Residential Solar PV Standard

Abstract

Alberta is one of Canada’s most attractive jurisdictions for solar PV deployment because of the resource availability. Alberta’s recent regulatory environment, which included attractive incentives that encouraged residential solar PV deployment and installation, resulted in tremendous growth in solar PV systems (1 MW in 2009 to 45 MW in 2017). This paper examines whether a residential solar PV standard in Alberta should be implemented, and what role a standard could play in increasing uptake and deployment of solar PV systems. The research includes an examination of minimum accreditation required for residential installations, the impact of having consistent regulatory approaches throughout the province, and what incentive policies could result in sustained residential solar PV development. Through reviewing policies and approaches used in other jurisdictions, this project aims to provide recommendations for a regulatory environment in Alberta which does not introduce additional barriers for consumers and installers and improves the industry’s reputation.