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Residential Solar in Calgary: Insights and Trends

Solar energy is booming in Calgary, playing a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and advancing the city’s sustainability goals. At DataPost YYC, we've analyzed the latest data on residential solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, uncovering fascinating trends and insights that reflect the city’s progress and challenges.

Major Drop in Solar Installations After Grant Closure

In February 2024, the closure of the Greener Homes Grant had a noticeable impact. By September, Calgary saw its lowest number of solar PV installations since February 2022. This sharp decline highlights the importance of financial incentives in driving solar adoption and suggests a need for alternative support measures to maintain momentum.


Older Communities Lead the Way in Solar Installations

For years, communities developed in the 2010s dominated residential solar installations. However, this changed in late 2023, when older communities - developed in the 1990s and earlier - surpassed their newer counterparts.



This shift suggests that older communities are catching up in adopting renewable energy solutions, potentially motivated by aging infrastructure upgrades or a growing awareness of solar benefits.


Wolf Willow Leads in Solar Per Capita

When adjusting for population, Wolf Willow in the south of the city stands out as Calgary’s top community for residential solar PV installations. This means that despite being a smaller neighborhood, Wolf Willow’s residents are embracing solar energy at a higher rate than anywhere else in the city. This achievement reflects a strong community and builders commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability, setting an example for other neighborhoods to follow.


Mahogany Tops Annual Solar Installations

Mahogany takes the lead in sheer numbers of solar permits issued in both 2023 and 2024, highlighting its status as a solar adoption hub. This community’s consistent push towards renewable energy reflects both a strong demand for sustainability and an active market for solar installations. Mahogany’s rapid development and engaged residents make it a standout example for other neighborhoods aiming to increase their renewable energy footprint. 



Solar Contractors: Who’s Leading the Market?

Skyfire Energy and Zeno Renewables remain the top players in Calgary’s residential solar market, but competition is heating up. Smaller companies have significantly increased their market share, capturing 37% of installations in 2024. This diversification in the contractor market fosters innovation, creates competitive pricing, and offers residents more options for high-quality installations.



Spotlight on Mahogany

Mahogany’s solar journey showcases the city’s broader trends. This neighborhood has issued a total of 794 permits between 2018 and 2024, with Skyfire Energy leading as the top contractor in 2024. While Mahogany ranks 7th when adjusted for household density, its high overall adoption rate highlights a strong community interest in renewable energy.


The monthly data from 2018 to September 2024 reflects patterns similar to those seen across Calgary, with noticeable peaks during times of strong financial incentives. These insights are just one example of what DataPost can provide. If you’re curious about solar trends in your own neighborhood, reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to share tailored insights for your community.


Resources for Your Solar Journey

If you’re considering going solar, these resources can help:

Sources

Our analysis relied on the following datasets. Data was extracted in October 2024 capturing records from January 2018 to September 2024.


Get Involved

Staying informed about developments in your community is key to being an active and responsible citizen. At DataPost YYC, we aim to empower Calgarians with insights to make informed decisions and take meaningful action. Want to see solar insights for your neighborhood? Let us know!


Together, let’s build a more informed, engaged, and proactive Calgary.


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DataPost


 
 
 

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