Why invest in solar residential power
Solar electricity not only makes sense, as it offers control of your power costs. But as utility rates go up, the return on investment is getting better.
Since 2009 installed costs on residences have dropped by 60%. This has been driven by increases of solar module inefficiencies, which have improve by 2%, or by 5 watts extra per year for a typical 250 watt product. Solar systems today cost one half of what they did in 2010. The result, is that Solar Panel installations in Canada are now a smart investment; Reducing a typical home’s electrical consumption by 2000+ kWh per year for the next 30 years for under $10,000 is now a possibility. Since your average Canadian home consumes around 10,000 kWh per year, that’s equal to a 20% reduction in electrical costs.
What is the Feed-In Tariff?Ontario’s Green Energy Act includes a program to pay home and business owners up to $0.80 per kilowatt hour of electricity produced by a solar electric system. The province will enter into a 20 year contract with people who install up to a 10 kilowatt solar system at this rate.
Why a Feed-In Tariff?The province of Ontario wants renewable energy to be part of its future. It believes solar energy is one technology that can deliver clean energy directly to consumers. Although solar electricity is expensive today, the province is introducing this program to help consumers put solar energy to work, with the goal of lowering costs and growing an industry that is ready to become mainstream.
What is required to install a solar power systems?
Any person or business can install a solar electric system on their roof. Ideally a home would have a south facing roof slope that receives direct sun during the day. Solar systems require about 100 square feet of area per kilowatt, and at least 2 kilowatts of solar panels are needed to offer a good rate of return.
How long do they last?
Solar electric panels like those made by Sharp Solar have a 25 year power output warranty. They commonly last many years more than that. The system will likely continue to produce electricity long after the 20 year Feed-In Tariff contract has run out.
I’ve heard about a new low cost solar panel...
There is lots of investment in Solar technology development. The best producing solar panels for rooftops are crystalline silicon solar cells. These offer the highest efficiency, reducing the cost of mounting equipment and time to install. Low efficiency panels are less expensive per module, but will often result in higher system costs due to the larger array size. HES-PV uses only high efficiency Hanhwa products in its grid-tie systems.
How do I know what my system is producing?
The inverter has a display that shows the cumulative energy produced by the solar array. All participants in the FIT program must install a second utility meter that logs and records the kilowatt-hours of energy produced by the solar system, and your utility will send you a cheque each billing period.
How do the systems attach to my roof?
We recommend the Fast-Rack systems. These unique solar panel mounting systems secure the modules to the roof with a low profile brackets covered with anodized trim pieces. They have special self sealing roof attachments that make sure the panels are strongly attached but watertight. If your roof needs replacing in the future, the system can be disassembled and reinstalled after the roofers have completed the roof.
What do I need to start?
First you need a suitable location for solar panel placement – a flat or south facing roof slope is ideal. Measure the area to determine that you have 200 square feet or more. Second, you will need a budget to purchase the system, or qualify for a home renovation or equity loan from your bank. Then, contact us to find a local installer who can come to your house and discuss the ideal package for you. Once the system is installed, your contractor can help you fill out the FIT application. Once completed, income from your solar system will start to flow. Your roof will be working for you!
Since 2009 installed costs on residences have dropped by 60%. This has been driven by increases of solar module inefficiencies, which have improve by 2%, or by 5 watts extra per year for a typical 250 watt product. Solar systems today cost one half of what they did in 2010. The result, is that Solar Panel installations in Canada are now a smart investment; Reducing a typical home’s electrical consumption by 2000+ kWh per year for the next 30 years for under $10,000 is now a possibility. Since your average Canadian home consumes around 10,000 kWh per year, that’s equal to a 20% reduction in electrical costs.
What is the Feed-In Tariff?Ontario’s Green Energy Act includes a program to pay home and business owners up to $0.80 per kilowatt hour of electricity produced by a solar electric system. The province will enter into a 20 year contract with people who install up to a 10 kilowatt solar system at this rate.
Why a Feed-In Tariff?The province of Ontario wants renewable energy to be part of its future. It believes solar energy is one technology that can deliver clean energy directly to consumers. Although solar electricity is expensive today, the province is introducing this program to help consumers put solar energy to work, with the goal of lowering costs and growing an industry that is ready to become mainstream.
What is required to install a solar power systems?
Any person or business can install a solar electric system on their roof. Ideally a home would have a south facing roof slope that receives direct sun during the day. Solar systems require about 100 square feet of area per kilowatt, and at least 2 kilowatts of solar panels are needed to offer a good rate of return.
How long do they last?
Solar electric panels like those made by Sharp Solar have a 25 year power output warranty. They commonly last many years more than that. The system will likely continue to produce electricity long after the 20 year Feed-In Tariff contract has run out.
I’ve heard about a new low cost solar panel...
There is lots of investment in Solar technology development. The best producing solar panels for rooftops are crystalline silicon solar cells. These offer the highest efficiency, reducing the cost of mounting equipment and time to install. Low efficiency panels are less expensive per module, but will often result in higher system costs due to the larger array size. HES-PV uses only high efficiency Hanhwa products in its grid-tie systems.
How do I know what my system is producing?
The inverter has a display that shows the cumulative energy produced by the solar array. All participants in the FIT program must install a second utility meter that logs and records the kilowatt-hours of energy produced by the solar system, and your utility will send you a cheque each billing period.
How do the systems attach to my roof?
We recommend the Fast-Rack systems. These unique solar panel mounting systems secure the modules to the roof with a low profile brackets covered with anodized trim pieces. They have special self sealing roof attachments that make sure the panels are strongly attached but watertight. If your roof needs replacing in the future, the system can be disassembled and reinstalled after the roofers have completed the roof.
What do I need to start?
First you need a suitable location for solar panel placement – a flat or south facing roof slope is ideal. Measure the area to determine that you have 200 square feet or more. Second, you will need a budget to purchase the system, or qualify for a home renovation or equity loan from your bank. Then, contact us to find a local installer who can come to your house and discuss the ideal package for you. Once the system is installed, your contractor can help you fill out the FIT application. Once completed, income from your solar system will start to flow. Your roof will be working for you!