top of page
solar-panels-roof.jpg

Go Solar

Solar is the world’s fastest growing source of renewable, emission-free energy.  Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can be installed anywhere there is sunlight, and turn light energy into electricity.  They can reduce or even eliminate your power bill!

​

New Brunswick has the best solar energy potential in Atlantic Canada: every kilowatt (KW) of panel capacity can be expected to generate 1,100-1,500 kilowatt-hours (KWH) per year, or $175-$200 worth of free, zero-emission power from the sun.

​

New Brunswick is home to more than 2,000 residential and commercial solar systems, ranging in size from less than five KW to 100 KW.  As well, larger arrays of up to 10 megawatts (MW) are under development by CFB Gagetown and Saint John Energy.

​

Benefits of solar:

​

To system owners:

  • Savings: solar systems typically pay for themselves in 7-10 years (and the payback period gets shorter every time power rates rise).  Once systems are installed, the fuel is free – forever!

  • Protection against future energy price increases

  • Zero-emissions

  • Little to no maintenance: solar systems have no moving parts

  • Energy independence: solar can reduce or eliminate reliance on outside sources of energy

  • Resilience: when equipped with battery backup, solar systems can provide convenient, cost-effective emergency backup power

  • Increased property value: solar systems are becoming increasingly attractive selling features as energy costs rise​

​

To utilities:

  • If combined with storage, can defer the need for expensive new power plants

  • Reduces the need for imported fuel (coal, oil, natural gas and uranium)

  • Can be scaled up as needed

  • Electricity can be generated near to where it is used, reducing line losses and deferring the need for transmission line upgrades

​

To New Brunswick:

  • Keeps more energy dollars in our local economy

  • Creates jobs, opportunity and prosperity

  • Helps us achieve our net-zero emissions targets

​

How solar works:

​

Solar systems can be connected to a local power grid (“grid-tied”) or independent (“off-grid”).

Basic grid-tied solar systems include:

  • Solar panels

  • Hardware to mount them (usually on a roof or on a freestanding ‘ground mount’)

  • An inverter, a device that takes direct current power from solar panels and transforms it into grid-compatible alternating current

Off-grid systems or grid-tied systems with battery backup require a special type of inverter called a hybrid inverter, and also include:

  • A charge controller

  • A battery or batteries

Learn more here

​

Net Metering is a program offered by utilities that enables solar system owners to generate their own electricity to offset their consumption while remaining tied to the local power grid.  When solar systems generate more power than is needed, excess power automatically flows into the grid.  When systems generate less than is needed (such as at night), grid power is automatically supplied.  A bidirectional power meter provided by the utility measures power flow each way, and system owners only pay for the net amount of power they use.

 

Net metering is offered by NB Power and Saint John Energy.

​

​Financial programs and incentives available in New Brunswick

​

For homeowners:

  • SaveEnergy NB’s Total Home Energy Savings Program offers a rebate of $200 per installed kilowatt for residential solar systems, to a maximum rebate of $3,000; conditions apply.

  • Some financial institutions offer special loan options with competitive interest rates specifically for solar projects.

​

For businesses:

​

FAQs:

​

How much does solar cost?

  • Solar systems usually cost $2-4 per installed watt, depending on factors like type of system desired; quality of components; type of racking required; potential roof upgrades required; and potential electrical upgrades required.

What programs and incentives are available to help?

  • Here’s a list of financial programs and incentives for homeowners and businesses (link to our list under Go Solar) (or should we list them again here to keep the reader on this page??)

How long do solar panels and other system components last?

  • Solar panels degrade slightly over time but typically last 25 years or more.  Racking is normally aluminum or galvanized steel, and easily lasts as long as panels.  Electronic components like inverters typically last more than 10 years, depending on quality.

What kind of maintenance is required?

  • Solar systems have no moving parts, so no maintenance is required.  As well, natural rainfall is normally adequate to keep panels clean of dust, pollen and bird droppings.

What kind of warranties are offered?

  • Installers typically offer product and workmanship warranties. Product warranties originate from manufacturers and are typically 25+ years for panels and racks, and 10 years for electronic components.

How do I know if my site is suitable for solar?

  • If your site has direct sunlight, it has solar potential.  Best sites are those that have little or no shade; south or near-south orientation; and the ability to accommodate panels as near as possible to an angle of 45 degrees toward the sun.

How do I know how big a system I need?

  • System size depends on factors like how much of your power bill you’d like to offset with solar; your budget; how much roof or yard space is available; the orientation of your roof; any shading limitations; and other factors.  Installers have tools and equipment to estimate the potential of your site, and usually ask to see three years of power bills.

How much roof space do I need?

  • Solar panels produce 150-200 watts per square meter, so the amount of space needed depends on how many kilowatts of capacity you would like to install.  Even if your roof is too small for enough panels to bring your bill down to zero, there’s usually value in installing whatever you can on the space you have. 

I’m building a new home – should solar be in my plans?

  • YES, it’s the perfect time to design for maximum solar power and savings!  Key factors to consider: roof strength; wiring and electrical capacity; roof angle; and roof orientation.  Even if you can’t afford solar right away, making your home is solar-ready from the start is much less expensive than retrofitting later.  Besides, you’ll be well aligned with Canada’s building code, which aims for all new homes from 2030 onward to be net-zero ready!

How do solar panels work in winter?

  • Solar panels work well year-round!  In fact, they actually work better in cool temperatures than in the heat of summer.  However, they do generate considerably less power in winter because of much shorter daylight, and they don’t generate any power if covered by snow.

Should I go grid-tied or off-grid?

  • Grid-tied systems are the best and most affordable option for homeowners with ready access to the local power grid.  Off-grid systems are considerably more expensive than grid-tied systems because they require additional components plus an energy storage system (usually batteries), and need to have extra capacity to handle the short days of winter and extended periods of overcast weather.

Will a grid-tied solar system provide power during a power outage?

  • Grid-tied solar systems do not provide backup power during an outage unless they are equipped with a hybrid inverter, a charge controller and batteries – in which case they can provide convenient, seamless backup power for extended periods of time.

How does a battery backup work?

  • When a power outage occurs, the hybrid inverter instantly and seamlessly disconnects from the grid and draws power from the storage batteries.  When grid power is restored, the inverter automatically switches from batteries back to grid power.  Storage batteries are recharged from the grid once power is restored, or in an extended outage are recharged directly by the solar panels.

Is battery backup worth the extra cost?

  • The decision on whether to incur the extra cost of a battery backup should be based on factors like how often outages may be expected; the convenience of battery backup versus other backup power options like generators; and the ability to bear the extra upfront cost.  However, battery backup systems promise to be very advantageous in the future world of time-of-day power rates, grid-compatible electric vehicles and the ability to sell power into the grid at peak times and then recharge from solar or during off-peak hours.

Can a grid-tied system be upgraded with a battery backup later?

  • Upgrading is possible but costly as it would involve inverter replacement and the installation of additional components and batteries.

Is there any limit to how big a system I can install?

  • At present, net-metered solar systems in NB are limited to a maximum capacity of 100 kilowatts.  From a practical and financial perspective, it does not make sense to install a system larger than is required to offset one’s annual power consumption, as surplus power credits cannot be carried past March 31.

What other factors do I need to consider before starting?

  • The condition of your roof: it may be worth replacing before installing panels, as it’s expensive to temporarily remove panels to do it later; the capacity of your electrical entrance: is it sufficient to safely accommodate the system you’re installing, or does it need to be upgraded first.

Can I install my own system?

  • Some parts of a solar installation (such as hardware) can be installed DIY, but anything involving electricity must be installed by a qualified electrician.  All grid-tied systems must pass a final inspection by the Department of Public Safety.

How do I find an installer?

  • Check out Solar NB’s membership directory!

How do I choose an installer?

  • Hiring a solar installer is no different than hiring a contractor for your home, so be sure to follow smart consumer practices like getting multiple quotes; getting references; and not yielding to pressure to sign quickly.  More good advice here and here.

How long does it take to install solar?

  • Filing applications, obtaining permits, obtaining financing and getting final inspections can take weeks to months.  The actual installation of residential solar systems usually takes no more than a few days. 

Is it possible to see an operating system before I decide?

  • Yes – just ask installers bidding for your business if you can visit one of their past clients.  Visiting a functioning solar system is an excellent way to learn and have your questions answered!

How many years of electricity production does it take to offset the carbon footprint of solar panels?

  • Solar panel manufacturing has improved greatly in recent years, and it now takes less than a year for solar panels to generate more power than went into their manufacture!

I live in apartment – is there any way I can take advantage of solar?

  • Presently no, short of trying to persuade your landlord to install solar – but balcony solar systems are gaining popularity around the world; hopefully we’ll see them in Canada soon too.

Do you have any additional questions? Contact us!

​

Helpful links


Canadian Renewable Energy Association’s Go Solar Guide
Community-owned Solar Gardens are not yet possible in NB – but here’s a nice resource for
when they are (hopefully soon)!
Property Assessed Clean Energy is a financing option not yet available in NB – but here’s a nice
resource for when it is (hopefully soon)!

bottom of page