of the advantages are lovely, and you’d be remiss to find a Winnipegger who wants a longer winter season. Drastic changes to climate can create a whole host of problems, however. Longer growing seasons also mean more pests and weeds, some of which might develop before our ecosystem is prepared to handle them. Heat waves will become more common, creating health hazards for the elderly, homeless, and disadvantaged. This can also cause stress for livestock; droughts and floods may also be more common.

The City of Winnipeg runs on a yearly budget; they have to balance the budget because they can’t have year-end deficits. The problem with this system lies in its inflexibility; the City can’t incur deficits now in order to establish climate change proofing infrastructure for when problems hit. Climate change’s unpredictability may also mean a sudden uptick in the use of emergency services. This is where the real problem lies; if we could determine exactly how climate change will affect us, we could prepare more adequately for those eventualities.

As it stands, the best way to increase the predictability of climate change is to slow it, so we can gather more data and have more time to make adjustments. One way you can help reduce climate change is by getting solar panel installers to install a solar array on your home; the energy you produce will supplement the grid, which means Manitoba Hydro can sell clean, hydroelectric energy to places that would otherwise use coal.

The post Climate Change and Winnipeg appeared first on Powertec Solar.

source https://powertecsolar.ca/climate-change-and-winnipeg/ source https://powertecsolarstuff1.tumblr.com/post/184228659893

[inerginc]

A new energy storage system developed by researchers from the University of Adelaide and industry partners is now successfully supporting the electricity network for the country town of Cape Jervis, South Australia.

University of Adelaide researchers, in collaboration with SA Power Networks and system supplier, PowerTec, have been working on the battery storage system over the past three years.

The new, world-class system is part of a $3.65 million trial led by the University.

The project is supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) on behalf of the Australian Government with $1.44 million in grant funding.

The battery and specialised control system reduces peak load of the local substation and stabilises the electricity network area.

The system can also support a small number of nearby customers in the event of an outage.

The trial is aimed to test how an energy storage system can integrate and perform with existing energy infrastructure.

"This technology is novel because the mobile battery energy storage system's operations are now completely autonomous," said Associate Professor Nesimi Ertugrul, from the University of Adelaide's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

"If an outage occurs, our mobile battery system automatically runs a range of safety checks before providing back-up power to nearby houses until the main grid is restored.

"This feature means that residents can also share residential solar power with neighbours during an outage..

According to Associate Professor Ertugrul: "This autonomous battery system has many unique and advanced features. We can monitor the system and intervene if necessary, but the system can operate safely in all kinds of situations without the need for any operator instructions.

"It also allows us to understand the technology under real operating and weather conditions, and gives us the potential to create a knowledge base for industry and system developers."

The commissioning of the energy storage system was welcomed by the South Australian minister for energy and mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan, as an example of how energy storage can be help make our system more affordable and reliable.

The post Mobile battery storage system helps to power country town appeared first on Metering.com.

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[powertecsolarwpg]

Solar Panel Maintenance: Tips For Keeping Your System Running At Peak Efficiency

Solar Panel Maintenance: Tips For Keeping Your System Running At Peak Efficiency https://ift.tt/rOciQH7 Solar panels are an excellent way to reduce energy bills, and the Government of Manitoba offers an excellent solar rebate program. To make the most out of this program, you need to optimize your energy output—and to do that, you need to know about solar panel maintenance.  How Maintenance Improves the Efficiency of Your Solar Panel System Solar panels absorb sunlight to produce electricity. Most solar panel owners realize that the efficiency of their panels goes down when the sky is overcast; fewer rays from the sun can make their way to the solar array.   You may not realize that solar panels caked in dirt, dust, grime, and other debris experience a similar loss in efficiency; fewer rays can make their way through the panels, and less electricity is generated.   Cleaning your solar panels regularly will generate more electricity and save more money. We highly recommend getting a solar monitoring system to track your solar panels’ energy production and health; if you do, you’ll be able to see exactly when your solar panels need maintenance.  How To Maintain Your Solar Panels Maintaining your solar power system is simple but can be dangerous depending on how high up your solar panels are. We recommend hiring a professional if you’re worried about injuring yourself or damaging your solar panels.   Here’s how you can clean your solar panels:   Get a soft cloth and a bucket of water. Dip the cloth in the water and gently wash the solar panels; don’t apply too much pressure. You can use mild dish soap in the water; a drop or two in a big bucket of water should be sufficient. Only do this if the debris cannot be washed off easily with normal water.   There are several other maintenance tips, aside from regular cleaning, that can keep your solar system running at maximum efficiency:   Check the connections regularly; call a solar panel repair company if anything seems rusted or loose. Check for any shadows being cast on your panels; trees, buildings, and other large structures can obstruct the sun. Monitor your solar panels regularly using your solar monitoring system; investigate if energy production is down despite the level of sunlight staying about the same.   You should clean and maintain your solar panels at least once a year and inspect your solar panel system regularly; a monthly visual inspection is a good idea. Always conduct an investigation and perform routine maintenance if production falls off unexpectedly.  What To Avoid When Maintaining Your Solar System Proper maintenance is essential when you’re trying to maximize energy production—but improper maintenance can actually reduce the efficiency of solar systems and lead to costly repairs. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:   Don’t use abrasive brushes or clothes. Don’t use solvents or other powerful chemicals. Don’t climb onto your roof or other surfaces unless you have safety equipment, someone to spot you, and plenty of experience climbing. Don’t use high-pressure water. Don’t try to fix connections yourself.   You should also avoid letting extreme weather conditions trick you into thinking your solar panels have lost efficiency. Once the weather clears, your solar system may return to optimal energy production; rain can clear debris off your panels.  How Powertec Solar Can Help As experts in solar panel installation and solar panel maintenance, we can clean, maintain, and improve your solar energy system to ensure optimal energy production. Need help cleaning, maintaining, or installing your Winnipeg solar panels? Get in touch with us today!  The post Solar Panel Maintenance: Tips For Keeping Your System Running At Peak Efficiency appeared first on Powertec Solar. via Powertec Solar https://ift.tt/THevNuU January 30, 2024 at 11:11AM

[powertecsolarwpg]

Winnipeg Solar Company Enthusiastic About The Potential For Commercial & Agricultural Sectors To Benefit From Financial Incentives

Winnipeg Solar Company Enthusiastic About The Potential For Commercial & Agricultural Sectors To Benefit From Financial Incentives https://ift.tt/dyrBVJ0 WINNIPEG, Manitoba:  Within the past six months, the Manitoba provincial government and the Canadian federal government have both announced programs that incentivize the installation of solar systems.  For Powertec Solar Inc. in Winnipeg, this is welcome news.  The local electrical company is hopeful that solar projects will continue to blossom in Manitoba and across Canada as they become increasingly financially viable for business owners and agricultural operations alike.     Powertec Solar Inc. is a division of Powertec Electric Inc., located at 1433 Erin St. in Winnipeg.  Rather than being a solar company trying to do electrical work, Powertec Solar brings all the experience and expertise of its years in the electrical industry to solar installations.  This translates into superior skill, knowledge, and customer service.  Powertec Solar’s award-winning installation services are well known across Manitoba, and its crew is prepared and ready for the influx of solar work expected in the near future.     Daniel Hartley, the owner and president of Powertec Solar Inc., is thrilled to see governments supporting solar initiatives across Canada.  “When Canadians realize that solar is a viable option,” he says, “they’re eager to move forward with sustainable projects.  In most cases, finances are the big hurdle, and with these incentives, we’re already seeing an upswing in interest from commercial and agricultural industries.”     Since August of 2022, Efficiency Manitoba has been offering solar rebates of up to $5,000 for homeowners and up to $25,000 for businesses.  In November of 2022, the Canadian federal government announced that it will introduce a 30% refundable tax credit for sustainable electricity generation, including solar projects.     Powertec Solar believes the momentum already exists for solar to take off across the province.  And as that happens, Powertec Solar’s team is ready for the challenge.     For more information about Powertec Solar Inc. and the services it provides, visit https://powertecsolar.ca.   The post Winnipeg Solar Company Enthusiastic About The Potential For Commercial & Agricultural Sectors To Benefit From Financial Incentives appeared first on Powertec Solar. via Powertec Solar https://ift.tt/SZXkcRu February 06, 2023 at 03:13PM

[powertecsolarwpg]

Winnipeg Solar Company Increases Production As New Solar Rebate Program Launches

Winnipeg Solar Company Increases Production As New Solar Rebate Program Launches https://ift.tt/aGZgNb7 WINNIPEG, MB: Powertec Solar, a leading solar panel installation company, is ramping up production to keep pace with the increasing demand for solar systems. In light of the newly announced Solar Rebate Program by Efficiency Manitoba, more Manitobans are seeking solar installations in their homes and businesses. The Solar Program Rebate is available to all homeowners who purchase solar photovoltaic systems connected to the Manitoba Hydro grid. For every watt installed on a residential home, homeowners can save $0.50 up to a maximum of $5,000. The solar system must be installed through an Efficiency Manitoba supplier. Pre-approval is not required.  The new rebate can be combined with the Greener Homes Grant for additional savings. The Greener Homes Grant is a federal incentive for homeowners that provides up to $5,000 toward the cost of a solar installation. Homeowners can also finance their solar PV system installations through the Greener Homes Initiative. This is a federal program that provides an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 with a repayment term of 10 years. In total, homeowners can use both the Efficiency Manitoba rebate and the Greener Homes Grant to save up to $7,500 on a 5kw system and $10,000 on a 10kw system.  Powertec Solar is training new crews to meet the rising demand for solar installations in Manitoba.  “There has never been – and likely never will be – a better time to get started with residential solar in Manitoba,” said Jacob Kettner, a partner of Powertec Solar. “By combining both rebates, homeowners can save up to 50% or more on the cost of installing a solar system.” Businesses can also use the Efficiency MB Solar Rebate Program to make renewable energy more affordable. For commercial solar system installations, the rebate offers up to $25,000 in savings. Businesses must have their installation projects pre-approved by Efficiency Manitoba to qualify for the rebate. Powertec Solar offers high-quality solar panel installation services to clients across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Nunavut. The company installs grid-tied, grid-tied with a battery, off-grid, and micro-grid solar systems both for commercial and residential use cases. For more information about the company and the services it provides, visit https://powertecsolar.ca/. The post Winnipeg Solar Company Increases Production As New Solar Rebate Program Launches appeared first on Powertec Solar. via Powertec Solar https://ift.tt/OYDX1Ly September 23, 2022 at 09:09AM

[powertecsolarwpg]

Is It Legal To Live Off The Grid In Canada?

With the advances made in technology, many people are considering making the switch to more renewable energy sources. Solar panels make it easier than ever before to consider trying to live off-grid, but there are some questions that must first be answered. First and foremost, you must know if it is legal to live off-grid in Canada. 

  Before you make the jump into off-grid living, there are a few things you need to know about the technicalities of this lifestyle. If you are ready to learn more about disconnecting from the grid in Canada, this guide will walk you through what is and is not permitted according to the law: 

Is It Legal To Live Off-Grid in Canada? 

  Living off-grid simply means that you do not connect to the traditional power grid to provide electricity to your home. While this is an appealing prospect for many homeowners, they are often worried that they may actually be doing something illegal. 

  The good news is that living off-grid is perfectly acceptable in Canada, but there are restrictions on what you can and cannot do. 

  The most important things to be aware of are the national building codes. Even if your house is off-grid, it must still adhere to certain safety standards. You won’t be able to move into an old and abandoned barn just because it has power through solar panels. Your home still must be safe for you to live in, meaning that it will require certain precautions such as smoke alarms. 

  Keep in mind that you can still install some of these important components and run them off of your solar power. Alternatively, you can use batteries to ensure that they’re always functional in the event of an emergency. 

House Size Matters

  In addition to adhering to local building codes regarding safety, most areas also have minimum requirements when it comes to the square footage of your home. This will vary across Canada, but it is most likely that your home will need to be between 500 and 1,000 square feet minimum. This can put a serious damper on anyone who was hoping to build an extremely tiny home. 

  Keep in mind that you will need to get a building permit to construct your new off-grid home. If you don’t do things by the book, the government can demand that you abandon your property until you are able to resolve the issues. 

Choosing the Land

  After you ensure that your home is safe and adheres to all of the local building codes, you must think about where your home is located. Many people who think of living off-grid imagine moving their tiny house to a large plot of land or living deep inside the woods. Unfortunately, this is likely illegal unless you have rights to the land. 

  As long as you own the land that you are going to be residing on, there should be no further issue with your ability to live off-grid in Canada. In Canada, squatter rights don’t exist, which means that you’re not allowed to set up your house on any patch of land you so desire. 

   It’s also illegal to camp out for an extended period, even if you own the land. Individual counties will set restrictions on the amount of time you can legally spend camping in your backyard, but the general consensus is about two weeks. This is designed to keep homeless individuals from setting up tent cities, but it can also limit what you can do to live off-grid as well. 

What About Taxes? 

  Many people wonder about the logistics of what they will owe the government if they are entirely self-sufficient. Frequently, those who choose to live off-grid are also involved in a number of other self-sustaining activities, such as growing their own food. Because they don’t rely on the infrastructure, they might be wondering whether they still have to pay taxes at the end of the year.

  Yes, you still have to pay taxes to the Canadian government. These take the form of your income taxes each year. Even though you may not be using any government-aided programs, they still need that money to assist with fixing things like roads. Chances are that you still take advantage of some of these government-run functions. 

  You should also keep in mind that your home must be located on property that you own or have rights to. If you choose to own the land, you will still owe property taxes on this annually. This is based on the square footage of your lot, its location, and more. 

Is Off-Grid Living Right for You?

  There are many different ways to approach off-grid living in Canada. Making sure that you’re following all the laws is significant if you want to make this a sustainable and long-term lifestyle for years to come. Solar panels are one way to ensure that you have enough sustainable power to live without being grid-tied.

If you are thinking about Manitoba solar, then you need the expert help at Powertec Solar. We can give you the advice you need to go about making the transition the easy way!

The post Is It Legal To Live Off The Grid In Canada? appeared first on Powertec Solar.

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[powertecsolar]

Climate Change: Grasping the Ethereal https://t.co/OndRum63AS https://t.co/BlOTNOUufA

Climate Change: Grasping the Ethereal https://t.co/OndRum63AS pic.twitter.com/BlOTNOUufA

— Powertec Solar (@powertecsolar1) January 15, 2019

from Twitter https://twitter.com/powertecsolar1

[powertecsolar]

Climate Change: Fire and Storm https://t.co/JKUk0zOYNQ https://t.co/UJZIoikEea

Climate Change: Fire and Storm https://t.co/JKUk0zOYNQ pic.twitter.com/UJZIoikEea

— Powertec Solar (@powertecsolar1) December 15, 2018

from Twitter https://twitter.com/powertecsolar1

[powertecsolar]

Solar Storage Solutions https://t.co/H6wT3QqeCm https://t.co/sBkLceWszD

Solar Storage Solutions https://t.co/H6wT3QqeCm pic.twitter.com/sBkLceWszD

— Powertec Solar (@powertecsolar1) November 15, 2018

from Twitter https://twitter.com/powertecsolar1

[powertecsolar]

Can Solar Panels Increase the Value of My Home? https://t.co/CGy4wj9YGa https://t.co/DZJiMCihWe

Can Solar Panels Increase the Value of My Home? https://t.co/CGy4wj9YGa pic.twitter.com/DZJiMCihWe

— Powertec Solar (@powertecsolar1) April 3, 2018

from Twitter https://twitter.com/powertecsolar1

[powertecsolar]

Manitoba Hydro Rebate Program for Solar Panels https://t.co/Ge9T40DpXq https://t.co/edUkd3CKj1

Manitoba Hydro Rebate Program for Solar Panels https://t.co/Ge9T40DpXq pic.twitter.com/edUkd3CKj1

— Powertec Solar (@powertecsolar1) March 7, 2018

from Twitter https://twitter.com/powertecsolar1