Solar is the future of home and commercial energy, but unfortunately nobody seems to know much about it. We’re going to correct that today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Energy
How does it work?
Solar Panels are made up of many cells of treated silicon, also known as photovoltaic cells. These cells collect the radiation from the Sun and convert it to electricity. The panels are wired together, and the electricity flows through an installed conduit and wiring system to an Inverter. The Inverter is normally located inside your home or business near the Electrical panel. The Inverter changes the electricity from the Solar Panels to a useable form of electricity that matches your existing electrical system characteristics. Whether in a home or business, you are now ready to start harnessing the power of the sun!
Why Should I invest in Solar?
Now is the best time to take advantage of Government Incentives, and at the same time protect the environment with a renewable power source. A Solar investment adds value to your home or business, and the F.I.T. contract is transferable to the new owners, should you decide to sell your property.
What income will it generate?
On an unshaded south facing roof, each kilowatt of solar installed can generate between 1000 and 1300 kilowatt hours, or $800 to $1100 per annum. A ten kilowatt system, costing about $105,000 could generate as much as $12,000 per year. This equates to a Return on Investment of roughly 10%.
Who takes care of the permits?
We arrange all the required permits and applications for inspection with the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario. We also co-ordinate with the Local Distribution Company and Local Building Department.
What size system should I have installed?
A minimum 2.5 kilowatt system would be needed to see a good return on investment.
Will a Solar Installation affect my home insurance?
Generally there is little or no change in your policy. It is advisable to check with your insurance company before an installation.
What about Government Incentives?
The FIT (Feed In Tariff) program through the Ontario Power Authority.Revenue Canada allows a faster depreciation of Solar Equipment for small businesses.
Can a Solar Installation provide Emergency Standby Backup Power?
Yes. Similar to an automatic standby Generator, a Solar Panel Installation can provide emergency backup power. A special Inverter, batteries and other modifications are required. This is an additional investment of funds, space in your home and time investment to maintain and check the batteries required. This may not be for everyone as the additional investment may be prohibitive.
