In the summer of 2023, Ross and Marla Calder took a significant step toward reducing their household’s environmental impact by installing a ground-mounted solar array on their rural property. Motivated by a desire to model environmental stewardship for their children, the project also aligned with their growing interest in electric vehicles and sustainable energy use. “We wanted to show our kids what you can do at home to make a difference,” Ross explains.

Their system, a 22.8 kW solar array, has exceeded expectations. Since installation, it has generated over 69 megawatt hours of electricity, allowing the family to go roughly nine months of the year without paying for power beyond basic service fees. The panels are connected through a bi-directional meter, meaning excess energy produced during sunnier months is fed back into the grid and credited for use during winter.

The process involved researching providers and working with a local installer to determine the best setup for their property. Government incentives, including federal and provincial programs available at the time, helped offset initial costs. One of the main challenges, however, was clearing space for the panels on their treed lot. Rather than waste the wood, the Calders repurposed it into garden beds extending the project’s sustainability into food production.

Since installing their system, the Calders have seen growing interest from their community, with friends and neighbours pursuing similar projects. For them, the most surprising outcome has been just how much energy they are able to generate covering over 75% of their needs. Their advice is simple: solar is one of the most accessible and effective ways to reduce both costs and environmental impact at home.