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F.A.Q.

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About Solart

For owners in Ontario: FIT and microFIT programs

For owners in New York: NYSERDA and Tax Credits

 

Solar Systems
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How long will solar panels last?

Solar panels are built to last up to 50 years. Panels will be at minimum 80% efficiency at the end of 25 years (guaranteed by the manufacturer) and 50% efficiency after 40 years. Rooftop installations require minimal maintenance and our project management will provide you with best practices on how to maintain your 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 depends on the size of the system, location and orientation of your property, 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 generate approximately 14.9 MWh per year

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

Majority of the production (85%) will be between the months of March and October. Our production and revenue estimates take weather and snow into consideration and accordingly predict estimates for the winter months. Snow is not a major concern since the panels are at installed at an angle, the surface of panels have minimal friction and they generate a certain amount of heat - what this means is that the snow does not stick to the panel surface and simply melts off over time. 

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 is a clean and renewable source of energy that works as an alternative to power plants burning fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases (CO2), which are responsible to global warming. Individuals and governments are now understanding the negative impacts of global warming and are becoming more conscientious towards the planet. Furthermore, with significant decreases in the cost of solar panels and with the help of government incentives and programs promoting renewable energy, solar has now become affordable even when compared to conventional sources of energy (oil, gas, nuclear etc).

Can I install the system myself?

Yes it is possible, however we recommend that you have a certain degree of construction and electrical experience. If you are interested in installing the solar panels yourself, we will provide you with a brief training however our standard labour warranty would not be applicable for your solar system.  

Solart 
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What does Solart offer?

Solart is a leading solar provider with operations in Canada and the United States. With expertise in project management, engineering and financing, we make it affordable for individuals and businesses to go solar and help contribute to a cleaner environment. We are a full service company and act as a one stop shop for all your solar needs. When you are ready to go solar, we take care of everything! This includes necessary paperwork, engineering, permits, installation and monitoring of your solar system. Our team of solar experts help you apply for any government subsidies or incentives that you might be eligible for, helping you get the best return on investment for your solar project.

What type of solar installation does Solart offer?

Solart is able to install any conventional solar system for both roof and ground. This includes flush-mount, flat-mount, ground-mount and pole-mount. 

How do we proceed?

The first step will be to complete a free assessment of your property which includes a 3D rendition and financial study to see if your property is suitable for a solar installation. If you like the information and financial study presented to you, we would assign a project manager for your project who would apply for the government incentives and acquire the necessary approvals. While we are waiting for the approvlals to be granted, we will conduct an engineering assessment and apply for the building permit. Once everything is in place, we will proceed with ordering the materials and scheduling your installation. The whole process can take between 3-6 months. 

What warranties does Solart offer?

    • 25 years warranty on solar panels power output.
    • 10 - 25 years warranty on inverters
    • 10 - 20 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?

Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program was launched in 2009 to create new clean energy industries and jobs, boost economic activity and the development of renewable energy technology, and to improve air quality by phasing out coal-fired generation by 2014. The FIT program allows homeowners, business owners and private developers to generate renewable energy and sell it to the province at a guaranteed price (up to 54.9 cents/kWh) for a fixed contract term (20 years).

The microFIT program is for renewable energy projects of 10 kilowatts or less. This program is of interest to homeowners, farmers, as well as institutions, such as schools and places of worship. The FIT program is available for renewable energy projects greater than 10 kilowatts. It is open to all types of generators, including developers, community groups and even individual homeowners.

Solart takes care of all necessary application work required to acquire a FIT/microFIT contract for your project. Once you have received the microFIT contract, we will proceed with procurement of materials and installation of your solar system.

Who will pay for the power I generate?

The electricity generated will be paid for by the Local Distribution Company (e.g. Hydro One, Hydro Ottawa). Payment dates correspond with the existing billing cycle.

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

Depending on the location of your property, orientation of your roof and system size, return on investment can range between 10 - 15%. Request a free preliminary study and find out how much money you can make by installing a solar system on your roof!

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

Please refer to the Canada Revenue Agency website to determine tax implications for your project. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/thrtpcs/nt-ft/q1-eng.html#a1

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

A FIT/microFIT contract can be leveraged to help increase the selling price when negotiating with potential buyers. The FIT/microFIT contract can be transferred and the revenue from the system will cover a significant portion of the new owners mortgage payment. Imagine buying a house where 30-40% of your annual mortgage payment is covered by the revenue of the solar system!

Will the solar investment affect property tax?

Property tax is not impacted by installing a solar system on your roof.

What is domestic content?

The OPA requires 60% of the system components to be sourced within Ontario. Thanks to strong local partnerships, Solart meets and exceeds the OPA’s domestic content requirements.
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For owners in New York: NYSERDA and Tax Credits

What is the NYSERDA rebate?

The NYSERDA Solar Standard Offer PV Incentive Program offers incentives to help reduce the installation costs associated with photovoltaic (PV) or solar-electric systems. Homeowners and businesses are eligible for incentives of up to $1.4/watt (maximum 7,000W for homeowners, 50,000W for businesses), helping reduce the cost of a solar system by up to 40%! A 7,000W or 7kW system can provide about 70-80% of an average homes energy needs.

Solart takes care of all necessary application work required to access the NYSERDA rebate for your solar installation. Once you have received the NYSERDA rebate, we will proceed with procurement of materials and installation of your solar system.

Are there any tax credits that my system is eligible for?

There are significant tax credits available for installing a solar system. Homeowners are eligible for up to $5,000 in state tax credits (approximate credits for a 7kW system) and unlimited federal credits (larger the system, higher the federal tax credits). Businesses are not eligible for the state tax credit, however they have access to unlimited federal tax credits (works out to around $35,000 for a 50kW system). With the help of tax credits and the NYSERDA rebate, the cost of a solar system is reduced by up to 70%!

Who will pay for the power I generate?

The electricity generated from your system will offset your actually energy consumption. If your solar system is able to cover all your energy needs, it means that your next electricity bill will be zero! Any excess power generated will become credits on your next electricity bill.

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

Depending on the location of your property, orientation of your roof and system size, return on investment can range between 10 - 15%. As the price of electricity continues rising each year (historical average is around 4%), your annual savings and return on investment will keep increasing. Request a free preliminary study and find out how much money you can save by installing a solar system on your roof!

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

Your solar system can be leveraged to help increase the selling price when negotiating with potential buyers. The next owner of your property will not have to pay for electricity!

Will the solar investment affect property tax?

Property tax is not impacted by installing a solar system on your roof.