Solutions > Home construction > Alternative energy
Solar power
There’s no shortage of solar energy in Manitoba, with the potential to give us abundant clean energy, while cutting dependence on non-renewable energy. The problem is harnessing this energy efficiently and economically. Currently, Manitoba Hydro doesn’t consider solar power to be cost-effective in Manitoba, at least where low-cost electricity or natural gas are readily available. (1) Solar power is expensive compared to standard-grid electricity, but prices are coming down year by year.
Currently, Manitoba does not have programs to promote residential or commercial installations of solar energy. (2)
But while installing an active solar system, such as grid-connected photovoltaic solar power, may not yet make economic sense, using passive solar energy can make a sizeable difference in energy bills.
Passive solar energy refers to designing a building and its windows to make optimal use of sunlight for daylighting, space heating and even space cooling.
Basically, sunlight passes through a window (south-facing windows are most efficient), hits an object, is absorbed and is converted to heat. Once in the building, a well-insulated and air tight building will help keep the heat in. It can then be distributed with a ceiling fan or forced air furnace fan. Using building envelope upgrades alone, up to 25 percent of a building’s heating needs can be met with passive solar techniques. (3)
