What is a kilowatt (kW)? Kilowatt hour (kWh)?
What is solar photovoltaic (PV)?
What is a feed-in-tariff (FIT)?
What are the goals of the OPA FIT program?
Who can participate in the FIT/microFIT program?
How is the microFIT program different from the FIT program?
Is there a penalty for cancelling the FIT/microFIT contract?
When do I receive a FIT/microFIT contract?
What if I sell my house while under a FIT/microFIT contract?
How are FIT/microFIT payments calculated?
How am I paid for the power I generate?
What happens once the FIT/microFIT contract expires?
If I own more than one property, are they all eligible to receive contract?
What is Domestic Content?
What is a Green Electricity Certificate (GEC) or Renewable Energy Credit (REC) and how do I get one?
Is solar power limited to rooftops?
Are there any special requirements for roofing?
Do I need to apply for any building permits?
How will solar panels affect the lifespan of my roof?
How are the solar panels attached? Will they be drilling any holes in my roof?
Would I be able to perform the installations of the solar power system or PV panels myself?
Do I require special insurance to cover my solar power system?
What are my options if my roof is not suitable for solar panels?
Can I add more panels to my current solar power system?
What are fixed, single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems?
What is the difference between a passive tracking system and an active tracking system?
What is the approximate cost of a solar power system?
Will GST apply to my income from the solar panels?
Will this affect my property tax?
How will my solar power system affect the value of my property?
Isn’t Ontario too far north/too cold to generate solar power?
Will snow be an issue for my panels?
Are large amounts of wind a problem?
Where are the best places to install my solar power system?
Is my solar power system recyclable?
What is the lifespan of my solar panels?
What is a kilowatt (kW)? Kilowatt hour (kWh)?
This
equation refers to a unit of energy. A W (watt) refers to a unit of
power while a K (kilo) is 1000 x that unit. A kWh is simply referring
to the number of kilowatt’s generated in one hour. For example a 100
Watt light left on for 10 hours would consume 1kWh, that is, 100 Watts x
10 hours = 1,000 Watt hours = 1kWh.
What is solar photovoltaic (PV)?
Solar cells, also called photovoltaic (PV) cells, convert sunlight directly into electricity.
Solar panels used to power homes and businesses are typically made from solar cells combined into modules. The panels are mounted at a fixed angle facing south, or they can be mounted on a tracking device that follows the sun, allowing them to capture the most sunlight. Many solar panels combined together to create one system is called a solar array.
Solar
photovoltaic cells involve some of the most exciting new technology
available. These cells take the sun's direct rays, the most readily
available renewable source, and turn them into energy. When a photon of
light hits the silicon on your solar panel, electrical energy is
released in the form of an electron. These electrons are then
manipulated to result in an electrical charge. It's a much more
efficient process than solar thermal energy, because converting heat
energy to electricity is quite complex.
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What is a feed-in-tariff (FIT)?
A feed-in-tariff
(FIT or FiT) is a commitment by a government or utility to purchase
electricity generated by renewable energy sources at a fixed price,
guaranteed over a number of years. For example, the Ontario Power
Authority’s (OPA) microFIT program offers up to 80.2 ¢/kWh for rooftop
solar power systems, guaranteed for twenty years. It encourages
renewable energy generation, diversifies energy sources, strengthens
energy independence, and boosts the green economy. To learn more, click here.
What are the goals of the OPA FIT program?
The
FIT program, involving solar projects over 10 kW, is designed to
encourage the use of renewable energy among large buildings, farms,
businesses and any other locations where it may have otherwise been
overlooked. Factors which may have originally hindered development,
such as costs, will be turned into a profit as the program provides a
significant return on investment, and allows for the contract
participant to pay back the system as well as achieve monetary gain. The
overall goals of FIT include:
- Phase out coal-fired electricity by Ontario generation by 2014
- Increase economic activity and the development of renewable energy technologies
- Create over 50,000 green jobs
- Turn Ontario into a world leader for renewable energy
Who can participate in the FIT/microFIT program?
The
FIT/microFIT Program is available to solar power projects of most sizes
in Ontario. Additions to existing facilities (incremental projects)
may be eligible, but please contact us for details.
How is the microFIT program different from the FIT program?
The primary difference between the two programs is the size of the solar power system.
- microFIT: 10 kW or less
- FIT: 10 kW or greater, and a maximum size may apply for certain systems
Is there a penalty for cancelling the FIT/microFIT contract?
No,
a customer may choose to cancel their contract without enduring any
fees. The OPA will require 30 days notice for any cancellations.
However, it should be noted that if a homeowner cancels their connection
agreement with the distribution company the FIT contract will also be
cancelled.
When do I receive a FIT/microFIT contract?
Grasshopper
Solar will apply for your FIT/microFIT contract on your behalf while
developing your solar power project. It will be offered to you once the
application has been approved by the OPA.
What if I sell my house while under a FIT/microFIT contract?
There are several options when selling your home: - We
help you transfer your FIT/microFIT contract to the home buyer, who
will own the system, the contract and receive payments for the
electricity the system generates.
- We can help you cancel your FIT/microFIT contract, and move and
re-install your solar panels at another location. We would then apply
for a new FIT/microFIT contract so you can receive payments.
Your solar power system – and the FIT/microFIT contract – is valuable.
Grasshopper Solar can help you and your agent determine the added value
that your solar power system and FIT/microFIT contract gives your home
when you sell.
How are FIT/microFIT payments calculated?
The
homeowner will be compensated for all electricity generated by their
solar power system. The exact payments are calculated based on the
contract amount (ex: 80.2 ¢/kWh for rooftop microFIT) multiplied by the
number of kilowatt hours (kWh) that is produced.
How am I paid for the power I generate?
You
will be paid by directly by your current Local Distribution Company
(LDC) for all electricity generated by your solar power system,
corresponding with your existing hydro billing cycle dates.
What happens once the FIT/microFIT contract expires?
Solar
panels are built to last. Despite the fact that the contract will end
after twenty years, your panels will continue producing energy for years
beyond that expiration. Your options at that time depend on the
situation in Ontario. Options may include continuing to sell the
electricity to the grid, or connecting the system to your home so you
can directly use the electricity it generates to and save hundreds if
not thousands on your energy bill.
If I own more than one property, are they all eligible to receive contract?
Yes, owners of multiple properties can obtain several FIT contracts.
What is Domestic Content?
In
order to be awarded a FIT contract, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA)
requires a certain percentage of the system components to be sourced
within Ontario:
- Solar PV projects: 50% on or before Dec 21, 2010 and 60% after
- Solar PV microFIT: 40% on or before Dec 31, 2010 and 60% after
Grasshopper Solar proudly meets and exceeds OPA’s domestic content requirements.
What is a Green Electricity Certificate (GEC) or Renewable Energy Credit (REC) and how do I get one?
A
Green Electricity Certificate (GEC) (also known as a Renewable Energy
Certificate or REC) is created when a megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity
is produced from a certified low-impact renewable energy source. These
are then tradable in certain green marketplaces so individuals,
companies and industries can offset their carbon emissions. FIT contract
holders usually do not qualify for a GEC or REC due to the size of the
project, and as they are selling their electricity to the Ontario Power
Authority (OPA). The US Environmental Protection Agency provides a good
overview of GECs and RECs on their website:
www.epa.gov/greenpower/gpmarket/rec.htm.
Is solar power limited to rooftops?
No, we install ground mounted systems as well: fixed mount (pole mount or rack mount), single and dual axis trackers.
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Are there any special requirements for roofing?
The
optimum location is a generally south-facing roof in good condition,
free of any shadows from trees or other obstructions during the sunniest
portion of the day in both summer and winter. Roof objects such as
dormers, chimneys and skylights may reduce the size of system that can
be installed. Grasshopper Solar can do a feasibility study to determine
where on your property is the most optimum location for your system.
Do I need to apply for any building permits?
Grasshopper
Solar will make sure that your solar power system is in compliance with
any zoning by-laws and building code requirements, including applying
for local building permits.
How will solar panels affect the lifespan of my roof?
Despite
many buyers’ concerns, solar panels actually work to protect your
roofing material from damage, therefore increasing its longevity.
How are the solar panels attached? Will they be drilling any holes in my roof?
We
do make holes when mounting a flush roof mount system and in some flat
roof scenarios. However, flashing is applied and carefully sealed to
prevent any leakage.
Would I be able to perform the installations of the solar power system or PV panels myself?
No,
to ensure safety and proper installation, it is important that the work
is performed by certified and experienced contractors. Any new wiring
in your home, including the addition of solar panels, need to pass an
inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority, which we arrange.
Do I require special insurance to cover my solar power system?
It
is possible that your insurance company will require additional
coverage for a solar power project on your property. We can help you
contact your provider to assess if this is applicable.
What are my options if my roof is not suitable for solar panels?
If
your roof is not suitable, we can work with you to find an appropriate
ground mounted system. We install fixed, single-axis and dual-axis
tracker systems. (See below.)
Can I add more panels to my current solar power system?
Yes,
we can help you expand your system and still be eligible for the
FIT/microFIT program, through what is called an incremental project.
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What are fixed, single-axis and dual-axis tracking systems?
These are different mounts for your solar panels.
Fixed: the panels remain in a fixed position, determined as the optimal angle for sun exposure.
Single-axis: the panels rotate either up and down, or side to side to capture the sun as it moves across the sky.
Dual-axis:
the panels rotate both up and down and side to side, capturing the most
sunlight possible. Dual-axis trackers can generate approximately 20%
more energy than single-axis trackers.
What is the difference between a passive tracking system and an active tracking system?
An
active tracking system is kind of ground mounted system that actively
moves to track the sun’s position throughout the day with the use of
special optic sensors. This ensures that the panels achieve the maximum
amount of energy generation. A passive tracking system uses the sun’s
heat to move a liquid inside the panel from side to side, physically
moving the device towards the area of optimum sunlight.
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What is the approximate cost of a solar power system?
The cost varies depending on the type and size of the project. Please see our GS SeriesTM specifications for system costs, revenues, and return on investment.
Will GST apply to my income from the solar panels?
No, you are only charged GST if you are earning $30,000 or more a year in a business venture.
Will this affect my property tax?
Currently, solar panels do not influence property tax.
How will my solar power system affect the value of my property?
Our GS SeriesTM
solar power systems – and the FIT/microFIT contract – increase your
property’s market value. When it comes to resale, property owners often
discover they can sell at a premium. As well, the cost of your system
can be depreciated to zero in order to reduce the amount of taxes you
are paying for your solar income.
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Isn’t Ontario too far north/too cold to generate solar power?
No,
Ontario has more annual hours of solar radiation than Germany and
Tokyo, which are both leaders in the solar energy field. Some
interesting facts about solar power in Ontario:
- Panels can generate more energy on cold sunny days than hot sunny days, as they become less effective in hotter temperatures.
- The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) reports that Ontario ranks higher for solar potential than Florida or Texas.
- Two studies conducted by the Queen’s University Applied
Sustainability Research Group in Kingston, Ontario found that solar
power in southeastern Ontario has the potential to produce almost the
same amount of power as all nuclear reactors in the United States.
Will snow be an issue for my panels?
No, most of
the snow that accumulates on your panels will melt off. Panels are
often around 16 degrees Celsius hotter than the outdoor temperature.
Are large amounts of wind a problem?
No, windy weather conditions are taken into consideration with the design of the solar panels.
Where are the best places to install my solar power system?
The
optimum location is a generally south-facing roof in good condition,
free of any shadows from trees or other obstructions during the sunniest
portion of the day in both summer and winter. Roof objects such as
dormers, chimneys and skylights may reduce the size of system that can
be installed. Grasshopper Solar can do a comprehensive analysis to
determine where on your property is the most optimum location for your
system.
Is my solar power system recyclable?
Yes, programs exist to recycle your solar power system.
What is the lifespan of my solar panels?
Solar
panels are built to last. Many of the first solar panels created in
the 1950’s are still functioning and generating energy. After 20 years
of operation and past the expiry of your microFIT contract, your solar
panels should still be running at about 80% of their original
efficiency. Proper care, such as making sure that the panels aren’t
covered in dirt or leaves, will ensure a long lifespan for your solar
power system.
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