This is a system that converts sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic solar panels are mounted on a framing system or flush with the surface of the building, either the roof or an exterior wall surface as allowed under the Zoning Bylaw, to capture sunlight.
The panels are wired to the home's electrical panel and may supply all or a portion of the total electricity consumption. The surplus electricity may be stored in a battery array for future use, or be fed back into the grid.
These systems are also called micro-generation systems and are governed under the micro-generation regulations by the Government of Alberta, which allow Albertans to generate their own environmentally-friendly electricity and receive credit for any power they send into the electricity grid. In Edmonton, compliance with this regulation requires an application with EPCOR.
Review and approval from the City’s Development, Electrical, and Building Safety sections is required.