How do I know if something is not working?

Your solar system comes with a real time monitoring system that allows you to observe what your solar panels are producing 24 hours per day

Share Solar: The solar installer will monitor the system for you. Zero work on your part.

Purchase Solar: Because you own the solar system on your roof, you are responsible for monitoring its performance. You can access this free monitoring program through any mobile device including smartphones, laptops, tablets and desktop computers. You can even set-up automated email alerts with production updates and a warning if your system is not operating at maximum efficiency.

What type of maintenance am I going to be responsible for?

Share Solar: Solar panel systems are very low maintenance to being with, but either way since you do not own the panels, the solar installer will fully maintain the system for you.

Purchase Solar: Solar panels have no moving parts, so once the microFIT system is installed there is virtually no maintenance required. All of the hardware is rustproof aluminum and stainless steel to protect against corrosion. If you live in a particularly dusty area it may be beneficial to clean the panels ever couple of years, however in most cases the rain will be enough to remove any dust and soiling that has accumulated.

Will the panels still work if it snows?

Yes. The surface of the solar panels is warm enough to melt any snow that falls. If it snows overnight, sunlight can penetrate up to 3 feet of snow. For further verification, please refer to this article: http://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2016/02/snow-what-solar-works-fine-among-winters-flurries/

How long are the warranties?

Each microFIT solar power system includes a comprehensive 3 year labour, material and workmanship warranty by the solar installer. The major components of your solar power system also have manufacturer performance warranties for 25 years. Speak to one of our Solar Professionals for a more detailed outline of the component warranties.

How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years.

Share Solar: When you inherit the solar panel system in 20 years’ time, panel efficiency will level out at 80-90% production. That means you can use the remaining electricity the panels produce for another 20 to 30 years after the microFIT contract expires. This will translate into over $100,000 worth of savings for many homeowners!

Fun fact: NASA uses the same photovoltaic solar panel technology to power the International Space Station, the rovers on Mars, and telecommunications satellites.

Why not wait until better technology comes around?

Myth: what if the technology becomes obsolete

Unlike smartphones and smart TVs whose technology changes frequently, crystalline solar panels haven’t changed much since the 1960s. What has changed the most with solar since the 60s is the price. It took up until this decade for manufacturing and production on a massive scale to make solar panels more affordable. If any new solar technology did come out, it would also take decades for the price to come down to meet the pricing we have today. Either way the inverters used to convert the DC (direct current) energy captured by the solar panels to regular household 240 volt AC (alternating current) already operate at a peak efficiency of 96.5% so we will not see significant improvements on this technology for many years.

Are solar panels a fire hazard?

Solar panels have no more risk of fire than any of the existing wires in and around your home. As part of the Ontario building code, it is a requirement that we install a main disconnect switch that is primarily for fire fighters to turn off the flow of electricity. Firefighters are now trained about this standard.

Will installing a solar panel system damage my roof?

No. Solar panels are mounted onto the roof using a racking system with flashing. The same flashing that’s already being used on your roof to waterproof it around objects like vent pipes. One side-effect of installing solar panels onto your roof is that they protect the shingles underneath. Majority of damage to shingles comes from exposure to the sun, so having panels installed extends the life of your shingles.

Share Solar: Our installer covers your roof with a third party insurance covering any potential damages for 20 years.

Purchase Solar: At the end of the day, when it comes to your roof, our installers don’t ‘goof’ around, so your system is equipped with a full 3 year installation warranty.

What if I need a new roof?

Share Solar: Our installer offers a one time free removal of the solar system! 

Purchase Solar: Even though the solar installer does not cover the cost of removing solar panels for the homeowner, when your solar-less neighbour re-shingles the roof, they pay the price. If you need to reshingle the roof coupled with solar, you have the opportunity to take advantage of the many tax benefits to save you money you wouldn’t otherwise without solar. Your Solar Professional can walk you through how that works.

What happens if I sell my house?

You simply transfer over the microFIT contract to the new homeowner. Now they will be able to benefit from the income your solar system generates. Since your home is an income generator now, this will add to the value of your property, and simultaneously help attract new buyers. According to National Renewable Energy Lab, homes with solar panels sold 20% faster at 3-4% higher than the asking price.

Myth: what if no one wants the panels when I sell my home?

Let’s address the idea of home value relative to solar panels for a moment. The solar industry has grown over 40% year over year reaching over 1 million residential homes installed with solar panels across North America. The reality is hydro costs will keep increasing and it’s only a matter of time before more and more of your neighbours go solar too. Demand for alternative sources of energy will keep rising and the value of your home compared to one without solar panels is higher. Ask yourself this: would you rather move into a home with LED lightbulbs or Incandescent lightbulbs?

Aesthetic concerns? A lot of homes with solar panels installed, are not visible from the front simply because the best exposure areas happen to be located in the back and the sides of the home. (South exposure is the best. East and West work too.)

Good news is your home will be listed with solar just like features like A/C, washer, dryer etc. on real estate listings pages online, so just like a home with an addition like a pool, no one will approach you to dig out the pool first before they buy the home. You won’t attract those types of buyers in the first place.

Alternatives to power homes with products like solar is trending, so you will find more people who want more than those who do not.

Is my homeowner’s insurance going to increase?

Share Solar:  Because you do not own the panels under this program and are not responsible for maintaining them, the solar installer takes out a third party insurance policy covering damages up to $5 million.

Purchase Solar: Since installing a solar system on your roof adds to the value of your home, you should notify your insurance company. In some cases this may reduce your premium, in others it may increase your premium by up to $10 per month.

Insurance providers who have a history of offering competitive premiums to homeowners with solar panels: Aviva Insurance, Pearson Dunn, TD, Statefarm, Cooperators

If you’re curious to see what other home insurance providers have to offer, ask one of our Solar Professionals to get you in touch with an Insurance Broker.

What if the government cancels the contract?

The microFIT and FIT contracts are guarantees from the government that your hydro company will purchase electricity produced by your solar system at a promised rate. These programs are geared towards community groups, educational institutions, municipalities, aboriginal groups and homeowners. If the government tries to cancel your contract, they will be cancelling on the most important groups of people in our province. There is no way the province will take that risk which will just end in a class action lawsuit. The only possible cancellation is for contracts that have not been offered. Contact us today and we will get you approved with our free microFIT application service. Contracts are limited and only available for the first 5000 applicants each year.

What happens after the government MicroFIT contract expires in 20 years?

Once your MicroFIT contract expires, you will be able to rewire the panels to send the electricity directly in your own home and use the solar power generated to offset your electricity bill. In most cases, the power produced from a solar system can offset 80%-100% of a home’s electricity usage!

How long does it take to install?

Installation is quick, the whole process only takes 2 to 3 days. Engineering, building permit and microFIT contract offer make the whole process take about 4 to 6 months on average. Please refer to the Qualify Page for a list of Project steps.