Maintenance and Repairs

November 5, 2025 Published by North Alberta Chapter - By Matt Ingvardsen, Melissa L.Stappler

Harnessing The Sun: A Guide to Installing Solar Panels on a Condominium

Shared roofs, legal hurdles, and complex decision-making may seem like barriers—but with the right planning, solar energy is well within reach for condominium communities...

Shared roofs, legal hurdles, and complex decision-making may seem like barriers—but with the right planning, solar energy is well within reach for condominium communities. From funding incentives to board approvals, this guide walks you through the practical steps to harness the sun and cut long-term costs.

In an era of climate consciousness and rising energy costs, solar power is emerging as an increasingly attractive, practical, and impactful solution for cost-effective, sustainable condo living. While single-family homeowners can typically install solar panels with relative ease, condominiums face a more complex path. Shared roofs, multiple owners, and legal hurdles make the process more intricate, but certainly not impossible.

With thoughtful planning, the right professional guidance, and community buy-in, condo solar installations are not only possible—they’re more affordable than ever. This guide walks you through the key considerations, from financial incentives and energy audits to legal requirements and owner engagement.

Why Solar Makes Sense for Condos

With energy prices rising and growing pressure to reduce emissions, condominiums are well-positioned to benefit from adopting the use of solar energy. According to the Alberta Solar Performance Report (2021), solar systems can reduce electricity costs by 25-50%. Multi-residential buildings often see the greatest savings thanks to stable, predictable energy use.

Yet, adoption remains surprisingly low. A 2023 survey by Solar Alberta found that fewer than 2% of condominiums have installed renewable energy systems, despite strong interest.

Solar offers compelling benefits:

• Lower electricity bills
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Increased property value
• Energy independence for common areas — or even individual units

Financially, solar makes sense. A well-designed system can offset power usage in shared spaces like hallways, elevators, lobbies, and parkades – helping to reduce operating expenses and, in some cases, condo fees. A 2022 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) report estimates a typical simple payback period of 6-9 years for Alberta condominiums, with positive Net Present Value (NPV) over a system’s 25-30-year lifespan.

Additional financial tools — such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, zero-interest loans, and rebates — help lower costs and reduce the need for large upfront investments (Alberta Municipalities, 2023).

One standout option is the CMHC MLI Select program, which offers financing up to 95% loan-to-value for projects that meet energy efficiency, affordability, or accessibility targets—a powerful tool for condo boards exploring capital upgrades.

Solar installations also align with federal sustainability goals promoted by NRCan, making solar a strategic option for future-focused condominium boards.

Start with an Energy Audit

Before installing solar panels, the essential first step is to complete an energy audit. An audit evaluates the building’s current energy use, identifies areas for efficiency upgrades, and determines whether the infrastructure is suitable for solar integration. It also provides a baseline for quantifying impact and measuring future energy improvements.

It’s important to hire an accredited energy advisor licensed to assess and evaluate multi-unit buildings.

Beyond solar readiness, the audit often reveals other upgrades that can enhance savings:

• Attic insulation improvements to reduce heat loss
• Air sealing to boost HVAC efficiency and indoor comfort
• Lighting and HVAC upgrades to high-efficiency models
• Infrastructure optimization based on past renovations

Several incentive programs require a completed energy audit—including the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Alberta’s Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP).

Navigating Legal & Governance Hurdles

Condominiums face unique governance and legal requirements when modifying shared infrastructure. Unlike detached homes, where one owner can make unilateral decisions, changes to condominium common property typically require leadership by the condo board and significant owner support.

Keep in mind that the purchase and installation of solar panels is likely considered a capital improvement and (depending upon how the condominium intends to pay for it) may require a resolution of the owners before the project can proceed.

Key Considerations for Condo Decision-Makers

• Review Governing Documents: Every condo has a unique condominium plan and bylaws which specify the ownership boundaries between common property and individual units. This is important to consider when determining where solar panels can be installed and who benefits from the energy produced. Some condominiums may also be subject to restrictive covenants that regulate exterior alterations.
• Clarify Project Funding: Will costs be covered by the operating account, a special levy, the reserve fund, or a loan? If the plan is to issue a special levy to raise funds or draw from the reserve fund to pay for the project, a special resolution of the owners will be required (see sections 39.1(3) and 38(2) respectively of the Condominium Property Act). If the plan is to finance the project, the condominium’s borrowing bylaws must be examined. Legal advice is crucial here.
• Engage Owners Early: Transparency is essential, and it builds trust. Solar installation represents a significant investment, and condo boards must build owner support through clear, early communication. Hold information sessions about the options, share cost-benefit analyses, and invite feedback by creating space for questions and input. Involving owners and legal counsel early helps avoid roadblocks and sets the stage for project success and lays the foundation for a project that benefits the whole community.

Your Solar Installation Roadmap

Installing solar panels in a condominium can seem complex, but they’re very manageable with the right approach. Here’s how to move forward:

1. Conduct an Energy Audit

Hire a certified energy advisor to assess usage and evaluate solar potential. This is the baseline for your project.

2. Consult Legal Counsel

A condo lawyer can help interpret your governing documents, navigate legal requirements and advise on funding models.

3. Develop a Solar Proposal

Work with a reputable solar provider (preferably one affiliated with Solar Alberta) to design a system tailored to your condominium. The proposal should include technical specifications, warranties, system scalability, costs, timelines, and estimated savings.

4. Engage Condominium Owners
Present the proposal to owners. Encourage input, and gather feedback, answer questions, and build consensus.

5. Secure Approvals & Permits
Pass any necessary owner resolutions and secure approvals from regulatory authorities (including the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and the local electricity provider).

6. Install the System
Work with experienced contractors to complete the installation safely. Make sure your contractor handles final inspections and utility connections professionally.

Three Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Choosing a System Based on Lowest Price
Failing to engage the AUC or your wire services provider can cause costly delays.

2. Skipping Regulatory Approvals
Roof-mounted systems need rodent guards and weatherproofing. These protections are essential for long-term durability.

3. Neglecting System Protection:
Prioritize solar providers with a proven track record, strong warranties, and reputable references.

Should You Consider Solar Leasing?

In some regions, particularly Ontario and parts of the United States, solar leasing models are growing in popularity.

Lease arrangements allow a third-party provider to install and maintain the solar system at little or no upfront cost, while the landowner pays a monthly fee or purchases the power generated through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

While attractive on the surface, these kinds of arrangements typically involve long-term contracts, third-party ownership of the equipment, and restrictions on system modifications or early termination. For condo corporations, this can create challenges related to governance and reserve fund planning.

Should You Consider Solar Leasing?

In some regions, particularly Ontario and parts of the United States, solar leasing models are growing in popularity.

Lease arrangements allow a third-party provider to install and maintain the solar system at little or no upfront cost, while the landowner pays a monthly fee or purchases the power generated through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

While attractive on the surface, these kinds of arrangements typically involve long-term contracts, third-party ownership of the equipment, and restrictions on system modifications or early termination. For condo corporations, this can create challenges related to governance and reserve fund planning.

In Alberta, solar leasing remains uncommon in the condominium market due to regulatory complexity and a lack of established providers.

Most solar installations in the province proceed through purchase or financing, and are often supported by incentive programs that significantly lower upfront costs and reduce barriers.

However, as leasing models expand nationally, it may be worth exploring these options with legal and financial advisors to ensure all viable pathways are considered.

Final Thoughts: Powering the Future Together

Bringing solar energy to a condominium complex requires vision, leadership, planning, and community collaboration—but the benefits are lasting and the payoff can be significant. From reducing operational costs to increasing property values, and aligning with Canada’s green energy goals, solar can be a strategic long-term investment for condo communities ready to lead in sustainability.

By engaging owners, performing the right assessments, and accessing financial tools and expert advice, solar success is not only possible—it’s also practical and within reach.

With new technologies and funding models on the rise, there has never been a better moment for Alberta condominiums to step into the clean energy future and lead the way.

Now is the perfect time for Alberta condominiums to take a leadership role in the clean energy transition – and start harnessing the sun for a brighter, more sustainable future.

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Matt Ingvardsen is a Registered Energy Advisor specializing in multi-unit residential buildings, energy auditing, project consulting and sustainability incentives in Alberta. Matt can be reached at matt@katesenergy.com.

Melissa L. Stappler is a condominium lawyer practicing at Willis Law in Edmonton. Melissa can be reached at mstappler@willislaw.ca.

 

References

• Alberta Municipalities. (2023). Property assessed clean energy (PACE) program. Retrieved from https://www.abmunis.ca/programs-services/property-assessed-clean-energy-pace
• Alberta Solar Performance Report. (2021). Solar energy performance trends in Alberta. Solar Alberta. Retrieved from https://solaralberta.ca/publications/alberta-solar-performance-report/
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). (2022). MLI-select financing options. Retrieved from https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/finance-and-investing/multi-unit-loan-insurance
• Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA). (2022). Energy-as-a-service model. Retrieved from https://www.cansia.ca/energy-as-a-service
• Condominium Property Act, RSA 2000, c. C-22 (CanLII). Retrieved from https://canlii.ca/t/5612l