Power your way to a brighter tomorrow

Most geographic zones within North America generate enough annual solar radiation to support solar energy home installations.

Across Canada, major cities in provinces from coast to coast get an average of 302 days of sunshine* each year. At the high end of the scale, Calgary, Alberta, receives an average of 333 days of sunshine, with 52% bright sun during daylight hours. At the lower end of the scale, St. John’s, Newfoundland, receives an average of 272 days of sunshine, with 35% bright sun during daylight hours. Ontario gets an average of 294 days of sunshine* each year and supports several large-scale solar farms within the province.

*With approximately 42%-45% bright sun during daylight hours. Source: Environment Canada. 1981-2010 Climate Normals & Averages.

On cloudy days, solar panels produce less electricity than on sunny days. With overcast weather conditions, panels produce about half as much electricity as under full sun. If panels become covered with snow, they will stop producing power, but generally, the snow melts quickly as soon as the sun strikes the modules.

Yes. Solar panels consist of solar cells that are mostly silicon, the primary component of sand. No exhaust or toxic materials are leaking out of the system. The electricity coming through the inverter is like that from household wall sockets and requires the same care you would give any other power conductor. All components are approved for connection to your local hydro company and are installed according to standard construction practices. Our systems go through inspections with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) before connecting to the grid.

Solar inverters have a shorter lifespan and warranty than panels because the inverter is doing most of the work in the system to convert DC to AC power. The warranty on a solar inverter is 12 years compared to 25 years for the panels and optimizer. You can extend the warranty to 25 years for less than the cost of an inverter. The cost of a string inverter can range from $2,000-$4,000, depending on the size and capabilities. We typically expect to replace your inverter after year 13.

Generally, the most common considerations include current and future shading on your panels from chimneys, trees, and other buildings, as well as ensuring the proper orientation of your panels toward the sun.

Before installing a solar energy system on your rooftop, an engineering review and roof inspection will determine whether your rooftop is strong enough to support the added load. Engineering approval occurs before we apply for your (mandatory) building permit.

One of the leading causes of power loss in a solar PV system is when part of a panel – or array – becomes shaded. Typically, the panels are connected in strings, so the output of that particular string of panels will only be as great as the lowest-performing panel. Therefore, a solar installation should be designed so that none of the panels are even partially shaded at any point of the year.

Panels facing south at the correct tilt angle will provide the maximum energy output. Solar panels can, however, face the sky anywhere between east and west directions and still perform quite well. We can estimate the best production for optimal orientation and tilt angle during the system discovery phase.

Shingles under solar panels are protected from weather and remain in better condition. Sometimes, it is possible to replace shingles around your solar array. Suppose your roof requires maintenance under your array. In that case, the removal and reinstallation of solar panels have a quick turnaround – about half a day for removal and one day for reinstallation.

We recommend installing solar panels if your roof will last longer than ten years.

Once you’ve signed a contract, your project process is ready to begin. We will take care of all the planning and permits required for installation. Our team will keep you up to date as we progress through the development process. On installation day, our team of solar technicians and electricians will get to work. Installation can take approximately 1-3 days. Once everything is installed and fully inspected, the utility will change your meter so you can turn your system on.

The homeowner is responsible for maintenance. One of the most significant advantages of solar power is that there is very minimal maintenance. With no moving parts, typical maintenance consists of spraying the panels down with a hose to remove any dirt.

Solar panels have been known to be fully operational for 40 years or longer. Solar panels are highly durable and designed to withstand golf ball-sized hail. The mounting systems are engineered to withstand severe wind and weather conditions.

A typical installation costs between $14,000 and $40,000, depending on your roof structure and how much electricity your household needs to produce. Battery storage is an additional cost.

Costs to maintain a solar energy system are low. It’s ideal to have your system inspected annually, but, at the very least, we recommend every 3-5 years. For service, a minor issue could be replacing a connector or a part, which may take an hour. More significant services could include replacing the inverter or replacing old wiring. A high-quality installation and regular inspections will ensure your solar energy system operates well for 25 years or more.

On average, homeowners pay a marginal amount (around $100-$200 per year) for home insurance covering a typical residential solar energy system.

Solar power generation can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). For a typical family home, a 5-kW system will offset roughly 73 tonnes of GHG emissions and a total of 1,825 tonnes of GHG emissions over the system’s lifespan. Generating power with solar is one of the cleanest ways to produce electricity. You’ll be doing your part to help achieve a sustainable future.