FREE Solar Program FAQ
1. What is the FREE Solar Program?If you own a property, with absolutely no cost to you, a solar panel system will be installed and you make money, rain or shine, you can make up to 1,020 dollars (10kW AC System) guaranteed every year for a 20 year term.
Further on;
a) You do not pay a single penny, now or in the future, for installation, monitoring and maintenance of the system during the term.
b) This system will increase the value of your home.
c) You will own a sixty thousand dollar system once the term is complete.
d) AND most importantly you can help save the environment by taking part in the program.
2. Can I use the electricity myself?No, all power produced by the system is sold back to the government for 20 years as part of the program. However, after the term, the power is yours and you can use it to reduce your hydro bills.
This solar system installation has nothing to do with your current property hydro setup. A new meter will be installed to track the solar system production being sold back to the government.
3. How is this possible or what is the program?The Government of Ontario launched the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program in November, 2009. As part of the program, the power produced by your solar system is sold to the grid and the income pays for the system and its operating costs.
Remainder of guaranteed earnings are paid to you every month! Power produced by solar panel system is bought back by the government at guaranteed rates for 20 years which allows us to deliver this program.
4. What is the catch?There is no catch at all. The program is backed by the Government of Ontario which has enabled Grasshopper Solar to develop the FREE Solar Program.
According to this program, all power produced by the system is bought back by the government at guaranteed rates. The system pays off itself and its maintenance and the remainder of the guaranteed earnings are shared with you. However, the system must remain at its installed location during the term.
5. Do I qualify?YES! As long as you own a property, you are eligible for the FREE Solar Program. Apply today since availability is limited and the demand has been overwhelming. Please visit our website and submit your FREE Solar application right away to get the process started and to lock in your spot!
6. How do I get started?Click here to submit your FREE Solar Application right away to get the process started and to lock in your spot!
7. What is the process?The first step is to submit your FREE Solar Application so we can start the process and lock in your spot!
Once we have received your application, our team will be in touch with you to guide you through further steps. Don’t forget, there is never any cost to you!
8. Do I have to pay anything?Absolutely not!
All costs including the engineering, application fee, permits, equipment, installation, certifications, commissioning, ongoing maintenance, monitoring and system insurance are solely Grasshopper Solar's responsibility.
9. What is the benefit of having this program?a) Rain or shine, you are paid up to 1,020 dollars (10kW AC System) guaranteed every year for a 20 year term.
b) You do not pay a single penny, now or in the future, for installation, monitoring and maintenance of the system during the term.
c) This system will increase the value of your home.
d) You will own a sixty thousand dollar system once the term is complete.
e) You can save up to a 100% of your hydro bills after the term is over by using the power for your home.
f) AND most importantly you can help save the environment by taking part in the program.
10. What happens after 20 years?The system is all yours and you can use it to save significantly on your hydro bills.
11. Will you be in business in 20 years?The program is backed by the Ontario Power Authority, the OPA, part of the Government of Ontario, who will in turn be bound by a signed 20 year guaranteed contract.
Furthermore, the FREE Solar Program is a 45 million dollar investment. With such substantial investment, it is our vested interest to maintain operations for the term of the contract.
12. What about insurance?The system insurance will be arranged and paid for by Grasshopper Solar.
As far as property insurance is concerned, you will have to inform your insurance company. And don’t forget to advise them that the equipment is already insured by Grasshopper Solar.
13. Who is Grasshopper Solar?a) Grasshopper Solar Corporation is one of the largest Canadian owned solar companies with over 28 install depots across Ontario.
b) We have delivered hundreds of successful turnkey solar installs.
c) Our team has helped over five thousand Ontarians receive money from government energy incentives.
d) We have industry leading affiliations including the Better Business Bureau, TD Authorized Dealer, CanSIA, OPA Approved Vendor, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Green Energy Act Alliance and Live Green Toronto.
e) And we believe in a green future for our generations to come!
14. What about maintenance?Grasshopper Solar is completely responsible for monitoring and maintaining the system without any cost to you for the 20 year term.
15. When do I get paid?If approved, we expect you to start receiving monthly payments in about 6 months from the day of your application.
16. How do I know if my roof qualifies?A trained Grasshopper Solar Consultant will assess your roof to determine the size and location. See ‘Qualification’ FAQ’s below for additional information.
17. Does Grasshopper Solar need to do a credit check?A credit check may take place but is not necessary.
18. How can I get a copy of the FREE Solar Application?There are a few options available:
i) From our website at
http://www.grasshoppersolar.com/applyii) Contact your Grasshopper Solar Consultant to obtain a copy.
iii) Contact us Toll Free at 1-866-310-1575 ext. 0.
If you are having any difficulty with your application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
19. How much is the property owner paid?If approved, the property owner is paid up to 1,020 dollars (10 kW AC System) guaranteed every year for a 20 year term.
20. Does the solar power system increase the value of my property?Yes, absolutely. The solar power system immediately increases the value of the property due to the guaranteed income generated by it with no cost.
21. What if I sell my property?The agreement is simply transferred to the new property owner. The property owner is required to give Grasshopper Solar a 30 day notice.
22. What if the new property owner doesn’t want the solar system?An additional income on a property for free is a great selling feature which is likely to make the buyers want your property more without any risk for them.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the U.S. found that houses with solar panels not only sold faster but also at a higher value than their non-solar counterparts.
23. Do I still get paid if the solar panels don’t perform or are covered by snow?Yes. Your monthly payments are guaranteed to you regardless of weather conditions or technical issues.
24. Who is responsible for the roof maintenance?Solar panels extend the roof life because of protection from weather elements such as direct sunlight, wind, rain and snow. However, the property owner will remain responsible for their roof.
25. What happens if the system has to be taken off the roof for roof repairs?Your income may be reduced slightly to reflect the cost of dismount and remount of the solar power system. However, remember that solar panels extend the roof life because of protection from weather elements such as direct sunlight, wind, rain and snow.
26. What areas qualify?The program is available throughout Ontario.
27. What if there is shade on the roof?Fully shaded roofs will not qualify. However, a trained Grasshopper Solar Consultant will assess your roof to determine its eligibility.
28. What if my roof has multiple roof faces?Properties with multiple roof faces are eligible. However, a trained Grasshopper Solar Consultant will assess your roof to determine the appropriate locations.
29. I have heard of wall mounted solar panels. Is that eligible under the FREE Solar Program?Yes, they are eligible. We can install panels on the exterior walls of your property to maximize your income.
30. Do flat roofs qualify?Yes, they do. However, the property must be owned by an individual(s) or have a farm registration number.
31. Are ground mount solar systems eligible under the FREE Solar Program?No, they are not eligible. Only roof and wall mount solar panel systems are eligible.
32. My property is registered to a business or an organization, do I qualify?Only if the property is registered to an individual(s), a registered religious organization under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines or has a farm registration number, it qualifies for the FREE Solar Program.
33. Do I need a perfectly south facing roof?No, you do not need a perfectly south facing roof. However, a trained Grasshopper Solar Consultant will assess your roof to determine the appropriate location(s).
34. What happens after I submit the application?You will be contacted within 3-4 weeks if your property qualifies after being reviewed by the Grasshopper Solar team. Please visit our website and submit your FREE Solar application right away to get the process started and to lock in your spot!
35. How much will I be contributing to the environment?On average, your system under the FREE Solar Program is equivalent to planting 170 trees every year or taking 1.6 cars off the road.