FRequently Asked Questions ?
Why are solar panels a good investment?
Solar electric panels feature a 25 year output warranty and will likely last for 30 years or more. This means the HES system you install today will produce free and reliable electricity for decades. As an investment in your home, cottage or RV, your system will enhance its value while delivering clean, quiet energy for you to use. Now that’s a smart investment!
Explain Grid-Tie to me. What can I expect?
Grid-tie solar systems are used for homes in the city. A solar system mounted on the roof can produce some or most of the electricity consumed in the home. Most Canadian houses use between 5,000 kWh (very efficient) and 13,000 kWh (not very efficient) per year. Solar systems can reduce electrical consumption by the following amount:
| Array Size | kWh/year | % Typical Electrical Load |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kilowatt | 1250 | 12%-25% |
| 2 kilowatt | 2500 | 24%-50% |
| 5 kilowatt | 6250 | 55%-125% |
| 10 kilowatt | 12500 | 100%-250% |
Explain Off-Grid Solar Systems to me. What could it do for me?
Solar can be used to provide the majority or all of the power in a remote cottage or home. Ideally, the solar system is designed by a professional to match your lifestyle and electrical load. The systems are modular so they can grow as your power needs change. Off-grid solar systems have storage bat- teries, and often have generators for back- up. The inverter systems for off-grid applications have built-in battery chargers, and can even be used to start the generator automatically if needed.
What is the optimum angle to mount the solar panels?
In Canada, the optimum tilt angle is equal to latitude + 15 degrees for winter output, and latitude – 15 degrees for summer output. That being said, 10 to 15 degrees off the optimum does not have much impact in production. If the off-grid project is seasonal (like a summer cottage) a tilt angle that matches the roof slope is usually acceptable. For a full time home, solar panels tend to be steeper. This helps shed snow, and maximizes winter production when the solar insolation is at its lowest.