FAQs

If you don’t see your question, get in touch and let us know how we can help.

How it Works

How does solar power work?

Simply put Solar power works by converting light from the sun into electricity. Sunlight in the form of photons hit the solar panels on your roof or ground mount. The panels absorb and convert the energy from freed electrons to DC current, which then flows to an inverter and is converted from DC electricity to AC electricity. This electricity is then used to power your home and if there is excess power generated it can be exported to the grid.

What happens if there is a power outage?

Your system will go down. It will start back up once the power goes back on – please allow 10-15 minutes for the system to reboot.

Can we add panels in the future?

The easy answer is yes but there are factors like your current electrical panel capacity. There may need to be electrical modifications now to accommodate adding more panels in future. If you would like to add more panels to your system please reach out, we are happy to help guide you.

Costs & Savings

My BC Hydro Bill shows energy outflow to the grid, which is considerably less than the solar production my monitoring shows for the same period. Why?

The energy produced by your solar system does not flow directly out to the grid.Rather, some or all of the solar energy produced is used by your home, and only the solar energy surplus to what your home requires becomes outflow to the grid. BCHydro Outflow shown on your bill will always be less than the Solar Energy Produced during that same billing period.

The energy balance that holds true for any billing period is:

𝑩𝑪 𝑯𝒚𝒅𝒓𝒐 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘 + 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒅= 𝑩𝑪 𝑯𝒚𝒅𝒓𝒐 𝑶𝒖𝒕𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘 + 𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚 𝑼𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆

Solar Energy Produced and the BC Hydro Outflow would be equal only in the unlikely event your home used no electricity during a billing period, so all that Solar EnergyProduced became BC Hydro Outflow.

Why are my 455 W solar panels producing less than 455 W when the sun is blasting on them?

Solar panel output power is almost always less under real operating conditions, than at ideal factory standard test conditions (STC) at which they are rated; light intensity of 1000 Watts/m2 striking perpendicular to panel surface, and 25 degC cell temperature. STC conditions are rarely duplicated in the field for a few reasons:

1. 1000 Watts/m2 is equivalent to very bright conditions which are not the norm.

2. Sunlight is most likely to strike directly perpendicular for short periods at mid-day near summer solstice, and if the solar array is suitably oriented. At noon onJune 21, Kamloops sun elevation angle reaches about 62 degrees. A south facing array tilted up at 28 degrees (7:12 roof pitch) could experience short-lived perpendicular sunlight. However, solar arrays are seldom ideally oriented, unlikely to produce rated power very often, and then only for short periods.

3. Solar panel power drops as cell temperatures rise. Since the longest days of the year are often the warmest, solar cell temperatures can be well above factory STC, lowering power output even under bright conditions.

Ideal STC conditions are rarely replicated by real world roof orientations and operating conditions. In the end, array power output at particular moments in time is not particularly relevant. Overall solar energy production over time that creates energy savings, is a much more important metric, and thankfully more confidently predicted.

Can I connect a backup generator to my electrical service if I also have a solar PV system installed?

To comply with Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), a backup generator must be installed using a transfer-switch (manual or automatic) making it impossible for generator output to ever connect to and back feed the grid. Similarly, a solar PV system must be installed so that solar system AC output and generator output can never connect to each other. Damage to solar inverters, or generator that would not be covered under warranties, can otherwise be expected.

Life-Span, Warranty & Maintenance

What maintenance will my solar system require?

Solar panels, once installed properly, require very little maintenance. Use your online monitoring to check on your system regularly. You can use a soft bristled broom or soft rubber squeegee to clean debris off the panels or a quick spray with the hose usually does the trick. DO NOT use chemical cleaners on your panels.

Do I need to clean the snow off my solar panels?

Cleaning off the snow is not recommended; icy, snowy roofs can be extremely dangerous. You can use a soft bristled broom or soft rubber squeegee if you choose to clean the snow off. Please be careful!

Do solar panels break easily?

No, Solar panels are installed all over the world, in an array of extreme temperatures and climates. Solar panels are rated for snow, rain, sleet and hail.

What if I notice an issue with my online monitoring ie: panels/inverters not producing?

You can contact us directly to put in a Service request with the Inverter Provider.Please see your warranty package for details on what costs you are responsible for.

What if I have to replace my roof at some point after having a solar system installed?

Solar arrays and racking can be removed and re-installed by solar professionals to accommodate roof replacement. Costs are usually quite reasonable but will depend on system size, roof pitch, and roof type. Please reach out to us for guidance around whether to replace your roof before your solar installation.

When I check the online monitoring, my system is not reaching maximum rated output of the solar array – Why is that?

Solar panels generate DC electricity, which inverters convert to AC electricity your home can use. Solar panel DC power rating is factory measured at ideal standard test conditions (STC) of 1000 Watts/m2 light intensity striking perpendicular to the panel surface, with solar cells at 25 degC. Real world installations will seldom replicate STC conditions, making rated solar panel DC power events uncommon and short lived.

Solar designers improve performance using a standard best practice called DC: A Cover sizing by connecting a higher solar panel DC power capacity than the inverter AC output rating. Inverters then limit the maximum solar AC power output; rather than the connected solar panel DC power rating. For instance, a system design using 1500W ac micro inverters with four 455 Wdc panels on each; provides 121% DC:A Cover sizing. Micro inverter output is limited to 1500 Wac; even though 1820 Wdc of solarPV is connected. DC:AC oversizing improves array performance at lower light levels and when sunlight is not striking perpendicular. Higher efficiency results as inverters operate near their rated AC output power for more of the time. DC:AC oversizing is accounted for in solar energy production estimates and ROI calculations.

When I check the online monitoring, my system is not reaching maximum rated output of the solar array – Why is that?