Michael Chen
Solar Installation Specialist
Published: February 22, 2023
Thinking about installing solar panels on your home? This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process, from initial assessment to final installation, with special considerations for Canadian homes.
Understanding the Solar Installation Process
Installing solar panels on your home is a significant investment that can lead to substantial long-term savings and environmental benefits. However, the process involves several steps and considerations, especially for Canadian homeowners who must account for our unique climate and regulatory environment.
This guide breaks down the installation process into manageable steps, highlighting key considerations at each stage.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Before any installation work begins, you'll need to determine if your property is suitable for solar panels. Here's what to consider:
- Roof orientation and angle: South-facing roofs with a 30-45 degree tilt are ideal in Canada, though east and west-facing roofs can still be viable.
- Shading analysis: Trees, neighboring buildings, or other obstructions that cast shadows on your roof can significantly reduce solar production.
- Roof condition and age: Your roof should be in good condition with at least 15-20 years of life remaining. If your roof needs replacement soon, consider doing that before installing solar panels.
- Structural integrity: Your roof must be able to support the additional weight of the solar system (typically 2-4 pounds per square foot).
- Local regulations: Check with your municipality regarding building permits, setback requirements, and any homeowner association restrictions.
Step 2: System Design and Planning
Once you've confirmed your property is suitable for solar, the next step is designing a system that meets your energy needs:
- Energy consumption analysis: Review your electricity bills to determine your average monthly and annual consumption.
- System sizing: Based on your energy needs, available roof space, and budget, determine the appropriate system size (typically measured in kilowatts or kW).
- Equipment selection: Choose solar panels, inverters, and mounting systems that are appropriate for your climate and goals. For Canadian homes, consider equipment rated for snow loads and cold temperatures.
- Battery storage: Decide if you want to include battery storage in your system, which allows you to store excess energy for use during outages or peak rate periods.
- Grid connection: Determine how your system will connect to the grid, including whether net metering is available in your province.
Canadian Solar Considerations
When designing a solar system for a Canadian home, several unique factors come into play:
Snow Management
Snow accumulation can temporarily reduce solar production during winter months. However, several strategies can minimize this impact:
- Steeper installation angle: Panels installed at a steeper angle (around 40-45 degrees) tend to shed snow more easily.
- Snow guards: These prevent large sheets of snow from sliding off panels all at once, which can be hazardous.
- System oversizing: Designing a system slightly larger than your immediate needs can help compensate for reduced winter production.
Cold Weather Performance
Contrary to popular belief, solar panels actually perform better in cold temperatures. The cold increases electrical conductivity, improving efficiency as long as the panels receive adequate sunlight. However, other components of your system need to be rated for extreme temperatures:
- Inverters: Choose inverters rated for operation in cold temperatures, ideally with a wide operating temperature range.
- Batteries: If including energy storage, select batteries designed for cold weather performance or plan for a temperature-controlled environment.
Provincial Incentives and Regulations
Solar incentives and grid connection policies vary significantly by province:
- Net metering: Most provinces offer some form of net metering, allowing you to receive credits for excess electricity you feed back to the grid.
- Rebates and incentives: Several provinces offer rebates, tax credits, or other incentives for solar installations. Check with your provincial energy authority for current programs.
- Building codes: Ensure your installation complies with provincial and local building codes, which may have specific requirements for solar systems.
Step 3: Permitting and Paperwork
Before installation begins, you'll need to secure necessary approvals:
- Building permits: Most municipalities require building permits for solar installations.
- Electrical permits: Since solar systems involve electrical work, electrical permits are typically required.
- Utility interconnection agreement: If connecting to the grid, you'll need approval from your local utility company.
- Incentive applications: Submit applications for any available rebates or incentives.
- Insurance notification: Inform your home insurance provider about the solar installation.
Step 4: Installation Process
The physical installation typically takes 1-3 days, depending on system size and complexity:
- Mounting system installation: Securing roof attachments and racking system to support the panels.
- Panel placement: Mounting and securing the solar panels to the racking system.
- Electrical wiring: Connecting the panels to inverters and your home's electrical system.
- Inverter and monitoring setup: Installing inverters to convert DC electricity from panels to AC electricity for home use, plus monitoring systems to track performance.
- Safety equipment: Installing rapid shutdown systems and other safety equipment required by code.
Step 5: Inspection and Grid Connection
After installation, several steps are required before your system can operate:
- Municipal inspection: Building and electrical inspectors will verify the installation meets code requirements.
- Utility inspection: Your utility may conduct a separate inspection before approving grid connection.
- Meter installation: Depending on your utility's requirements, a new bi-directional meter may be installed to measure electricity flowing to and from the grid.
- Permission to operate: The utility provides final approval for your system to be activated.
Cost Considerations
The cost of a residential solar installation in Canada typically ranges from $2.50 to $3.50 per watt, meaning a typical 6 kW system might cost $15,000-$21,000 before incentives. Factors affecting cost include:
- System size: Larger systems cost more but generally have a lower cost per watt.
- Equipment quality: Premium panels and inverters cost more but may offer better performance and longer warranties.
- Installation complexity: Steep roofs, multiple roof faces, or unusual structural requirements can increase installation costs.
- Additional features: Battery storage systems, snow management systems, or advanced monitoring will add to the cost.
Choosing an Installer
Selecting the right installer is crucial for a successful solar project. Look for:
- Certification: Installers should be certified by the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) or have North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification.
- Experience: Prioritize companies with extensive experience in Canadian installations.
- Local knowledge: Installers familiar with local building codes, utility requirements, and climate considerations.
- Warranties and service: Comprehensive warranties for equipment and workmanship, plus ongoing service options.
- Reviews and references: Check online reviews and ask for references from previous customers.
Maintenance Considerations
Solar systems require minimal maintenance, but some periodic attention will ensure optimal performance:
- Panel cleaning: In most parts of Canada, rain and snow melt will naturally clean panels, but occasional cleaning may be needed in very dusty areas or after long dry periods.
- Snow removal: While panels typically clear themselves as they warm up, gentle removal of heavy snow may be necessary during extended cold periods.
- System monitoring: Regularly check production data to identify any potential issues early.
- Periodic inspection: Have your system professionally inspected every 3-5 years.
Conclusion
Installing solar panels on your Canadian home requires careful planning and consideration of our unique climate and regulatory environment. However, with proper design and installation, a solar system can provide decades of clean energy and substantial savings.
At Glochrimbe Solar, we specialize in designing and installing solar systems optimized for Canadian conditions. Contact us for a personalized assessment of your home's solar potential and a custom installation plan that meets your energy needs and budget.
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
