Solar Explained: An Albertan Homeowner Case Study

This case study will explain how one Albertan family who went solar with Orizon Energy cut their power bills by $1,700 a year. This case study was created to show the reality of going solar in Alberta.

A Large Solar System installation completed by the Orizon Energy team
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Case Study

Project Overview

This residential solar case study follows the Ganesan family in Beaumont, Alberta. Using real electricity bills, solar production data, and Alberta utility rates, it demonstrates how a properly designed rooftop solar system can reduce monthly energy costs and create long-term financial value.

Location:
Beaumont, Alberta
System Type:
Residential Rooftop Solar
Before Solar:
$183.55/Month
After Solar:
$42.58/Month
First Year Savings:
$1,690
Break-Even Point:
Year 11
A residential solar panel system installed on an Alberta home by Orizon Energy
How it Works

Why Solar Works So Well In Alberta

Alberta’s electricity market creates unique opportunities for homeowners who install solar. Programs like Net Billing, Solar Club rate structures, and CEIP financing help maximize the value of solar energy and reduce the upfront cost of installation.

01

Alberta Net Billing

When a solar system produces more electricity than the home is using, the excess energy is exported back to the grid. Homeowners receive credits that can be applied to future electricity bills, helping offset winter energy costs.

02

Solar Club Rates

Many Alberta solar homeowners take advantage of Solar Club programs that offer higher export rates during summer months when solar production is at its highest. This increases the value of exported energy.

03

CEIP Financing

The Clean Energy Improvement Program allows homeowners to finance energy upgrades through their property taxes. This helps reduce the upfront investment required to install solar.

Case Study

Real Results From A Real Alberta Homeowner

This solar savings case study highlights the real-world performance of a residential solar system installed by Orizon Energy for the Ganesan family in Beaumont, Alberta.

Unlike estimates or sales projections, the results shown throughout this case study are based on actual utility bills, solar production data, and Alberta energy rates. This allows homeowners to see how solar performs in real conditions throughout the year.

Homeowner Story

Meet The Ganesan Family

Like many Alberta homeowners, the Ganesan family was looking for a way to reduce long-term electricity costs while investing in improvements that would add value to their home.

After reviewing their historical energy usage and future goals, Orizon Energy designed a solar system that would maximize annual production while helping the family maximize annual production and reduce long-term electricity costs.

Project Snapshot

  • Location: Beaumont, Alberta
  • Project Type: Residential Solar
  • Primary Goal: Reduce Utility Costs
  • Estimated Savings: $1,690/Year
  • Break-Even Point: Around Year 11

Homeowner Goals

  • Reduce Monthly Electricity Costs
  • Protect against rising utility rates
  • Increase long-term financial returns
  • Generate clean energy on-site
  • Better understand solar
Before Solar

What Electricity Cost Before Solar

Before installing solar, the Ganesan family’s electricity costs averaged approximately $183.55 per month, or about $2,200 per year.

Average Monthly Cost
$183.55
Per Month
Approximate Annual Cost
$2,200
Per Year
Solar Savings

Solar Savings At A Glance

Based on real utility data, the Ganesan family’s solar system significantly reduced monthly electricity costs while creating long-term financial value.

Monthly Electricity costs reduced by 77%
After Solar
$42.58
Average Monthly Electricity Cost
First Year Savings
$1,690
Estimated Annual Savings
Break-Even Point
Year 11
Projected Payback Period
Production Data

Production vs. Consumption

This chart compares the Ganeson family’s solar energy production against their household electricity consumption throughout the year.

Bar graph illustrating solar system production vs consumption in Alberta for each month

What This Shows

  • Spring and summer solar production exceeds household usage.
  • Excess electricity is exported to the grid.
  • Credits earned during high-production months help offset future electricity costs.
  • Winter usage is partially balanced by credits generated earlier in the year.
This seasonal production pattern is one of the reasons solar can be highly effective for Alberta homeowners.
Long-Term Value

The Cost of Going Solar vs. Doing Nothing

This comparison shows the projected long-term financial difference between installing solar and continuing to pay for electricity without producing power on-site.

Graph Illustrating Cumulative Energy Bill Savings with and without solar in Alberta

Key Takeaways

  • Solar is projected to break even around year 11.
  • By year 25, the family is projected to be $24,000 ahead.
  • Continuing without solar would mean paying for electricity without building long-term value.

Conservative Assumptions Used

These assumptions keep the projection conservative while still showing the long-term financial impact of reducing electricity costs with solar.
Long-term Opportunity

Solar Isn't Just a Bill Reduction

Saving $1,700 per year does more than lower utility bills.

If that same amount were invested annually into a conservative index fund over 25 years, it could grow to approximately $93,000.

Solar helps keep more money working for the homeowner instead of going to the utility company, turning unavoidable energy costs into long-term financial opportunity.

Homeowner Feedback

What Homeowners Say About Orizon Energy

Orizon Energy works with Alberta homeowners to make the solar process clear, professional, and straightforward from assessment to installation.

"Orizon was very easy to work with. Their installation of panels was well done. All the equipment has worked well without any issues. I was very happy with the help they provided in getting approvals and working with the power provider. Cody Brown was especially helpful in setting up the whole process."

"Orizon made every part of the process super easy. Started with the sales team Wyatt answered every question we may have had. Even came by the house twice in order for us to feel good about the project. They obtained all required permits for us, and installation was super fast."

"We got our solar system installed recently with Orizon Energy. What an amazing experience we had!! From Alex and Tyler, all the way to the office staff and Adam. Start to finish was an excellent experience. Highly recommend Orizon Energy for your next solar project."

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Ready To Explore Solar For Your Home

Every home is different. Schedule a free solar assessment to discover how much solar could save you.

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