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Go Solar – Frequently Asked Questions |
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Questions and Answers
The Go Solar program receives a number of questions through the Go Solar website, hotline, outreach and education activities. Below are commonly asked questions and some short responses to help homeowners navigate the growing volume of information about solar power that is now available.
If you do not see an answer to your specific question below or require further explanation, please contact us. |
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FAQ Categories:
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1. General – The Go Solar Program |
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| Q: |
What is the Go Solar program? |
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Go Solar, a program of the Clean Air Foundation, is in place to bring together essential information resources for homeowners in Ontario interested in installing solar water heater or photovoltaic systems. |
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| Q: |
Why go solar? |
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There are numerous benefits to going solar in Ontario. Solar homeowners mention the following reasons for going solar in Ontario: the environmental benefit of curbing climate change, reducing smog from coal plants during times of peak summer energy, and reducing dependence on polluting sources of energy. Many solar homeowners also note that the long-term economic payback rolled into producing their own electricity, offering protection from rising energy prices and increasing the eco-value of their homes. Solar water heating and PV technologies are silent, reliable and tested. Going solar helps to build a strong solar industry and more decentralized energy network in Canada. |
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| Q: |
Why isn’t everyone going solar? |
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Common barriers to going solar are generally considered to be upfront capital cost and site considerations. Solar energy systems are a significant investment often exacerbated by prerequisite energy efficiency upgrades or roof re-shingling. Some consider the “sticker shock” to be a deterrent; however, existing rebates and financing programs coming online will help address this concern. The Go Solar program aims to reduce the barriers to accessing information and understanding solar technologies, making solar a real option in the short term, for many Ontario homeowners. |
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| Q: |
Where is Canada in relationship to the rest of world for installed solar energy? |
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In Canada, the solar industry consists of over 400 companies and employs over 1,000 people according to the Canadian Solar Industry Association. Still, Canada lags far behind countries such as Germany, China, Austria, Israel or Spain in terms of solar industry development. Relative to 41 countries worldwide, Canada ranks 31 for solar water system installations. Canada does however, have great potential for market expansion and is expected to grow. |
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| Q: |
How is Canada’s solar radiation and potential for solar power production? |
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Canada’s solar regime is better than that of some world leaders in solar energy generation (ie. Germany). Natural Resources Canada has developed a solar radiation map available at: http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/archives/5thedition/environment/climate/mcr4076.
An interactive map is available through the Natural Resources Canada at:
https://glfc.cfsnet.nfis.org/mapserver/pv/index.php
For more information about Canada’s solar power production, see Industry Canada’s site at:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/epic/site/rei-ier.nsf/en/h_nz00007e.html |
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| Q: |
What percentage of Ontario households are suitable for solar systems? |
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The majority of homes in Ontario are considered suitable for solar thermal or PV installations. A solar mapping project conducted by the town of Perth in Ontario found that 74% of the homes and buildings in town could be retrofitted for solar thermal. The West Toronto Initiative for Solar Energy (WISE) in Toronto found that 162 people requested home evaluations and only 14 were rated poor solar sites and even some of these were able to install solar thermal systems on the part of the roof that had good solar exposure. |
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| Q: |
How important is it for a rooftop to face directly south? |
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Even where a roof is not oriented to the sun, there may still be opportunities to mount panels on poles, racks or other equipment. Every degree that a panel is not oriented to maximize exposure, will translate to significant losses in the productivity of a system.
To determine the solar exposure of your own home it is possible to conduct a preliminary solar site assessment of your home using these tools:
http://www.ecoperth.on.ca/Projects/Downloads/Solaraudit.doc |
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| Q: |
Is the solar market in Canada growing? |
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According to the Canadian Solar Industry Association, the Canadian photovoltaic industry has grown at an average annual rate of 25 per cent from 1992 to 2006. The Canadian solar thermal industry has seen upwards of 40% (from 2003-2004) annual growth. |
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| Q: |
What is the target of 100,000 solar rooftops in Ontario? |
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This target was set by the Ontario Ministry of Energy in an effort to boost uptake of solar energy by Ontario residents. A task force has been struck and will be embarking on public consultations and developing a number of strategies and a timeline to reach this goal. To find out how you can be involved in a public consultation visit the Go Solar events page for updates. |
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2. Residential Solar in Ontario |
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| Q: |
When is a good time to install a solar energy system at my house? |
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It is wise to consider installing a solar energy system when you are preparing a new build, undertaking renovations, energy efficiency upgrades, or after you have repaired or reshingled your roof. It is important to consider roof warranties when installing additional equipment on your roof. It is also possible to “rough out” the piping for a solar thermal system for example, when the house in under construction. Warmer weather months are often a good time to install a system and a good timing for taking advantage of spring and summer sun. In short, now is the time to Go Solar. |
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| Q: |
Shouldn’t I insulate my house before going solar? |
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To get the most out of your solar energy system, it is important that your home is as energy efficient as possible. A conserver household will first take advantage of the savings derived from reducing energy usage. Calculating payback on a solar energy system will ultimately depend on the energy that a household uses versus what it produces. The greatest environmental benefit comes from installing a combination of conservation, efficiency and renewable generation. |
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| Q: |
How do I know what size of a system to purchase? |
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Typical residential systems are between 1-3kW (5-15 panels) capacity for photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems are generally a standard size for home applications. Factors affecting the sizing of the system will include: household consumption (off-grid), roof space, investment capital and interest of the homeowner, inverter efficiencies etc. A site visit will help an installer to size and quote on an appropriately-sized system |
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| Q: |
How do I get off the grid? |
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Off-grid applications account for the majority of PV sales in Canada. This is changing with the introduction of Standard Offer Contracts in Ontario and the opportunity to sell power to the grid. Off-grid applications are often most feasible for cottages. Many cottagers that do not have access the grid often find it more economic to produce their own power from renewable energy than to pay for connecting to the grid. Local RE retailers often sell cottage kits or packaged products with battery storage, suitable for off-grid installation |
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How do I choose a supplier or installer? |
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When choosing an installer, there are a number of factors to consider. Conducting a postal code search, will first help to locate local companies that may offer the services you are looking for. Once you’ve identified a couple of companies, consider asking for a site visit to meet a local representative in- person. Ask about: their staff qualifications, membership in the Industry Association (CanSIA), level of professional solar training, whether there is a certified electrician or plumber on staff, experience of the lead installer in the industry, whether their products are CSA, federally or Internationally (UL, CE) approved for safety and whether they will submit permits and applications on your behalf. Installers should offer at least 1 year labour warranty on the installation itself and a complete service package or maintenance schedule where required.
No consumer watchdog organization exists to assist in deciphering good business practices, products and quality equipment from others. Contact the Better Business Bureau, CanSIA or Industry Canada’s Consumer Affairs office to inquire about complaints against specific companies or products. Asking for referrals from previous customers is another option for evaluating the merits of a supplier or installer.
Always ask for referrals. Ask to speak with a number of customers who have had systems installed by the company you are researching. Older customers can demonstrate long-term reliability and attest to the history of the company. New customers can show current quality and consistency of the company. |
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3. Solar PV and Thermal Technologies |
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| Q: |
What applications for solar energy are available today? |
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Solar energy systems that have become commonly integrated into Ontario residences are photovoltaic (PV) which generate electricity and solar thermal systems which preheat hot water for pools or domestic use (vacuum/evacuated tube or flat plate collectors). There are a number of other solar applications such as solar air heating that are not yet widely available and therefore we are focusing here on applications which have the highest usage and potential for residents of Ontario. |
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| Q: |
How many years for energy payback by a PV system to offset the energy used to produce the panel? |
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According to the German Solar Industry Association, it takes approximately 3 to 4 years for a photovoltaic installation to generate enough power to equal to the amount of power it takes to manufacture the panels. |
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| Q: |
Why are there reports of a shortage of silicon? |
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Supply of silicon will not run out; however the ability to process it to meet the demand for solar cell production is what is driving a shortage and high prices. |
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| Q: |
Should I wait for new technologies with greater efficiencies, like nanotechnology or solar shingles to become more widely available? |
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No. Now is the time to Go Solar. Residential solar energy systems are reliable and available. Incentives and rebates are available for a limited time period only, though may be extended. It is difficult to predict how the industry will change or how long it will take for non-silicon based technologies to become available. |
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| Q: |
Are solar hot water heaters compatible with other renewable energy systems? |
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Some combinations of solar energy systems and renewable energy or energy efficiency technologies are compatible. For example, on-demand water heaters and domestic solar thermal systems are compatible and have good combined efficiencies (though investigate whether preheating water will void your warranty). Ask your supplier or contractor about how to design a custom system for your home that would take advantage of available technologies. |
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| Q: |
Are there any significant benefits to installing a solar PV and a solar thermal system at the same time? |
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Installing PV with solar thermal systems with PV does not have any particular technological advantages as they are not coupled together. However, by installing more than one system at once you may be able to achieve some cost savings on the installation if working with a single vendor |
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| Q: |
How does weather (snow, clouds, hail) affect the production of panels or availability of hot water in a home? |
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Panels are generally quite durable and built to resist the elements. Hail should not have an impact on your system. Weather will affect the production of your panels, especially on cloudy days when little solar radiation reaches your panels. In the winter, panels may get covered in snow though will generally, slide off within 24 hours once a water slick is created underneath the snow cover. |
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| Q: |
What is the difference between grid connected and grid interactive? |
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A grid connected system is where photovoltaic panels are creating electricity and feeding it back to the grid. It is built with a safety feature which means when the grid goes down, the system goes down. A grid interactive system includes a back up battery bank which will store energy and feed excess energy back to the grid. Grid interactive systems are generally 30% more expensive than grid-tied systems. |
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| Q: |
How much of my solar hot water needs can be covered with evacuated/vacuum tube and flat plate technologies? |
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Generally, 50% of hot water heating needs can be met for a typical 4-person household year-round. Hot water accounts for approximately 20-25% of a typical energy bill (more for electric heaters). Systems will vary in their production in winter conditions and temperature of pre-heated water will depend on the sun and the system. Contact your supplier for more details on specific products. |
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| Q: |
How well does a roof-mounted solar thermal panel work when the outside temp. is below zero? |
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Glycol solar thermal systems are expected to perform throughout winter months if they are receiving radiation from the sun. Drain-back systems drain water into the house to prevent freezing in sub zero temperatures. Solar thermal systems are generally expected to cover 30% of water heating needs during winter months. Colder weather can improve the efficiency of PV systems compared to hot sunny days when panel components heat up. |
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| Q: |
If you can’t use your roof and need build a structure to hold it, is there mounting equipment available? |
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Yes, PV systems and some solar thermal systems can be mounted on fences or poles etc. Talk to your supplier about designing a system that is appropriate for your site. |
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Do these systems require a lot of maintenance? |
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Solar thermal systems do require annual maintenance however PV panels require little to no maintenance. Be sure to work out a maintenance schedule (ex. to replace glycol) with your contractor where possible. |
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| Q: |
How much roof space is required to generate 3 kW of electricity on my roof? |
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Approximately 65 to 75 square feet per kw mounted on a sloped roof. More space is needed on a flat roof. |
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Are panels recyclable? |
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Although there is no formal recycling program in place for panels, parts of panels may be recycled separately where programs exist. If no toxic materials are present in tempered glass panels, the glass can be recycled. The aluminum frame is also recyclable. |
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4. Cost of Solar Technologies |
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| Q: |
What is the cost of a typical PV or solar thermal system? |
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Costs of residential photovoltaic and solar thermal systems will always vary from site to site. According to CanSIA, the average cost for a PV module dropped from $11.09/watt in 1999 to $5.36/watt in 2006 (a 50% drop in just seven years). Total cost of an installed system can amount to between $10 and $15 per watt. Overall cost can range between $10,000-$15,000 for the first 1 kW. Price per installed watt will generally drop in the 2-3kW range. Please contact a supplier company for a more accurate quote as every site and product will vary. Solar thermal systems start at around $4,000 installed, depending on the complexity of the installation and the quality of the product. |
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| Q: |
What is the Return on Investment (ROI) or “payback” period for solar installations? |
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The true payback, when considering full cost accounting is the environmental benefit such as peak load offsets that you can only achieve with solar technologies. Financial payback is a relative concept to be calculated on a case-by-case basis. Some of the factors affecting payback are: cost of electricity prices being offset, cost of the system, exposure to the sun, size of the system, financing terms etc. There are some tools, such as RetScreen that can assist homeowners in predicting the production of a system and assist in determining payback. Rough estimations for a 1kW system on a home is between 15-25 years and solar thermal can be as short as 2 years for a pool heating system or 6 to 20 years for domestic hot water. The benefits of solar go beyond a financial payback and continue to payback as an environmental and home investment from the day they are installed. |
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| Q: |
What is the ROI for a solar co-operative, joint venture or bulk purchase model? |
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In general, joint purchases help to shorten the payback and lower capital cost investments for project owners. A number of creative ownership models have surfaced in past years. Housing developers are beginning to integrate solar into the design of new home construction as multi-residential buildings (condos, retirement homes) are undertaking solar projects. The Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative has written a report detailing financing models for a co-operative model:
http://www.trec.on.ca/projects/solarshare.html |
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| Q: |
What are the tax implications on income generation or potential for increase in property value and therefore reassessment for higher taxes? |
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A 50% accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (under Class 43.2) permits businesses to write-off the capital cost of solar thermal and photovoltaic equipment against any revenue generated through the Standard Offer Program. Class 43.2 is slated to extend to 2012, with projects installed before February, 2005, eligible for an accelerated CCA of 30%.
For more information visit http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/industrial/financial-assistance/tax-incentives.cfm?attr=24.
A formula for property reassessment or revaluation for solar projects has not as-of-yet been determined at municipal or provincial levels. An increase in property value has not affected solar homeowners to date. |
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Is there a financing available for renewable energy installation on my home? |
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Select banks and credit unions are offering mortgage re-advances, renewable energy home renovation loans and other financing options applicable to solar projects. Ask you local branch representative for more information.
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5. Incentives and Rebates |
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| Q: |
How do I ensure that my system is eligible for a rebate from the provincial and federal governments? |
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Solar Thermal
Solar thermal systems require an ecoEnergy home audit be performed prior to purchase, a federally approved (CSA or equivalent) system be installed and a verification audit undertaken to confirm the installation of the system. A rebate of $1000 will then be issued to the homeowner.
Retail Sales Tax (Provincial Sales Tax)
All qualifying systems (solar thermal, solar photovoltaic) are eligible for RST rebate. A solar energy system or the components must be purchased and installed in residential premises before January 1, 2010. The rebate may be claimed by the owner of a residential premises or multi-residential building or builder of a newly constructed home who purchases and installs a new solar energy system, or expands or upgrades an existing system. To claim a rebate you must submit a rebate to the Ministry of Finance with a copy of the sales contract, invoice or other receipt to show the date of purchase, installation and amount of RST paid. http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/english/refund/sesr/ |
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| Q: |
Are rebates available on duplexed homes (a two-unit apartment building or condominium), condominiums or new homes built in Ontario? |
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PST is the only incentive currently available to new buildings or developments unless they are classified as commercial buildings. |
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| Q: |
What incentives are available for farmers? |
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Farmers may qualify for commercial solar thermal systems such as the Ontario Solar Thermal Heating Incentive Program or Federal Renewable Heat program offering up to 50% back on the overall cost of a commercial solar thermal system.
http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/heat-chauffage/index-eng.cfm |
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Rental homes: If you are the owner of one or more homes, are you eligible for a rebate on more than one home? |
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A homeowner of multiple residential properties will be eligible for multiple audit rebates however, only qualify for a solar thermal rebate on a primary residence. Therefore, cottages are not eligible for the $1000 solar thermal rebate. |
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| Q: |
I live in an apartment building. What are my options? |
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You have several options. You will need to work with the tenant association, property manager and/or owner in order to start a solar project. Multi-residential buildings are eligible for a RST rebate on solar equipment purchased for residential buildings.
Buildings can rent roof space to companies that will install panels and draw revenue from electricity saved or produced.
Buildings can work independently to raise funds and install a system, bringing down the costs of energy for the building.
In Toronto, the Better Building Partnership to learn more about how buildings have integrated green technologies in the past.
Contact: Better Buildings Partnership inquiries:
Tel: 416-392-1500
Fax: 416-392-1456
E-mail: bbp@toronto.ca |
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Is a church eligible for solar incentives? |
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No. A church is not eligible for residential incentives.
If your church is interested in energy efficiency and/or solar initiatives, get in touch with Faith in the Common Good about their Greening Sacred Spaces a program helping faith communities to achieve energy savings across Ontario.
http://www.faith-commongood.net/gss/index.asp |
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As a company owner, how do I get my collectors or product on the list of federally approved solar products? |
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You must contact the ecoEnergy Renewable Heat program. The process is described as follows: If no testing has been done previously, it is recommended that the proponent become familiar with the requirements specified by Standard F378 and make arrangements for testing. If a signed test report is already available, it should be sent to the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat program, Attention: Dr. R. Djebbar, 13th Floor, 580 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E4 - email RDjebbar@nrcan.gc.ca The report(s) will be reviewed and it will be determined if any additional testing is necessary to demonstrate compliance.
For more information: http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/heat-chauffage/acceptance-approbation-eng.cfm |
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6. Becoming a Solar Power Generator |
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What is a Standard Offer Contract (SOC)? |
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Ontario is the first Province in Canada to offer a feed-in-tariff program, based on a highly successful German policy model. This is a 20 year contract issued by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) and administered by local utilities which allows solar electricity generators an opportunity to sell power back to the grid. The contract rate is valued at approximately 5 times more than the rate paid by consumers in Ontario at 42 cents per kWh. SOC’s provide consumers an opportunity to be paid a premium for the clean power that is generated at peak hours. Solar producers also have a more secure financial investment term that assists them to project the returns of their system over time. The SOC program is currently under review.
For more information: http://www.powerauthority.on.ca/sop/
For customers of Hydro One refer to (also net metering): http://www.hydroone.com/en/electricity_industry/renewable_tech/default.asp#examples |
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| Q: |
I have already installed a system. Are SOCs retroactive or can they be grandfathered? |
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Yes, however PV systems that are already in service must have been commissioned after November 7, 1998 but before December 31st, 2006. Additional electrical and utility fees would be required. |
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Is net metering available to residents of Ontario now? |
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Yes. Net metering allows solar power generators to “run their meter backwards” or be credited so that they are only charged for the power that they do not use on site. Any surplus is not paid out to the generator, and credits are annulled at year end if a surplus exists. For more information: http://www.mei.gov.on.ca.wsd6.korax.net/english/energy/renewable/?page=net-metering. |
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| Q: |
What impact will smart meters have on net metering? |
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Some models of “smart” meters in Ontario are compatible with net metering and SOC applications, while some models may create technical difficulties. Consult your local distribution company’s metering expert about setting up metering for your home and any rates associated with purchasing a new meter. |
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| Q: |
Do you need a separate meter or can meters be configured to run backwards or export power? |
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Some older meters do “run backwards”, however new or interval meters are digital and can be configured for net metering readings. Where meters cannot be configured to import and export electricity to the grid, a new meter can be connected in series and a homeowners’ existing customer account will be credited for power produced.
For Standard Offer Program grid connected customer/generators, an export meter is required (at the expense of the homeowner) and a separate generator account is created (this process is currently under review).
The Ontario Energy Board sets out metering regulations described in the following bulletin: http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca/documents/cbulletin_200703.pdf |
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Do you require a Connection Impact Assessment? |
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No. Projects less than 10 kW are exempt from Connection Impact Assessment which applies to all rooftop solar installations as the impact on the grid is considered minimal. A connection approval from the local distribution company (hydro) is required and will involve a site inspection. |
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| Q: |
Is there a cap on the amount that you can sell to the grid? |
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The Ontario Power Authority, responsible for administering the Standard Offer Program, has recently announced that a 10 MW cap on the amount that generators can sell to the grid is suspended throughout a review process as of end of day May 12th, 2008 after which new contract rules will apply. As most residential solar installations do not exceed 10kW, residential solar projects are not affected by changes to contract rules. |
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| Q: |
What happens if you sell your house under with a Standard Offer Contract? |
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In the case where a generator is moving, contracts can be assigned to new parties – the new buyer. If you wanted to take the PV system with you to a new address, you would have to apply for a new SOC. |
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| Q: |
Are there case studies of solar co-ops or joint ventures in Ontario? |
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There are a number of housing co-operatives and multi-residential buildings who have successfully installed solar energy systems.
Woodgreen Co-op: This housing co-op in Toronto installed a solar thermal system in 2006.
Learn more at: http://www.thestar.com/News/article/256095
Waterloo Solar Community: Integrated photovoltaic systems on the rooftops of 12 new homes, totalling 42KW of installed Photovoltaic grid-tied systems.
http://www.arisetech.com/content/view/59/113 |
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| Q: |
How many systems have been installed through buyers clubs in Ontario? |
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Several bulk buying groups have become active in the past several years in 5 communities across Ontario. Groups active in Our Power have been responsible for the installation of 71 PV systems, and 76 Solar Hot Water systems in Toronto in the last two years. |
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7. The Canadian Solar Industry |
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