Ontario residents can benefit from a new government program which allows home and business owners to generate income from solar systems on their roofs or mounted in their yards. The program pays for 20 years, while the life of a solar system can be much longer – 30 years. Effectively, solar systems can act like a GIC, with fairly predictable income over its life, and a rate of return from 7 to 10%.
What is the Feed-In Tariff?
Why a Feed-In Tariff?
Who is eligible?
How much does solar cost and what income will it generate as part of the Feed-In Tariff?
How long do they last?
Why choose Home Energy Solutions?
I’ve heard about a new low cost solar panel...
How do I know what my system is producing?
How do the systems attach to my roof?
What do I need to start?
How to find an installer.
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.
Why a Feed-In Tariff?
The province of Ontario wants renewable energy to be part of its future. It believes solar energy is one technology that can deliver clean energy directly to consumers. Although solar electricity is expensive today, the province is introducing this program to help consumers put solar energy to work, with the goal of lowering costs and growing an industry that is ready to become mainstream.
Who is eligible?
Any person or business can install a solar electric system on their roof and participate in this program. Ideally a home would have a south facing roof slope that receives direct sun during the day. 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.
How much does solar cost and what income will it generate as part of the Feed-In Tariff?
Solar systems can be installed on a home for about $9,000 to $12,000 per kilowatt. The range depends on the roof, the efficiency of the solar panels and the overall size of the system – larger systems are cheaper per kilowatt than smaller ones.
On an unshaded south facing roof, each kilowatt of solar installed can generate between 1000 and 1300 kilowatt hours, or $800 to $1100 per annum. A ten kilowatt system, costing about $100,000 could generate as much as $12,000 per year. This equates to a Return on Investment of 10%.
How long do they last?
Solar electric panels like those made by Sharp Solar have a 25 year power output warranty. They commonly last many years more than that. The system will likely continue to produce electricity long after the 20 year Feed-In Tariff contract has run out.
Why choose Home Energy Solutions?
Home Energy has many years of experience with solar electric systems on homes, and has brought together systems using the best components: Sharp Solar modules, OnEnergy mounting systems and inverters with 10 year warranties. When investing in equipment for a 20 year power production contract, you want to be sure to choose a brand that you can rely on. Sharp Solar is the leading industry brand name.
I’ve heard about a new low cost solar panel...
There is lots of investment in Solar technology development. The best producing solar panels for rooftops are crystalline silicon solar cells. These offer the highest efficiency, reducing the cost of mounting equipment and time to install. Low efficiency panels are less expensive per module, but will often result in higher system costs due to the larger array size. Home Energy Solutions uses only high efficiency Sharp products in its grid-tie systems.
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.
How do the systems attach to my roof?
Home Energy Solutions recommends the Sharp OnEnergy systems. These unique solar panel mounting systems secure the modules to the roof with a low profile brackets covered with anodized trim pieces. They have special self sealing roof attachments that make sure the panels are strongly attached but watertight. If your roof needs replacing in the future, the system can be disassembled and reinstalled after the roofers have completed the roof.
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. Then, contact us to find a local installer who can come to your house and discuss the ideal package for you.
Once the system is installed, your contractor can help you fill out the FIT application. Once completed, income from your solar system will start to flow. Your roof will be working for you!
How to find an installer:
Contact us at sales@heshomeenergy.com, or phone us at 1-866-258-0110 and we will refer you to a qualified Home Energy Solutions installer near you.
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HES-GT-2.3
Array Wattage 2376W
Array Area 2 @ 124 x 118"
Estimated Annual Production and % of Typical Electrical Load 2910 kWh/year | 25% - 55%
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Array Area 3 @ 124 x 118”
Estimated Annual Production and % of Typical Electrical Load 4365 kWh/year | 45% - 85%
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Array Wattage 4752W
Array Area 4 @ 124 x 118"
Estimated Annual Production and % of Typical Electrical Load 5821 kWh/year | 55% - 100%
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Array Wattage 9504W
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Array Wattage 10500W
Array Area 4 @ 21' x 41'
Estimated Annual Production and % of Typical Electrical Load 12,867 kWh/year | 95% - 210%
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