Canada and solar power
Solar Energy Statistics
According to the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), the solar energy sector grew by 13.6% (288 MW) in 2021. Canada now has a solar capacity of 2,399 MW, compared to 2,111 MW in 2020. Canada's most valuable source for solar generation is Ontario, sharing almost 96% of its solar power.[1] In 2021 Canada had over 50 energy storage projects with the highest concentration of facilities in Ontario. Canada's utility scale rechargeable energy storage capacity is estimated at over 160 MWac.[2]
Most of the solar power generating potential in Canada is located in the south in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Canada has an overall maximum capacity factor of 6%, compared to 15% in the US. The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) anticipates that solar will form 3% of the country's overall generation by 2040.[3] The potential in coastal regions is lower due to increased cloud cover. Many Canadian cities have a solar potential that rivals many major cities around the world. Installing solar panels on the roofs of residential homes can supply half of Canada's home energy demands. An anticipated 3,000 MW will be commissioned by the end of 2022 and a similar amount in 2023.[4]
Breakdown by Province
List of Canadian provinces with the greatest proportion of energy demand met by wind and solar energy:[5]
- Prince Edward Island - 41%
- Nova Scotia - 13.5%
- Ontario - 9.9%
- Alberta - 9.6%
- New Brunswick - 6.6%
- Northwest Territories - 6.5%
- Quebec 5.7%
Overall, Canada met 6.5% of its energy demand with wind and solar.[5]
Targets, Goals, and Barriers
CanREA states that Canada has a goal of commissioning 1,000 MW of new solar energy for 2022 with 18 new projects, 16 anticipated to be in Alberta.[5] Research conducted by CanREA shows that for Canada to fulfill its pledge of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it will need to build more than 5,000 MW of new wind and solar energy each year for the next 30 years.[4]
According to CER, the primary barrier to solar power generation is cost. Costs for solar power remain greater than for wind power. incentives will be an important factor in encouraging future renewable development. Wind and solar still remain the favorable source of Renewable Energy in Canada due to significant cost reductions from technological advancements. Another challenge to renewable energy production in Canada is space. Long distances with low populations mean that getting power to where it is needed most can be problematic for transmission. Ensuring Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and increasing the Carbon Tax will indirectly increase fossil energy prices and benefit green produces making companies more inclined to buy electricity from green producers over fossil fuel producers.[3]
References
- ↑ "Solar Power Statistics in Canada 2021". Solar Feeds. February 27, 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ "By the Numbers - Canadian Renewable Energy Association". Canadian Renewable Energy Association. 2020-09-17. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Whitlock, Robin (October 8, 2021). "Canada's Solar Development: Potential, Challenges and Future Prospects". Solar Magazine.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ 4.0 4.1 Kamil (2022). "Solar Energy in Canada: All You Need to Know". Panel Upgrade Experts.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Canada installed almost 1 GW of wind and solar energy in 2021, driven by strong growth in Alberta. - Canadian Renewable Energy Association". Canadian Renewable Energy Association. 2022-01-26. Retrieved 2023-01-06.
