Education

Q1. What is Solaricity?
Q2. Where do solar panels typically get installed?
Q3. How much area will the panels take up on my roof?
Q4. How much does a solar electricity system cost?
Q5. How long will it take to pay off the system?
Q6. Will a solar system affect my property taxes?
Q7. Will a solar system increase my homeowners insurance?
Q8. How do I use the electricity from my roof?
Q9. Once my home is powered by Solaricity, will my power stay on during black-outs?
Q10. What maintenance is required for my solar electricity system?
Q11. What about other Green Power I can buy from other companies?

Q1. What is Solaricity?

Solaricity is a term we have coined for solar electricity. It represents the concept of taking your electrical needs from the power of the sun. In one hour, enough energy hits the surface of the earth to power the entire worlds energy needs for a whole year. We believe in harnessing the power of the sun and not letting it go to waste. Top ↑

Q2. Where do solar panels typically get installed?

Typically, solar panels are installed on a sizable unobstructed roof that faces as close to south as possible, an open field or backyard. Since each panel is almost one and a half square meters (approx 15 sq. ft.) in size, the larger the roof or field the better. Systems come in any number of sizes from one kilowatt for a small system up to as much as ten kilowatts for a home with higher energy demands. Top ↑

Q3. How much area will the panels take up on my roof?

With a small one-kilowatt system as mentioned above, the system will take up approximately seven square meters (approx. 75 sq. ft.). A larger system of ten kilowatts can take up as much as seventy-eight square meters (approx. 840 sq. ft.). Top ↑

Q4. How much does a solar electricity system cost?

Typically a solar electricity system costs in the area of $10,000 per kilowatt of generating capacity. As the size of your system increases the cost per kilowatt does come down. This is due to some of the up-front costs being amortized over the balance of the system. Top ↑

Q5. How long will it take to pay off the system?

Depending on the size of your system it will take between 7 and 11 years. The larger the system is, the faster the payback period. This is also due to up-front costs being amortized over the life of the system. Top ↑

Q6. Will a solar system affect my property taxes?

As of this time the provincial government has announced that it will be amending the Assessment Act so that any installed renewable energy systems will not affect your home's assessed value. When the changes have been made official through the passing of the Green Energy Act, other legislation or there is a formal press release from MPAC we will update this section. Top ↑

Q7. Will a solar system increase my homeowners insurance?

Possibly. It is recommended that you contact your agent with any specific questions you may have. Top ↑

Q8. How do I use the electricity from my roof?

You simply turn on your lights, an appliance or television. Your rooftop solar panels will be connected to your electrical system through a grid-tied inverter. This unit, or units, will convert the solar electricity generated by your panels from DC current to AC current that you can use throughout your home. Depending on the size of your system, your solar panels will supply all or only a portion of your electrical needs. The balance will be drawn from the electrical grid. During times of lesser demand your excess Solaricity will be sent back to the electrical grid for others to use. Throughout the night when your panels are not generating electricity, your home continues to maintain its connection to the electricity grid as a supply of available power. All this switching is done seamlessly and automatically without any intervention or assistance from the homeowner. Top ↑

Q9. Once my home is powered by Solaricity, will my power stay on during black-outs?

No. For safety reasons, the basic grid-tied system is designed to disconnect from the grid and shut down the supply of energy from the panels. There are battery back-up systems that can be integrated into your home for added comfort and piece of mind during unforeseen power outages. For an onsite evaluation of your needs, please feel free to contact us for a quote. Top ↑

Q10. What maintenance is required for my solar electricity system?

While your system is virtually maintenance free, we do recommend that your panels be cleaned occasionally. If you notice that your system is not performing as it should you can simply wipe down the panels with a damp cloth or mild cleaner that leaves no residue. You can also opt for a service agreement and we will send someone out to test and clean your system on a regular schedule. For more information, please feel free to ask our sales representative at the time of purchase. Top ↑

Q11. What about other Green Power I can buy from other companies?

Another alternative to helping the environment is to buy yourself green by purchasing your power from renewable sources. The leading green power company charges 8.9¢ per kWh for electricity from clean, emissions-free sources. This is compared to 5.7¢ - 6.6¢ per kWh from your local utility. (The balance of delivery charges and customer fees will still be charged even if you switch to an alternative supplier) This results in you paying a premium for your electricty.

If you cannot afford a solar array or simply do not have the space, a green power supplier might be right for you. In the end you must ask yourself, "Do I want to pay more to do my part for the environment or do I want pay less?" Top ↑