The sun is shining, solar incentives are growing, and more Alberta homeowners are ready to go green and go solar. ☀️ But before you dive into panel quotes and installation timelines, there’s one step many homeowners overlook:
👉 Making sure your home is electrically ready for solar.
At Stripped Electrical, we’ve helped countless clients prep their homes for solar the right way—saving them headaches, delays, and costly do-overs. We’re not a solar panel installer, but we’re the expert electricians who make sure your system is ready to support clean energy safely and efficiently. Let’s walk you through what you need to know to become truly solar-ready in Alberta.
Why Electrical Prep Matters Before Solar Installation
Installing solar panels without first upgrading your home’s electrical infrastructure is like installing a turbocharger on a car with worn-out brakes.
Solar systems don’t just sit on your roof. They integrate directly into your electrical panel, grounding system, and grid connection. If your current setup can’t handle the flow of energy—or isn’t up to code—you could run into:
- Installation delays
- Rejected permits
- Overloaded circuits
- Fire hazards
- Voided insurance coverage
- Extra fees from your solar installer
That’s why step one should always be: get your electrical system inspected by a certified electrician before you go solar.
What Makes a Home “Solar-Ready”?
Being solar-ready means your home’s electrical system can handle the incoming energy from your solar panels and safely distribute it to your home and back to the grid.
Here’s what we look at when we assess solar readiness:
✅ 1. Electrical Panel Capacity
Your main electrical panel is the heart of your home’s power system. Most solar panel systems require a 200-amp panel or larger to ensure safe distribution of power.
Ask yourself:
- Is your panel 100 amps? You may need a full upgrade.
- Is your panel old or full? It may not have room to add solar breakers.
- Is your panel properly labeled, grounded, and up to code? That’s a must.
📌 Pro Tip: Even newer homes sometimes need panel work before going solar. Don't assume you're in the clear!
✅ 2. Metering Setup & Utility Coordination
When you produce your own energy, you’ll need a bi-directional meter that can track both what you consume and what you export to the grid (hello, micro-generation credits! 💰).
We’ll help you:
- Ensure your current metering setup is compatible
- Coordinate with your utility provider
- Understand NET metering vs micro-generation
Solar isn’t just technical—it’s also paperwork. We make sure you’re ready on both fronts.
✅ 3. Grounding & Bonding
Alberta building codes require precise grounding and bonding for all electrical systems, especially solar.
Improper grounding = major fire risk.
Our team will:
- Inspect your existing grounding system
- Upgrade rods, plates, or bonding if needed
- Ensure all components meet Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) standards
We take safety seriously—especially when you’re introducing new current into your home.
✅ 4. Conduit & Wiring Pathways
Once panels are installed, wiring must run from your roof (or solar mount) to your electrical panel. That means you need safe, accessible pathways.
During a solar-ready assessment, we:
- Plan optimal wiring routes
- Ensure conduit support and protection
- Identify any attic or crawl space challenges
- Confirm wall penetration meets insulation/firestop codes
Without this prep, solar installers may have to drill extra holes or reroute cabling—which can lead to more cost and less curb appeal. 💸
✅ 5. Roof Condition & Load Bearing
Okay, we’re not roofers—but we do coordinate with them when evaluating whether your roof:
- Can physically support the panel weight
- Has enough sun-facing space to be effective
- Will need replacement in the next 5–10 years
If a new roof is coming soon, it’s smart to do that before going solar—otherwise, you’ll be uninstalling and reinstalling those panels again.
Bonus: Upgrades That Boost Your Solar Investment
If you're already updating your panel or wiring, this is the perfect time to future-proof your home.
Here are a few extras we often recommend:
EV Charger Readiness
Adding an electric vehicle in the future? Install a 240V circuit now while you're upgrading your panel.
Smart Load Management
Advanced breaker panels (like SPAN or Leviton systems) can help you balance home energy use efficiently—even when the sun’s not shining.
Battery Storage Compatibility
Planning on adding a battery later (like a Tesla Powerwall)? We’ll ensure your panel and circuits are designed to integrate storage seamlessly.
Do I Need a Permit for This Work in Alberta?
Yes! ⚠️ All electrical work—especially related to solar and panel upgrades—requires a permit and must be completed by a certified electrician. It also must be inspected by your local authority (like the City of Edmonton or the Alberta Safety Codes Authority).
The good news? Stripped Electrical handles all of this for you.
When you book with us, we:
- Pull the correct permits
- Complete work to current Alberta codes
- Coordinate inspections with the proper authority
- Provide documentation for your solar installer and insurance provider
✅ No headaches. No missed steps. Just peace of mind.
Why Choose Stripped Electrical for Solar-Ready Prep?
We're more than just electricians. At Stripped Electrical, we're a team of passionate professionals who care about doing things right—every time.
Here’s why Alberta homeowners trust us:
- Expertise in complex panel and wiring upgrades
- Personalized service for every home
- In-depth planning and transparent quoting
- Permit + inspection management
- Clear communication from start to finish
Whether you’re going solar next month or next year, we’ll make sure your home is ready to shine.
Let’s Get Your Home Solar-Ready Today
Don’t wait until your solar installer runs into a wiring issue or your panel gets flagged during inspection. Start strong by preparing your home with the electrical experts at Stripped Electrical.
📬 Contact Us Today
- 📧 Email: hello@strippedelectrical.ca
- 📞 Call: 780-932-1776
- 🌐 strippedelectrical.ca
We light up homes—and futures—across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, and beyond.
