Solar Panel Consultation and Grid-Tied Systems in Ontario

It depends on orientation, shading, condition, structure and remaining life. A roof review answers this better than a rule of thumb, and an older roof may need work before panels go on.

Not necessarily. Many grid-tied systems run without one. A battery is worth discussing if you want backup for chosen circuits, and the design decides what it can power.

Net metering lets a customer's generation offset their electricity use through an arrangement with the local utility. Eligibility and how credits are applied come from provincial regulation and Ontario Energy Board rules, and your local utility applies them and handles the connection. The rules can change, so we help you confirm the current rules and your utility's process before you decide.

A review of the main panel, service size and breaker space comes first. Some homes need panel work for solar, particularly if a heat pump or EV charger is also planned.

Licensed electrical professionals or trade partners complete the electrical work, with permits and ESA notification where required. In Ontario, anyone hired to do electrical work in a home must be a Licensed Electrical Contractor. Kelvin Mechanical coordinates the schedule and the scope. Use Build My Quote to start the conversation.

Yes, they still produce power, but output is lower on short, cloudy days and when snow covers the panels. A tilted roof sheds snow more easily, and cold, clear days can suit panels well. Never climb onto a snowy roof to clear panels. We review roof pitch, shading and snow behaviour in the roof and site review.

It depends on your roof, shading, electricity use, goals and the utility's current rules. We do not quote production, savings or payback figures before a site review, and results are not promised. A consultation helps you see whether solar suits the property, and whether another upgrade should come first.

Not by default. A standard grid-tied system without a battery shuts down when the grid goes out, for safety reasons. Backup needs a system designed for it, usually with a battery and selected circuits connected. A battery does not automatically run the whole house, so decide which loads matter to you, then ask for that design.

It depends on your local utility, the permit and inspection steps, and the design. We cannot give a fixed timeline before a site review. A grid-tied system needs approval and a connection arrangement before it is switched on, so ask early. We coordinate the trades so the roof work, electrical work and paperwork follow one plan.

If the roof is near the end of its life, it is often sensible to deal with it first, because panels have to be removed and reinstalled for later roof work. The roof and site review looks at age, condition, structure and access. If the roof needs work, we say so up front.

It is wise to ask. Insurers may want to know about rooftop equipment, battery storage and the electrical work behind them. Check your policy before installation and keep the permit, inspection and equipment records. We cannot speak for your insurer, so call your broker or insurer once the design is settled.

Light upkeep, mainly. Panels have no moving parts, but you should watch the monitoring app, keep nearby trees trimmed and have connections and the inverter checked from time to time. Never climb onto a snowy or icy roof. Warranties for panels, inverters and workmanship are separate, so keep each document.