One of the most common questions we get asked is what makes a home or business ideal for solar panels. The answer is; there are several factors that determine if your home or business will help you reap the benefits of solar power. Below is a high-level look at what needs to be considered plus we have included the process and cost as well.
This is what needs to be considered when planning a project, however there may be others as well. Talking to one of our Solar Specialists is best to get all of your questions answered.
The cost of electricity in your area – knowing how much you pay for electricity each month is the first step in determining if your home is good for solar. The more you pay generally the more likely your project will be viable and you will save money.
The type of roof you have – Solar panels work best with strong, durable roofing materials, such as composite or asphalt shingle, concrete tile, or standing seam metal however SkyFire has extensive experience installing on all types of roofing including clay tile with success.
The amount of sunlight your roof receives – as part of our process we do a shade assessment to determine if your roof is getting enough sun to provide the amount of electricity your home or business needs.
The local climate – the great news is that Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia have some of the best solar potentials in North America so this is not a concern.
What is the process?
Making the decision to switch to solar is an awesome one. However, getting started and understanding the process can feel overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the industry. The great news is SkyFire Energy provides turnkey systems and takes care of all of the permitting, grid connection application, etc.
Here is a list of the steps for a typical residential installation:
Initial estimate – Using high-quality satellite images we can view your home or business from our offices and provide accurate estimates for system size and energy production for your specific building.
Site assessment – Next we visit the site to obtain detailed site-specific information required for a solar installation including detailed roof measurements, electrical capacity of your electrical system, and a shading analysis (determines if the trees or other structures in the area are creating shade on the building). For a new construction home, SkyFire can design a system right from the architectural drawings.
System design & quote – SkyFire will design a system specific to your roof space, budget, and electricity needs, and multiple options can be presented. SkyFire provides you with a sketch showing what your home will look like with solar on the roof as well as an economic analysis.
Permitting and grid connection application – SkyFire takes care of ALL the permitting required (Electrical, Building, and/or Development permits) and the application to connect the system to the grid.
Installation and commissioning – Installation of your new solar array are performed by our highly trained and experienced in housel installation crews.
Final walk through – The last step is a walkthrough of the system details with the homeowner and delivery of system manuals.
What will it cost me?
Determining the cost of installing solar power on your home or business comes down to two main factors:
The size of the system needed – A lot of information is needed to determine the size of the system you require. You’ll need to know your average yearly electricity usage, how much sunlight your home gets, and where you’re going to put your panels. We determine all of this for you and present the options with our assessment.
The cost of the system – The second step of determining the cost of your system is the easiest part. All you need to do is request a free cost estimate from us and we will let you know the design and installation cost along with applicable rebates where you live. https://skyfireenergy.com/contact/assessment/
Does solar perform well in Canada?
Luckily for us Canadians warm weather actually has very little to do with our ability to generate solar power! Surprising to many, latitude has only a small effect on solar production. For example, a solar system located in Regina will produce more energy on an annual basis as that same system in Miami, Florida. Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia receive a lot of sun all year round and solar PV (photovoltaic) modules actually produce more energy when they are cold! Canada also fairs extremely well when comparing the production potential of leading solar industry countries such as Germany.
How do I get started?
To get started on your project, you can contact us by phone for a free consultation or fill out our e-mail form and you will be contacted within 24 hours for your consultation. https://skyfireenergy.com/contact/assessment/