Frequently Asked Questions

-What is the available line of solar equipment I could buy from you?

Clearly Solar carries several lines of solar equipment by some of the worlds finest manufactures (like Conergy, Sanyo, Enphase, Polar, Canadian Solar, Sharp, SMA, Solar Giant, Deger, and True North to name just a few), and we’ll design a system best suited to meet your budget, and your specific needs.

-How much power can be generated from each type of installation and how many hours/days of sunshine are needed?

The amount of power generated varies from system to system, but a typical panel will produce approximately 200W of power. The panels produce electricity instantly when the suns shines. There is no minimum required amount of sunshine.

-What is the average yearly hours/days of sunshine in Ottawa?

In Ottawa we average approximately 4 hours of sun per day, Winter or Summer.

-What is the most efficient type of installation for my particular home?

The technology is constantly evolving, like computers or cars. We can show you a variety of options.

-What are the materials that make up the equipment, and what are their expected lifespans?

The basic equipment required for a home installation includes:
1. solar panels (to generate the electricity)
2. a rack mounting system (to secure the panels on your roof, or support panels in your backyard)
3. an inverter to covert the electricity from DC (direct current), to AC (alternating current - what the power grid uses)
4. cabling and a meter box.

-If technology/industry changes (and when does it not?), will this system become obsolete/unservicable?

The systems will change, and there will be improvements in the technology. But the technology that exists today is very reliable, is guaranteed for 25 years or more (because there are no moving parts), and will perform and provide the financial return as specified. As technology evolves, it might make sense to upgrade in the future.

-Does this equipment come with any warranties?

Yes. Most systems are guaranteed by the manufacturer for up to 25 years.

-Who services the equipment if servicing is needed?

There is very little service required to maintain your solar system. Once a year a light cleaning with mild soap and water is recommended. Clearly Solar can provide that service for you. Also, the inverter may need to be replaced after about 15 years.

-If my roof shingles need replacing, how easy is it to do with the solar equipment attached?

In some cases home owners may consider having their roofing shingles replaced before having the solar installed (in the event, for instance, that the shingles are reaching the end of their life expectancy). The replacement of roofing shingles is a service we can also provide, and would be quoted separately. If the roofing shingles are relatively new, this is not a concern. Solar panels actually extend the lifespan of your roofing shingles (because the sun is what ages the shingles, and the panels are covering a portion of the roof).

-What about Winter? Last time I checked we get snow in Canada. How do you keep the snow off the solar panels?

Conveniently, solar panels need to be installed on an angle to face the sun. Because the surface of the panels is smooth glass, the installation angle allows the snow to just slide off. As a further benefit, solar panels like to be cool, so they produce electricity more efficiently in the Winter than they do in the Summer – go figure.

-How do you attach the solar panels? Does it require that you make holes in my roof? If so, will it leak?

The racking system for your solar panels needs to be secured to your roof. No holes are made in the roof, but fasteners are installed to secure the racking system, then covered with a flange, and sealed with roofing sealant to insure that no leaks occur. Installation of solar panels is no more invasive than installing a satellite dish or weather vane.

-Given the total installation cost and estimated power savings, how long would it take to break even?

Your power consumption and your MicroFIT contract can be viewed as two separate issues. It is always a good idea to reduce consumption, thereby reducing your electricity bill; but because you will have two separate meters (one for the electricity you consume – coming into your house, and another for the electricity you produce – leaving your house), the electricity you produce is all you need to consider when calculating your return on investment (ROI). According to the Ontario Power Authority, a typical home installation should expect a 10% annual return from a solar investment. For example a 3KW system will cost about $30,000 to install, and will return about $3,000 per annum to the home owner. In rough figures, the investment will be paid off in 10 years, and since the contract from the OPA is guaranteed for 20 years, the second decade is pure profit.

-Can you compare the cost/ savings with this installation against the cost/ savings that I could expect if I used alternatives, like better insulation/windows/heating system?

As discussed above, you can look at a MicroFIT contract as income, not savings. Again, it is always a good idea to conserve energy and therefore save money, but that won’t affect how much money you can earn from the MicroFIT program. Your return will average (conservatively) 10% per annum for 20 years - a very good investment.

-What if I decide to sell my house? What happens to the contract? Can I take the panels with me?

The panels and contract would transfer to the new owner. The cost of the panels and the future income from the OPA contract would be factored into the selling price. It could be an advantage when selling because potential buyers would get an income stream from their new property. There’s nothing stopping you from setting up a solar system and OPA contract at your new home.

-What rebate/incentive programs (if any) are available for purchasers and how will this affect the overall cost?

There are a variety of government incentives in place. Combined with the MicroFIT program, your solar system can be a very lucrative investment.

-If there are gov't programs to buy back surplus power generated by individual homeowners, how do they work?

These are the FIT, and MicroFIT programs we’ve been talking about. They are both part of the Green Energy Act. Here is all the information from the OPA site:
http://fit.powerauthority.on.ca/