In this article, we will outline a few tips for installing solar panels in Ontario.
More and more people are adding solar panels to existing rooftops, and the experts at L. Patten and Sons highly recommend considering solar for any new custom home builds.
Now let’s take a look at some tips for solar panels in Ontario with regards to financing, placement and the benefits thereof.
A custom home is a great candidate for solar panels in Ontario.
Hot Tips For Installing Solar Panels in Ontario
Tip #1: Add a monitoring system
To help maximize your solar panels, we recommend installing a monitoring system to keep an eye on the performance of your solar panels; when the performance goes down you'll know that maintenance is required.
Most of these monitoring systems need to be installed professionally with the purchase of a monthly subscription fee. Here are some of the benefits of a monitoring system:
Keep track of how much energy is being produced by your solar panels and how you’re reducing carbon emissions.
Diagnose problems through your monitoring system. Many of these devices will tell you which areas of your solar panel are not functioning properly and need repair.
See information about your solar panels on a wall-mounted display while at home or via the Internet while travelling.
Solar panels don’t require much maintenance. Provide regular care and don't allow dirt, snow and other environmental elements to settle on the panels for too long.
In terms of cleaning, you can use the same equipment that you use to wash your windows. Here's a quick tutorial on how to clean your solar panels.
Monitor your solar panels in Ontario for optimal usage.
Tip #2: Placement is everything
Have your property assessed prior to installing solar panels in Ontario. The potential must exist for long periods of full sun exposure for the idea of solar to be worthwhile.
If you're building a custom home on a property that's amenable to solar, all efforts should be made to design the house in order to take full advantage of the available sun.
The slope and orientation of your roof will play a very large part in the success of your solar panels, and the design should consider the weight load of the system, as well as the wiring needs.
When considering placement, it’s not only about the location of the home, but where the panels will be installed on the structure. Some people are quite simply turned off by the thought of having solar panels plunked on top of their homes, or freestanding in their yards. Your designer can integrate them seamlessly, keeping your dream home attractive while also having a modern, forward-thinking feel.
Solar panels can be installed on your home in a non-intrusive way.
Tip #3: Don’t get discouraged by up-front costs
According to the Ontario Energy Board, the average Ontario household consumes about 9,000 kWhs of electricity per year. For homeowners to offset 100% of their electrical use, an average Ontario homeowner would therefore need to install a solar array of approximately 7,500 Watts.
With a current installed cost per watt of around $2.50 to $3.00 per watt, a 7,500 Watt solar array is going to run somewhere between $18,750 and $22,500.
It’s important to recognize that while the cost of installing the appropriate solar setup is significant, the general payback period for an appropriately-sized residential solar system is 8-10 years, once all costs are factored in.
So while the investment up front is substantial, the benefits should last well beyond the payback period. For those building a custom home, it’s not complicated to add solar panels to the project.
Anyone considering building a custom home should seriously consider adding solar panels to the plan; for more, read "Should I add solar panels to my home in Ontario?"
*Note: We recommend that you contact a solar installer in your area for more information about solar panels.
Where you place your custom home goes a long way towards the success of solar panels in Ontario.
Solar Panels in Ontario: Trust The Professionals At L. Patten
If you are designing your home, have questions, or are ready to work with a custom builder, ensure you get the best service and experience with L. Patten & Sons.
From initial discussions, to design, to final touches - you can count on us for open communication throughout the whole process, with only the finest quality work.
We're so focused on your satisfaction that you can even expect a call back from us to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. We don't just build on a big property, we focus on the small details that you'll appreciate for decades to come.
Contact us today to set up your consultation.