FAQ

1. What is the Feed-In Tariff?

Ontario's Green Energy Act includes a program to pay home and business owners up to $0.80 per kilowatt hour of electricity produced by a solar electric system. The province will enter into a 20 year contract with people who install up to a 10 kilowatt solar system at this rate.

2. Who is eligible for the Feed-In-Tariff?

Any person or business can install a solar electric system on their roof and participate in this program. Solar systems require about 100 square feet of area per kilowatt, and at least 2 kilowatts of solar panels are needed to offer a good rate of return.

3. Is there enough sunlight in Ontario for a solar PV project to provide a good return on investment?

Yes, Southern Ontario receives more sunlight than other places where solar has become a significant contributor to the grid, such as Germany and Japan. According to Natural Resources Canada the yearly PV potential in Ontario is 1200 kWh/kW, whereas in Berlin it is 848 kWh/kW and Tokyo 885 kwh/kW for south-facing panels tilted to latitude. If all the PV systems in Germany were placed in southern Ontario, they would produce 25% more electricity given Ontario’s PV potential.

4. How much does solar system cost?

The cost of a solar electric system can vary significantly depending on the amount of solar electricity the customer wishes to generate and the desired location for the system. AuroraBorealis Solar will provide you with a quote based on your specific project, and can offer information on financing.

5. How do I know what my system is producing?

The inverter has a display that shows the cumulative energy produced by the solar array. All participants in the FIT program must install a second utility meter that logs and records the kilowatt-hours of energy produced by the solar system, and your utility will send you a cheque each billing period.

6. How does a residential solar electric system work?

Solar cells in the modules mounted on your roof convert sunlight directly into DC power. A component called an inverter converts this DC power into AC power that can be used in your home. The system is interconnected with the grid. For more information, please refer to How Solar Works section.

7. How do I know if my roof is ideal for a solar PV system?

Ideally a home would have a south facing roof slope that receives direct sun during the day. Southeast or southwest is also acceptable but not as ideal as true south. Discover the power and payback potential of your rooftop, contact AuroraBorealis Solar to book a FREE assessment today.

8. Does any roof allow for solar panels, or must it be designed in a certain way?

A solar PV system can be installed on nearly any roof surface, including flat composite, composite shingle, tar and gravel, cement tile and metal roof top. AuroraBorealis Solar will send a Certified Structure Engineer to assess whether your roof is suitable for solar panels. If not, AuroraBorealis Solar installs ground-mounted systems as well.

9. What environmental concerns affect a PV installation?

Environments with warmer weather, humidity, and wet seasons may necessitate materials that will resist corrosion. Areas with heavy storms and flood potential require arrays to be placed higher up to avoid water damage, and may require additional support to protect against strong winds. Temperature ranges are important to consider due to the effect of hotter temperatures on the output of the PV system. Areas with natural breezing are better for cooling panels and increasing system output.

10. Why does shading, even on only small parts of a PV array, impact outputs so significantly?

PV arrays are sensitive to shading due to the electrical design of the PV modules. Depending on the magnitude and location of the shading, the reduction in output can be significantly high. Shading should be avoided as much as possible to increase the solar yield of a PV system.

11. How do inverters interact with the utility grid?

Utility-interactive systems make a two-directional interface with the utility at the distribution panel or electrical service entrance. Power can be imported from and exported to the utility grid. That’s why the FIT program can work.

12. Are any permits needed before installation?

Most likely you may need approval from your local municipality in the form of a building permit and an inspection by a qualified electrician or solar installer to ensure your system meets the Canadian electrical code. Aurora Borealis Solar will help our customers obtain all required documentation and approval for solar PV projects.

13. Do I need extra insurance?

Insurance companies are typically treating rooftop solar systems on homes as a fixture. However, it is important to call your insurance broker and tell them it was installed according to the building code and electrical authority approval.

14. Will I still receive an electricity bill?

After the installation, you are able to sell electricity directly to the utility company for 20 years at a fixed rate that is much higher than what you pay for electricity. However, you still need to pay your electricity bill as usual. Ask AuroraBorealis Solar what system best suits your needs.

15. Does AuroraBorealis Solar offer any guarantees on its solar products?

Yes, all come with manufacturers warranties. Currently AuroraBorealis offers a two year warranty on workmanship and comprehensive maintenance packages to ensure PV systems operate at their peak power potential.

16. What happens when it snows?

Solar panels produce heat and much of the snow that falls will either slide off the glass surface or melt. Snow accumulation, however, is possible but is likely to occur in the darkest days of winter when power production is minimal at best.

17. Where are your services available?

AuroraBorealis Solar services the entire GTA and is rapidly expanding across Ontario.

18. Do solar panels lose efficiency over time?

Yes. Solar panels do lose efficiency over time, and this varies with environmental factors and the brand of panels used. Many panels, even after 20 years of continuous use still provide over 80% of their original generating capacity. To minimize power loss, keep panels clean from leaves and dirt by periodically rinsing them off. AuroraBorealis Solar offers service and maintenance packages to ensure system quality over the life of the solar system.

19. What do I need to start?

First you need a suitable location for solar panel placement – a flat or south facing roof slope is ideal. Measure the area to determine that you have 200 square feet or more. Second, you will need a budget to purchase the system, or qualify for a home renovation or equity loan from your bank. Contact us and we will come to your house to discuss the ideal package for you. Once the installation has been completed, income from your solar system will start to flow. Your roof will be working for you!