What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is designed for residential and commercial customers who wish to connect a small electricity generating unit to the BC Hydro distribution system. As a net metering customer, when you generate more electricity than you consume, you receive a credit to your account The credit is applied against your future consumption.
Is My Roof Suitable?
Our systems come with a 25 year warranty so a roof inspection will be done before an installation to make sure there are no issues. The solar array protects the roof from harmful UV rays and environmental conditions producing an extended life to your roof. A solar array absorbs a substantial amount of roof heat and in-turn cools your attic space. You will use less air conditioning or fans further reducing energy consumption.
How Big Of A System Do I Need?
When dealing with grid-tie systems, we look at three different variables:
How much of your electric bill you want to offset?
How much south facing roof space is available?
Do you have a budget in mind?
Those variables are different for everyone, and because different clients use different amounts of electricity, all grid-tie systems are custom designed to meet your needs.
Are There Any Incentives For Solar?
BC offers a PST exemption on renewable energy systems.
For businesses who add solar, the federal government offers accelerated depreciation.
How Long Does The System Last?
Modules are virtually maintenance free and very long lasting (most manufacturers offer 25 year warranties) with a 40-45 years lifespan (depending on the brand). The Inverters have a life span of about 15 years and can be increased to 25 years with extended warranty.
Are Solar Panels a Good Investment?
Solar electric panels feature a 25-year output warranty and will likely last for 40-45 years (depending on the brand). Systems you install today will produce free and reliable electricity for decades. As an investment in your home or business a system will enhance its value while delivering clean energy for you to use.
How Much Energy Can I Gather With A Solar PV System?
In most of Canada, a kilowatt (1000 watts) of solar panels (area A. of 80 – 90 ft2), mounted with good exposure facing south, could generate between 1000 and 1400 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. Although south facing exposure is ideal, east and west exposure will generate 95% of what a south facing array would harvest.
I Plan To Build and May Want To Add One Of These Systems Down The Road. Should I Do Anything To Prepare?
I would highly encourage you to make your house “solar ready.” Have 2 inch conduit or appropriately sized cables installed from the attic space to the electrical room (or area where your main service panel will sit). That way, should you choose to install solar at a later date, the installation will be a lot easier, cleaner looking and less expensive.