Frequently Asked Questions

Solart microFIT Installations

Ottawa Area South / Western Ontario North / Western Ontario

Solart Residential Projects

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F.A.Q.

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About Solart

For owners in Ontario: FIT and microFIT programs

 

Answers

Solar Systems
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How long will solar panels last?

Solar panels are built to last over 40 years. Panels should be still efficient at 80% after 20 years and around 50% after 40 years. Most rooftops installations do not need that much maintenance. Solart project managers will give you some tips to ensure a long lifespan for you solar system.

How does it work?

A solar panel, which is known as a photovoltaic (PV) module or panel, is composed of solar cells (PV cells). Light energy (photons) hit these solar cells, moving the free electrons located in the silicon structure. The output energy from the PV module is a direct current (DC) that goes through an inverter in order to convert DC to alternative current (AC). If an off grid system is designed, the solar panels would be connected to a battery bank and then to the inverter.

How much energy does an installation produce?

The total energy produced of a system depends on the size of the system, the location and orientation of your residence or company, the angle of your roof, as well as the kind of inverter you use. A typical 10kW system located in Windsor (Ontario, Canada) with an optimal angle and orientation will create approximately 14.9 MWh per year.

Will winter time and snow be an issue for the panels?

Panels can actually generate more energy on cold sunny days than during summer time as they are less effective in hotter temperatures. Panels are most of the time around 16 degrees Celsius hotter than the outdoor temperature. Most of the snow that accumulates on the panels will melt off. Solar panels help protect your roof from damage, therefore a solar installation can increase roof's longevity.

Is it possible to add more panels on the solar system while already connected to the grid?

Yes, it is. Solart can help you enlarge your solar installation and – if your property is in Ontario – still be eligible for the FIT or microFIT program through which is called an incremental project.

Why go solar?

Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy that works as an alternative to power plants burning fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases (CO2), which are responsible to global warming. Nowadays people are trying to commit to a healthy environment and take consciousness of their planet.

Can I install the system myself?

Yes you can if you have some construction and electricity experience. If that is the case, we can provide you with a brief training. However, warranty on labor usually provided by Solart does not apply in this case.

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What does Solart offer?

Solart is a one-stop shop for tailored solutions. With its turn-key solutions systems, Solart aims to offer its clients customized and efficient solar installations. The Solart team will evaluate, design, optimize and manage your system and its installation. Our clients have a personal project manager dedicated to operate and manage the life cycle of the solution and we also offer a maintenance service including training and administrative support.

What type of solar installation does Solart offer?

Solart offers turn-key solutions for ground mounted systems, pole mounted systems*, rooftop systems and thermal system.
*Fixed or single and dual axis trackers.

How do we proceed?

First, Solart offers you a free assessment including a feasibility study, a 3D rendition of your property with the solar installation and a detailed analysis of your output for the next decades, including your ROI. The Solart team aims to find the best ROI of your installation.

If you own a property in Ontario, Solart will apply for you to the FIT or the microFIT program and your project manager will make sure that your solar installation is in compliance with building code requirements and other legislation.

What warranties does Solart offer?

  • 25 years warranty on solar panels power output.
  • 10 years warranty on inverters or 15 to 25 years on Enphase micro-inverters.
  • 10 years warranty of racking system.
  • 2 years warranty on labor.

For owners in Ontario: FIT and microFIT programs

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What is the FIT program?

The Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) program has been launched in Fall 2009 in Ontario. It is a commitment by the government of Ontario to purchase electricity generated by the solar installation at a fixed price (up to 80.2 cents per kWh for the microFIT program, for rooftops), guaranteed over 20 years. The microFIT program is for installations under 10kW while the FIT program is for 10kW or greater installations.

Solar industry has been booming since the launch of this program in Ontario where a solar installation has become a worth investment with a significant return on investment (ROI), to learn more please click here.

The FIT and microFIT programs encourage the use of renewable energy among large buildings houses, businesses, plants, farms and other locations.

Solart will apply to the FIT/microFIT contract on your behalf while developing your solar project. Solart project managers will start your project as soon as you get approved by the Ontario Power Authority's (OPA)

Owners of multiple properties can obtain several FIT/microFIT contracts.

Who will pay for the power I generate?

Ontario solar installations’ owners will be paid by their Local Distribution Company for all electricity generated by their system. Payment dates correspond with existing hydro billing cycle dates.

What is the return on investment (ROI) of a solar system connected to the grid in Ontario under the microFIT or FIT program?

First, the cost of a project varies depending on the type and size of the project. Then, the revenues generated by the investment are linked to several parameters such as the pitch (angle of the panels or of the roof), the azimuth of the location, shading, etc. Before starting your project, the Solart technical team will compute the ROI of your solar installation. You can find here the average ROI for our turn-key solution systems.

Will taxes apply to the new income from the solar installation?

Yearly incomes up to $30,000 are not subjected to government taxes.

If I sell my property, what effect does PV have on the sale price?

Energy conservation and renewable generation adds value to a home. Solar energy can be one of the best home improvement investments you make. The microFIT contract is transferable to the new homeowners. It can also be a great bargaining tool when negotiating your selling price. Property owners can sell at a premium which often includes the price of the installation depreciated to zero and the average amount of money which will be made thanks to the OPA contract for the years left.

Will the solar investment affect property tax?

Solar panels do not influence property tax in Ontario. However, a solar investment will increase the property’s market value.

What is domestic content?

The OPA requires a certain percentage (the rate is now 60%) of the system components to be sourced within Ontario. Thanks to its strong partnerships, Solart meets and exceeds OPA’s domestic content requirements.
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