top of page
solar-panels-roof.jpg

FAQs

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 (link)!

How do I choose an installer?

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?

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

Do you have any additional questions? Contact us!

bottom of page