The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), which advocates for wind, solar and energy storage, commissioned a poll asking Canadians what should come first when governments plan new electricity supply. 33% said keeping electricity affordable, more than twice any other answer, and it ranked first in every region.
Price Comes First
When people had to pick one thing, price came out on top. It was strongest in rural areas, where 42% put it first, compared with 29% in cities.
The poll also asked how governments should choose their priorities. About 4 in 10 said go with the cheapest option as long as the power stays on. Only about 1 in 10 said they'd pay more for a pricier option with other perks.
What That Means for Solar
Solar is a trade. A customer typically pays more now and saves a little every month after. When people care most about price, they look hard at both sides of that trade. They want to know what it costs today and how long until it pays them back.
So the systems that sell easiest are the ones with a clear, short answer to both. CanREA's report calls up-front cost and hard-to-get financing significant barriers for homeowners, and that's the part a price-first customer feels first.
Solar did well in the poll too. When people were asked which kind of power they'd most like to see built, solar and hydro came out on top, almost tied. The question was about power in general, not panels on a house, so it doesn't tell us how many people want solar on their own roof. However, it does show solar is one of the sources people want to see more of.
What Could Change
The biggest hurdle seems to be paying for the system up front. CanREA is asking the federal government for a low-interest loan so homeowners can pay for solar and batteries over time instead of all at once.
Right now, help with the price depends on the province. Hydro-Québec pays $1,000 for every kW of solar installed. BC Hydro pays the same rate for a home, up to $5,000. Ontario offers up to $10,000 for solar and batteries.
If Ottawa says yes to a loan, help could reach customers everywhere, not only where a province pays a rebate. If it says no, a customer's price will keep depending on which province they live in.