Our Dedication to Solar Innovation

There are many, but a few include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, hedging against future electricity price increases, demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSG), low-risk investment and reducing operational costs.

Solar modules convert incoming solar radiation into direct-current (DC) electricity. This form of electricity isn’t commonly used in our everyday lives and therefore must be changed into alternating current (AC) and is accomplished using an inverter.

The inverter then distributes AC electricity to the building’s distribution system and/or back to the electric grid.

1. Solar modules (collectors) harness solar radiation and convert into DC power.

2. A grid-dependant inverter uses grid voltage to push current, produced by the collectors, which is used by electric end devices. (Light bulbs, fridge, motors, etc.)

3. If your solar array can produce more energy than what can be used at any given time within your building, excess power is then exported (sold) to the grid for neighbouring buildings to use.

A typical cost per watt installed (DC) can range from:

1. $1.40/watt (simple commercial installation) to $4.40/watt (difficult commercial installation).

2. $1.60/watt (simple residential installation) to $2.90/watt (difficult residential installation)
   

1. Count up a full year of kilowatt-hours consumed from your monthly bills.

2. Divide your total annual consumption by 1,200 kilowatt-hours and voila. Your result is how many kilowatts of solar capacity you require.

The answer to this is personal to the individual. Some individuals love using electricity or have children that like to leave lights on, others are frugal and consume very little energy. This pertains to both commercial and residential installations. 

Snow cover will reduce the energy production of solar modules, but not as much as one may think annually. The amount of energy available to the solar PV system is lowest in the winter and therefore the losses from snow will also be low during this time. 

Solar modules, depending on the installation angle, also tend to sluff off the snow due to the modules producing their own heat from exposure to sunlight. Solar modules are tested to withstand hail and are constructed of tempered glass that holds up very well to hailstorms.

Some things to consider:

1. Can the solar array azimuth face within 90 and 270 degrees?
2. Are there significant obstructions causing shade where you would like to install the solar array?
   

Typical warranties are as follows:

1. Modules – 25 years

2. Racking – 25+ years 

3. Inverting equipment – 10-25 years 

4. Balance of system – 25+ years 

Yes and no, call us to discuss.

No, for grid-tied systems.
Yes, for grid-tied systems with generator backup.
Yes, for off-grid systems, because for them, what is a grid?

A solar PV system is a very sound investment with low risk, very minimal maintenance, long product warranties and a proven track record. US studies claim that for every $1,000 in utility savings annually, it increases the resale value of a building by $20,000.

Alberta has a great solar resource, better even than some areas in Europe who have pioneered and used the technology for much longer. Fact: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil only gets 4 more sun-hours annually than Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.