FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 How does solar power work?

Solar electric panels (also know as photovoltaic panels, PV for short - "photo" meaning light and "voltaic" meaning electricity) are made up of something called silicon, the same thing that sand is made of. Even though you can find silicon almost everywhere, making a solar panel is difficult and expensive. The silicon has to be heated to super high temperatures, and then formed and cut into very thin wafers. When sunlight hits a solar panel, it makes electrons in the silicon move around. The electrons flow through wires that are built into the solar panel. And presto! We have electricity! The electricity coming from the panels is DC power (Direct Current). An inverter is used to change the power to AC (Alternating Current). Many cottage systems forgo the inverter in favour of a 12-volt system.

2 What are the components of a photovoltaic (PV) system?

A PV system is made up of different components. Solar panels produce power, batteries store the power, a charge controller charges the batteries and an inverter converts the power to AC power for your appliances.

3 How does photovoltaic technology benefit me?

It allows you to generate your own electricity for your home or business, independent of your utility company. Energy needs are increasing and along with that prices are on the rise. Solar is the answer! Generating your own electricity provides peace of mind as well as protecting the environment. By using renewable energy to power homes, offices and industry, the need for other electrical sources such as nuclear, coal and hydro, is reduced. Everyone benefits from conserving natural resources and using energy that is clean and environmentally friendly. The electricity generated is clean, renewable, and reliable. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a major benefit of using renewable energy generation.

4 Why should I purchase a PV system?

There are a variety of reasons to buy solar energy systems. A solar power system helps reduce your energy footprint, reduces air pollution and provides a long term, reliable source of energy. Some people like the security of reducing the amount of electricity they buy from their utility, because it makes them less vulnerable to future increases in the price of electricity. A solar system in conjunction with a battery bank is able to provide power during a utility power outage, thereby adding reliability to your power supply . Some individuals live in areas where grid power is not available. Solar power is an economic and reliable way to provide power. The Ontario government’s Standard Offer Program enables home owners or businesses to generate and sell electricity to the province at a profit guaranteed for 20 years

5 Where do you install PV solar panels?

Locating your solar panels accurately is of the utmost importance to allow for optimal output. When deciding where to put your panels consider whether there are trees or buildings that may shade the panels. The best location is on the south side of your roof. The site must have clear, unobstructed access to the sun. If this is not viable then the panels can be pole or ground mounted.

6 How big a system will I need?

That depends on how much electricity you use, and how many hours of sun your location has. Your power bill will tell you how many kilowatt-hours you use per month. Energy conservation- using energy efficient light bulbs and appliances, will help reduce your energy use. Becoming energy efficient is the first step to meeting your energy needs through solar power. Twenty 200 watt panels will produce a daily average of 15 kWh in Southern Ontario.

If you are taking advantage of The Standard Offer Program offered by the Ontario Power Authority, you will have a Grid-Tie system and be paid 42 cents for every kWh you send into the grid. Since you will be selling this power, not using it, available sun and your budget for the project are the only limitations.

For details, we can arrange a time to meet with you and discuss your electric needs.

7 If I decide on a grid-tie system, should I use batteries?

Batteries will provide back-up power if electrical power outages are a concern or common in your area. They are also helpful if you have sensitive equipment that requires ongoing power.

8 Flooded, Gel or Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)? Which battery is better?

There are three major types of batteries, Flooded Lead Acid, Gelled, and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM). The most cost effective are usually the flooded lead acid batteries. They require the addition of distilled water at regular intervals and most should be ‘equalized’ regularly as well. Equalization is the process of purposely overcharging the battery under controlled circumstances. This will equalize the voltage between the cells. These batteries need to be in a battery box that vents outside as hydrogen gas is produced through the charging process. They are available in many sizes and weights. The more robust makes come with 10 year warrantees. The low cost makes them the best sellers but maintenance is the highest.

The gel batteries are very good at cycling (the number of times that they can be discharged) and if punctured will not leak. They are sealed and therefore ‘maintenance free’. They also do not give off any appreciable amount of hydrogen gas when being charged. They are the best batteries for low temperature usage. They are more expensive than flooded batteries and require special charging rates and voltages. They are very good in backup systems as they self drain only about 1% per month.

AGM batteries are lead acid batteries that are absorbed into a glass mat and sealed; there are no fill caps. They are therefore called ‘maintenance free’. They also do not leak if punctured or give off any appreciable hydrogen gas when charging. The numbers of cycles are usually slightly better than flooded lead acid and temperature de-ratings are much better. These are very good for cold weather usage. They are easier to charge than gels. They cost more than flooded lead acid but the low maintenance features and easy charging make them very popular.

9 What maintenance do solar systems require?

The solar electric system is largely maintenance free. Rain will clean off most dust from the panels and this will be all the cleaning they require. The sun absorbing qualities of the panels allow snow to melt easily, but after a heavy snowfall you may want to assist this process by clearing the snow manually. The systems themselves are controlled by electronic circuits, so there is no need to do any adjusting.

10 Can I install it myself to save money?

You can, but we do not recommend it. Installing a solar electric system takes electrical expertise, roofing experience, and lots of patience in dealing with the OPA and your local hydro supplier. We do all the permit processing, arrange all the site inspections, coordinate with your utility to arrange interconnect agreements, and actually do the installation.  If you feel that you would prefer to do the installation and paperwork yourself, we can sell you just the equipment and leave the rest to you. For most customers, however, we recommend that you allow either us or another licensed electrical contractor to do the installation.

11 How long do photovoltaic (PV) systems last?

A PV system that is designed, installed, and maintained well should operate for more than 30 years. The basic PV module has no moving parts and is warranted for 25 years. The best way to ensure and extend the life and effectiveness of your PV system is by having it installed properly.

12 How long is the warranty on this equipment?

Photovoltaic panels are generally guaranteed to maintain at least 80 % power output for 20 – 25 years. Other equipment (inverters, etc.) are generally guaranteed for about 10 years, but guarantees vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

13 Are there any rebate programs or tax incentives to install solar or wind energy systems in my home?

In Ontario, there are many incentives for individuals and business’ who install a renewable energy system, including a rebate of the retail sales tax and The Standard Offer Program http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/SOP/ . See our links page for more information.

14 Is Solar power used worldwide?

Photovoltaic technology is still relatively new and everyone is starting to use it! Internationally, solar technology is widely used. Buildings in Europe and Asia now routinely have solar panels installed. North America has been slower to include solar panels on buildings but that is changing fast. Installing a solar power system will have a positive environmental impact and will still be producing power for you in 30 years..

15 How does a solar water-heating system work?

Every solar water-heating system features a solar collector that faces the sun to absorb the sun's heat energy. This collector can either heat water directly or heat a "working fluid" that's then used to heat the water. In active solar water-heating systems, a pumping mechanism moves heated water through the building. In passive solar water-heating systems, the water moves by natural convection. In almost all cases, solar water-heating systems work in tandem with conventional gas or electric water-heating systems; the conventional systems operate as needed to ensure a reliable supply of heated water. There are many types of solar water heaters. Each has strengths to recommend it for specific climates and water conditions. Solar system professionals can help you select the most appropriate system for your area and your needs. These systems can provide up to 80% of your hot water needs- a significant energy savings!

16 Can a solar water heater replace an electric or gas water heater?

Not completely. Conventional electric or gas water heating systems are still necessary as a supplement to the solar water heating system, largely because the sun might not shine in a particular area for several days at a time. However, because solar water heaters are designed to provide hot water directly to the tank of a gas or electric water heater, they reduce the need for the water heater to run on conventional fuels. And this in turn reduces your gas or electric bill. Depending on where you live, solar water heaters can provide up to 80% of your home's annual water-heating needs.

17 How much does a solar water-heating system cost?

The cost of a solar system depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the system and the particular system manufacturer. However, many solar rebates and other incentives available in your area will reduce that total cost.

18 How much power will I get from a wind turbine?

A wind turbine is generally about 20% efficient. This means that 20% of the time it is producing maximum power or, over all, it is 20% effective. For example- A 1000w turbine will, on average, produce 200w at any given time. In 24 hours it should produce 4800 watt hours.

19 What equipment do I need for a wind system?

You’ll need a wind turbine to produce power, a controller to control the power, batteries to store the power and an inverter to run your appliances.