Frequently asked questions
From design to maintenance and weather, we tackle a few commonly asked questions. If your question isn't here, please contact us!
Will snow and hail be a problem?
Solar panels are actually more efficient when they’re cold! They’re also inclined, super smooth and warm up quickly under sunlight so if we get a snow dump, they won’t be covered for long. Overall, snow will only reduce a system's output by around 5% per year, and we account for this in our designs & financial projections.
Modern panels are also tested for hail and shouldn't have problems surviving hail storms. They should however be added to home insurance in case of a freak hailstorm or other uncommon weather events.
What does maintenance of my solar system look like?
A solar array requires almost no maintenance. Occasional rainfall keeps them clean and we always install a protective guard that keeps animals and leaves from getting under the panels. We offer inspections to check that the wires stay in place and the monitoring app will let you (and us!) know if anything isn't working like it should.
How do solar panels affect my roof?
They can help extend the life of your roof through providing physical coverage. Solar systems last a long time, so if you have a roof that needs replacing within the next 10 years we suggest doing that before installing a solar system, otherwise you’ll have to pay to get it dismantled and re-installed. We don't usually recommend putting solar on wood shakes due to the potential fire hazard. We work with roofers who can advise as needed.
What is the Greener Homes Loan?
The Greener Homes Loan is an interest-free loan (up to $40,000) that can cover the remaining cost of the installation. There are additional incentives available depending on where you live. We walk all our clients through the application process.
How many panels would I need? How do you calculate system size?
An average family home in Calgary consumes around 6000 kWh of electricity per year, but this figure ranges from 4000kWh to 10,000kWh+. Going electrically net-zero (installing a system that produces the same amount of electricity per year that you consume in a year) usually requires between 14 and 25 450W panels for an average home.
However, you do not have to invest in a net-zero system to benefit from solar; if you have a perfect roof face that offsets 50% of your consumption, it might only cost 40% of what a full net zero system would cost for your home! We design a system to meet your objectives, need and roof geometry. We're happy to meet and talk about your needs and answer any questions you might have.
What are all the inverter options?
All inverters convert the electricity your solar panels produce into useful 110V AC electricity that you can use to power your home. String inverters group your panels into strings (like christmas lights) and combine all the electricity they produce before converting it. They are simple to install, very economical and perfect for large unshaded roofs. Conversely, microinverters convert the electricity of each panel individually making systems highly shade tolerant and efficient, but more expensive than string inverter systems. Microinverters are great for roofs with many faces or lots of shading. DC-Optimizer systems are a hybrid of the two and are useful in some specific cases.
Aren't payback periods too long?
Because solar costs have dropped over 80% in the past 10 years, payback periods are much better nowadays. Our clients see payback periods between 6 to 12 years, depending on what you are currently paying for electricity, and your roof geometry and orientation. Your solar system will produce electricity for 25+ years so after it has paid for itself, you’ll be making money. Our solar systems provide, on average, a rate of return on investment of 5 - 12% over their lifetimes, and sometimes even higher - often beating the market. We also have some extra strategies that we can take you through to accelerate your payback period once your system is installed.
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