Understanding the Concept of "Tier-1" Solar Panels
Firstly, it's important to clarify a common misconception in the solar industry - the term "Tier-1". Despite its frequent use, it's not a definitive measure of a solar panel's quality. If you're seeking a simple, clear-cut categorization of solar panels, you might be disappointed. Let's delve a little deeper.
What Does "Tier-1" Really Mean?
The term "Tier-1" was coined by Bloomberg, but it doesn't necessarily reflect the quality or performance of the solar panel. Here's what you need to know:
Financial Criteria:
The "Tier-1" label is based on financial criteria, not on audits of manufacturing facilities or product quality. As such, the list of "Tier-1" solar panel manufacturers can change every quarter.
Not a Lifelong Guarantee:
The "Tier-1" label isn't a lifelong guarantee. It's not a quality guideline, and Bloomberg isn't a testing institute.
Quality Audits:
Some audits have found that solar panels from "Tier-1" manufacturers didn't meet their nameplate value under Standard Test Conditions right out of the box.
Product Defects:
Manufacturers rated as "Tier-1" due to high volume production have been found to have more product defects.
Misleading Assurance:
While "Tier-1" might sound impressive, it's not a reliable gauge of quality. It's often used to give buyers confidence in a less expensive product. However, the reality can be an underperforming product that doesn't live up to expectations.
The Takeaway
Be a savvy shopper. Look beyond the "Tier-1" label when choosing your solar panels. Quality and performance matter more than a manufacturer's financial status in a particular quarter.
Understanding the Difference Between Watts and Watt-Hours
Knowing the difference between a watt (W) and a watt-hour (Wh) helps you understand the impact of your home energy use on your electric bill. You can also compare your home energy use to the energy generated with your Enphase microinverter system. Read on below or watch the video here.
While watts and watt-hours are related terms, they are not the same thing.
What is a Watt?
A watt (W) is a unit of power, and power is the rate at which energy is produced or consumed. Think of watts as a measure of electrical flow. Does an electrical device need a big flow or a small flow to work? For example, a 100 W light bulb uses energy at a higher rate than a 60 W bulb; this means that the 100 W light bulb needs a bigger “flow” to work. Likewise, the rate at which your solar energy system “flows” power into your home is measured in watts.
The Enphase App displays your system’s latest and daily peak power generation in kW, which is equal to 1,000 W.
What is a Watt-Hour?
A watt-hour (Wh) is a unit of energy; it’s a way to measure the amount of work performed or generated. Household appliances and other electrical devices perform “work” and that requires energy in the form of electricity. Utilities typically charge you for electrical energy by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is equal to 1,000 watt-hours. Depending on your interconnection agreement, your utility may credit you for excess generation which will also be measured in kilowatt-hours.
The Enphase App displays the amount of energy generated by your microinverter system in watt-hours. For example, an Enphase microinverter system might generate 400 kWh (amount) in the month of September (period of time). A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 Wh, so 400 kWh is 400,000 Wh. In some cases, The Enphase App will display energy as megawatt-hours (MWh), which is one million watt-hours.
What is the Difference?
In a nutshell, watt-hours measure amounts of energy for a specific period of time, and watts measure rates of power at a moment in time.
A common analogy for watts and watt-hours is speed and distance. Speed is a rate of how fast you drive at an instant in time (watts); distance is the length, or amount that you drive over a period of time (watt-hours). For example, if you drive at a constant rate of 60 miles per hour for one hour, then you will have traveled 60 miles.
Similarly, if a 60 W light bulb is on for one hour, then that light bulb will have used 60 Wh of energy. If left on for two hours, then the 60 W light bulb will have used 120 Wh of energy.
Why Does This Matter?
Knowing about watts and watt-hours can give you a greater appreciation of the energy savings on your utility bills. You can compare the electric bills you received before you installed your Enphase Microinverter system to your current bills and calculate your energy savings, and in turn, your monetary savings. Keep in mind that your utility will only bill and credit you for energy that runs through your electric meter. Solar generation that is consumed by your home will not be measured by your utility.
At Watts Up Solar, we’re excited to bring TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar panels to our product lineup. This groundbreaking technology, which builds upon the widely used PERC (Passivated Emitter Rear Contact) design, represents the future of high-efficiency solar energy.
What is TOPCon Technology?
Introduced by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany in 2013, TOPCon takes PERC technology to the next level. By adding an ultra-thin tunneling oxide layer to the back of a PERC solar cell, TOPCon significantly reduces recombination losses and increases efficiency. Unlike brand-new manufacturing processes like heterojunction technology (HJT), which require completely different production lines, TOPCon can be integrated into existing PERC production facilities with minimal upgrades.
PERC cells, which are already highly efficient, have a theoretical efficiency limit of about 24%. TOPCon extends that limit by improving energy conversion and reliability. Major advancements in TOPCon technology have pushed efficiencies even higher:
2021: LONGi achieved 25.21% efficiency with n-type bifacial TOPCon cells. JinkoSolar followed with 25.4%.
2022: Trina Solar hit 25.5% efficiency on larger 210-mm cell sizes.
These incremental advancements are making TOPCon a preferred choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Why Choose TOPCon Over PERC?
While PERC technology remains an excellent option, TOPCon offers several advantages:
Higher Efficiency: TOPCon panels deliver more power per unit area. This is especially useful for installations where space is limited.
Improved Bifaciality: TOPCon modules achieve an 80% bifaciality rate, compared to PERC’s 70%. This means they can capture more energy from sunlight reflected off the ground, making them ideal for ground-mounted systems.
We’re proud to offer TOPCon panels to our customers, delivering the latest in solar efficiency and reliability. Whether you’re planning a residential installation or a large-scale utility project, our TOPCon solutions are designed to maximize energy production and provide lasting value.
Contact us today to learn more about our TOPCon panels and how they can enhance your solar energy system!
The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit is a refundable credit equal to 30% of the capital cost of eligible clean technology equipment that became available for use after March 27, 2023. As a refundable credit, it is available even if the company applying for it pays no tax in the current year.
Eligible Investments Include:
Equipment to generate electricity from renewable sources.
Stationary electricity storage equipment.
Low carbon heating equipment.
Non-road zero emission vehicles (ZEV) and charging equipment.
Geothermal energy systems (eligibility expanded in Budget 2023).
Phase-Out Schedule:
The credit will be reduced to 15% in 2034 and fully phased out after 2034.
Eligibility:
Canadian resident corporations.
Canadian corporations that are members of partnerships (claim an allocation of the credit on generally the same basis as certain other Investment Tax Credits).
Requirements:
The property must be situated in Canada and intended for use exclusively in Canada.
The property must not be used, or acquired for use or lease, for any purpose before being acquired by the taxpayer.
Solar, wind, small hydro, concentrated solar energy, small modular nuclear reactors.
Electricity storage systems (non-fossil fuel):
Batteries, flywheels, compressed air energy storage, pumped hydroelectric energy storage, gravity energy storage, thermal energy storage.
Heating equipment:
Active solar heating equipment, air-source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps.
Geothermal energy equipment:
Equipment used exclusively for generating electrical energy or heat (or a combination) solely from geothermal energy (excluding systems that extract both heat from geothermal fluid and fossil fuel for sale or use).
Non-road zero-emission vehicles:
Fully electric or powered by hydrogen, and charging or refueling equipment primarily used to support such vehicles.
Claim Process:
The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit is claimed by filing a prescribed form with the claimant’s income tax return for the year in which the eligible property is acquired.
Additional Information:
Contact your Accountant or Tax Preparer to determine if your business qualifies for the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit or any other federal/provincial solar energy incentives.
Individual taxpayers can also inquire about other solar energy incentives available Canada-wide, such as the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Canada Greener Homes Loan.
If you have changed your Internet Service Provider, network password, or even updated your network name, this can disconnect you from the Gateway. Let's walk through the steps to re-establish the network connection using the Enphase App, which will require you to use a device such as a tablet, or a smartphone that is already connected to your home's Wi-Fi. You will also need the password for your home's Wi-Fi connection.
Steps to Get Your Gateway Back Online
Open the Enphase App on your iOS or Android mobile device and tap on the ‘Menu’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
Enphase Dashboard
Tap on the bell icon at the top right of the screen.
Settings
Click the link on the 'Gateway Not Reporting' notice.
Notices
Bring your phone into the Wi-Fi range of Gateway and follow the steps mentioned on the ‘Reconnect to Gateway’ page in the Enphase App. For your reference, the steps to follow have also been elaborated below:
Step 4a: Press the AP mode button:
Do not hold, but just briefly press and release the Gateway menu button. This will enable AP mode (access point mode) on your Gateway which creates a wireless network you can join with your smartphone.
Note that if you see a solid green LED next to the Cell phone icon, it means AP mode is successfully enabled, and you may proceed to the next step.
If the AP mode LED next to the cell phone icon flashes green, it means WPS pairing has been initiated, which we do not want at this time. Please wait for the WPS pairing to timeout in two minutes and then repeat step 1.
Step 4b: Turn off mobile data:
Navigate to your phone settings without closing the Enphase App. Turn off the mobile data (cellular data) from your mobile device settings. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and switch it off.
Step 4c: Join Gateway’s network:
Join the Gateway’s network using your phone's Wi-Fi settings. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings and look for the Gateway’s wireless network. The network name will include the last six digits of your Gateway’s serial number. In this case: Envoy_029655 is the name of the network.
Join Network
Step 4d: Connect Gateway to home Wi-Fi:
After you have joined the Gateway’s network, return to the Enphase App’s “Reconnect to Gateway” screen. Scroll down to see the "Configure home Wi-Fi" option and tap on it.
Note that the “Configure Home Wi-Fi" box may appear grey initially; wait for a few seconds and when it turns blue, tap on it.
Connect
Select your home network from the list of available networks on the pop-up that appears.
Choose Network
Wait for the connection between the Gateway and the Home Wi-Fi to establish. This may take a few minutes.
Wait for connection
Connection established: Once the connection is established you will see a message “Gateway is connected to Wi-Fi successfully”. You may now connect your mobile device to your Wi-Fi or enable your mobile data.
Success!
Final Step: Tap on “OK, got it”. Your Gateway has been successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network. You may still see “Gateway is Not Reporting” status under Notices; please note it may take up to 30 minutes for the status to get updated.
Check if the Connection was Successful
Once the connection is established, check the LED indicator next to the cloud icon on your Gateway. If the LED lights up solid green, you're back online. Congratulations!
Your system now needs to re-sync, which can take anywhere from an hour to a few days depending on how long your system was offline.
If your Gateway is still offline, you will see the screen as shown below. You can tap on “Try again” and repeat the troubleshooting steps.
Why Don't I See My Production Data Even After Reconnecting?
Don't worry if you don't see your production data or the top light of the Gateway is red, even after reconnecting your Gateway back to the internet. It takes some time for the backed-up data to sync up with the Enphase Cloud. Typically, it takes about 1 hour for each day of your Gateway being offline. For example, if your Gateway was offline for 30 days your system should fully sync up in about 30 hours.
We want you and your family to be safe during storms and their aftermath. We also want your solar investment to serve you well for years to come.
With tropical storms and hurricanes come the hazardous conditions of heavy rains and destructive winds. In preparation for these storms, along with stocking up on supplies, securing loose items in your yard, and heeding evacuation orders, it’s important to understand some basics of solar PV systems and get some tips on how to prepare your PV system for severe weather.
Understanding Solar PV Systems in Severe Weather
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are securely attached to the roof and designed to withstand the gusty wind conditions of most storms. However, when winds exceed 105 mph, structural damage to homes and businesses may occur. While it is extremely rare for solar panels to come loose from the roof, flying debris may cause damage to the panels, such as cracked glass.
In addition to wind damage, utility lines in your area may experience power surges caused by line slap in high winds or by power lines felled by trees or other debris. Power surges on your service lines can damage any electronic equipment. Enphase Microinverters have integrated surge protection, greater than most traditional inverters. However, if the surge has sufficient energy, the protection built into the microinverter can be exceeded, and the equipment can be damaged.
Recommendations for Severe Weather Preparation
Unless you have an off-grid system (not connected to utility service lines), we recommend that you turn off your PV system to isolate it from the utility to prevent a power surge from the grid.
Steps to Prepare Your PV System for a Storm:
Disconnect the PV System from the Grid:
Turn off the PV disconnect (if installed) and your PV breaker(s). This will help protect your PV System against voltage surges coming from the grid.
Post-Storm Actions:
Enphase Microinverters: Remember that Enphase microinverters will not produce energy if the power grid is down. Microinverters will wait five minutes after the grid is back to normal before producing power.
Reconnecting Your System: Once the high winds and heavy rains have passed, you may turn the PV system back on.
If there is visible wind damage to your property or area: Call your installer to check the integrity of the system before reconnecting your PV System to the grid. If you find damage to the PV panels, inverters, or wires, DO NOT touch the paneling or wiring due to the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
If there is no visible wind damage in your area: You may reconnect your system once the storm has passed and the grid power has been restored. Please reconnect your system in the late afternoon, during the evening, or in the early morning hours to help minimize disruption to the utility grid during the critical period when restoration activities are ongoing.
Completing the Reconnection Process:
Close the PV disconnect switch and PV circuit breaker(s). If any circuit breakers trip after turning the system ON, turn the system OFF again immediately and contact your PV System installer.
Enphase makes solar simple, safe, and smart. By taking these few steps, you can give yourself one less thing to worry about. Be safe!
If you have recently purchased a house or building with an Enphase system and would like to gain ownership of the system, please follow these steps:
Initiate the Change of Ownership Process:
Click this link to start the change of ownership process.
You will be prompted to create an Enphase account if you do not already have one. (When creating your account, select "Other" on the New User Registration page.)
Homeowner Transfer:
This process will transfer the product warranty to you and give you access to the system’s account in Ensemble OS, the software that monitors the production and health of the system.
Additionally, you will receive an Inspection Report, which provides insights into the health of your installed solar energy system and identifies any issues that may need attention.
Request Continuation of Coverage:
Complete the transaction within 30 days of finishing the change of ownership process to request the Continuation of Coverage.
Submission and Confirmation:
Upon successfully submitting the change of ownership request, you will receive an email receipt of the payment to the email address used for the request.
Change of ownership requests are completed within 48 hours of submission.
Once the request is completed, an email confirmation and a site access email will be sent to the new homeowner.
By following these steps, you will ensure a smooth transfer of ownership for your Enphase system.
The difference between the wattage of the panel and the wattage of the inverter is called the DCratio. Here's how to calculate it:
With Enphase: Divide the wattage of the panel by the wattage of the inverter (one inverter per panel).
Other Inverter Types: Take the total DC system size and divide it by the total AC system size.
Current Panel and Inverter Offerings (2024)
Peimar 400W with IQ8+ (295W) gives a DC ratio of 1.35
Bauer 450W with IQ8A (366W) gives a DC ratio of 1.23
Bauer 500W with IQ8H (384W) gives a DC ratio of 1.30
Why is the Panel Wattage Higher than the Inverter?
Using the 500W Bauer with the Enphase IQ8H (384W) as an example:
Real-world Performance: Panels only produce their wattage rating under laboratory conditions. A 500W panel may produce 480-490W in real life except under ideal conditions (very cold and sunny).
Energy Yield: Higher panel wattage increases energy yield on cloudy days or during morning/evening sun. The more "potential" energy you capture, the better the performance on bad weather days.
Degradation Over Time: Panels degrade over time, typically by 15% over 25 years. A 500W panel will produce a maximum of 425W after 25 years, which is still sufficient for the 384W inverter.
However, if the panel were 400W, it would produce a maximum of 340W after 25 years, less than the IQ8H inverter can handle. This would result in progressively lower production year after year, affecting ROI calculations.
Sizing Panels and Inverters
Oversizing Panels: Sizing a panel too high for the inverter can lead to diminishing returns. For instance, a 500W panel with an Enphase IQ8+ inverter (295W peak) gives a DC ratio of 1.69, which is not recommended.
Provincial Regulations: In Ontario, systems larger than 10 kW AC are not allowed, leading to DC ratios of 1.4-1.5.
Clipping
"Clipping" occurs when a panel produces more power than the inverter can capture. Below is a chart from an Enphase technical brief:
A DC:AC ratio of 1.31 has an annual clipping loss of 0.3% in year one.
A DC:AC ratio of 1.68 has an annual clipping loss of 5.1%.
Consequences of Oversizing
SolarEdge, a string inverter manufacturer, warns against excessive DC:AC ratios:
Excessive oversizing can negatively affect the inverter’s power production. Inverters are designed to generate AC output power up to a defined maximum, which cannot be exceeded. The inverter limits or clips the power output when the actual produced DC power is higher than the inverter’s allowed maximum output, resulting in energy loss. Oversizing the inverter can cause it to operate at high power for longer periods, affecting its lifetime. Operating at high power increases inverter internal heating and might heat its surroundings. Inverters reduce their peak power generation when overheating.
SolarEdge Inverters: Maximum DC ratio of 1.50 (may void warranty if exceeded).
Fronius Inverters: Maximum DC ratio of 1.55 (will void warranty if exceeded).
SMA Inverters: Maximum DC ratio of 1.50 (may void warranty if exceeded).
Summary
The ideal DC:AC ratio is between 1.2 and 1.4. Systems below 1.2 do not account sufficiently for panel degradation, and systems above 1.4 may experience diminishing returns due to clipping.
To restart or reboot the Gateway, turn off the Gateway breaker or unplug it from the power outlet (depending on your Gateway model). Wait 30 seconds before powering it back on.
Evaluating solar quotes can be a daunting process filled with graphs, figures, return on investment calculations, miscellaneous photos, and marketing material. Here we'll break down and explain each section commonly found in solar proposals and why they're included.
Here you'll find your information along with very basic information such as the size of the system in DC. Quickly check the address and see if your solar salesperson has a name. If you run into any problems you need to know who to talk to.
Here you'll find a satellite image of your property and a layout of the panels superimposed on a roof. Depending on the quality of the image and the skill level of your contractor there may be mistakes or things that don't make sense here. If you have any skylights, vents, or obstructions, or if that area of the roof gets a lot of shade these are all things to mention to your contractor.
Also listed here is other important information:
DC System Size: This is the wattage of each panel added up. To get this, take the wattage of each panel and multiply it by the number of panels. For example, 24 Bauer 500W panels make 12.0 kW DC.
AC System Size: This is the wattage of each inverter(s) added up. Your quote may have one inverter per panel, or it may have one inverter for all the panels, or somewhere in between. The AC system size will always be lower than the DC system size typically by 20-35%.
For a more detailed explanation of DC:AC ratio, click here,
First Year Production: This is what the system is expected to produce in its first year. A well-designed system should produce roughly the same each year for 25 years. This measurement is always in kWhs.
Consumption Offset: This number represents the percentage of your power bill you can offset with solar power. It is a common misconception that a higher offset number is automatically a better quote. If the DC and AC size of the system is the same, and the layout is the same, then the two systems will produce the same amount regardless of the brand or type of equipment used. It is highly recommended that you check the first year production and consumption offset percentage against your existing power bill.
Check Your Power Bill On the bottom right-hand side of your NSP power bill is your past 7 bi-monthly bills. If you add up the last 6 of them in the energy used column, you'll get your annual kWh consumption. In this case, you get 18,122 kWhs per year. You can then check the "first year production" against your historical annual consumption and make sure the consumption offset is accurate. In this example, 12,881 kWhs divided by 18,122 kWhs gives 71% offset. Unless all of your solar contractors are using the same annual kWh usage, you can't compare the consumption offset. Even if you told two contractors that your bill is "about $200 per month," one may add the grid connection fee (currently $19.17 per month), and one might subtract it. Estimated Annual Efficiency This one isn't commonly seen on solar proposals, but it's useful to measure if a company is being accurate with their estimates. The measurement is kWhs per kW DC per year. You can work out this number even if it isn't explicitly stated by dividing the First Year Production by the System Size in DC.
A particularly inefficient system (a due east facing roof, for example) would be around 900 kWhs per kW DC.
An extremely efficient system (due south at 45 degrees) would be around 1,250 kWhs per kW DC.
The average in Halifax is 1,150 kWhs per kW DC.
article-5.jpg144 KB Graphs and Figures Here we get to all the graphs and figures. This is also where you'll see the widest range of numbers in your proposals, and to be honest, they're mostly meaningless. Grid Tied Solar as an Investment Assumes:
Your electrical consumption won't decrease.
Your utility will raise the rate on power over the next 25-35 years.
The system will be in perfect working order for the next 25-35 years.
Excess summer production can be used in the winter at a 1-1 rate - i.e., the utility pays you the same amount for your power as you pay them for their power.
The graphs and figures attempt to explain that summer production can be banked for winter and that over time the value of the kWhs you produce will increase as the utility increases the rates. The faster they raise the rates, the faster your system pays for itself and the more money you save over its lifespan.
Explaining Each Assumption:
Under the Self-Generation Offset Program (LINK), which is provincial law, if you produce more power than you use annually, the excess is not credited. Therefore it's quite important that your electrical consumption won't decrease drastically, or you'll be giving power away for free.
Historically, the rate has increased 3.5% per year for the last 10 years. However, the rate increase for the past 2 years has been 7%. We have no idea if this trend will continue, but the higher you put the "escalation rate" the better the proposals will look.
This is by far the biggest assumption and probably the only thing that can "go wrong" with a solar investment. The choice of equipment regarding panels, inverters, racking, and the company that installs it is what makes this assumption accurate or not. Check out our "Solar Tricks and Traps" guide where we break down the various marketing and sales tactics that are harmful to the customer.
Again, under the Self-Generation Offset Program, this assumption is protected by law (check out bill 145 for more information). If the law were to change in a negative way, it would likely grandfather in existing systems, but with Nova Scotia's culture for green energy and the heavy investment at all levels (municipal, residential, commercial, non-profits), as well as investment by the provincial and federal government, we don't anticipate this changing any time soon.
Payback Period This section can sometimes be confusing. A typical solar system takes somewhere between 9 and 12 years to produce enough power to pay for itself. This inflection point is called the "payback period," but it's different from a loan term length. This number can vary quite a bit. Things like battery storage, ground mount racking, or loan interest can increase the payback period. Rebates and incentives will decrease it. Wattsup Solar does not offer in-house financing as we think it's a conflict of interest, especially as the current Greener Homes Loan program offers 0% interest with a 10-year term. If you're financing through the CGHL program, you're swapping a power bill for a loan payment that will be slightly higher ($40-50/month) than what you were paying before. The only way to swap a power bill for a loan payment that is the same or less is by having a term length of 15 years or more. It is nearly impossible to get an unsecured loan with a term length greater than 10 years.
article-4.jpg124 KB Equipment Details This section should always be on a solar proposal. It should clearly state both the brand and model number of the equipment (both panels and inverters) you're being proposed. If a proposal leaves out this information, or makes it ambiguous as to which equipment you're buying, it's probably for a good reason—i.e., they don't want you to know.
Solar energy is radiation from the Sun that is capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. There are a variety of ways in which the sun's energy can be harnessed including:
Solar Photovoltaics (PV): Generates electricity. Solar panels produce DC (Direct Current) power which then needs to be inverted to AC (Alternating Current) to be used by your house and the grid, or fed directly to a battery bank in the case of an off-grid system. Solar PV is the dominant form of solar technology and most of these questions are geared towards Solar PV.
Solar Hot Water: Uses heat from the sun to heat up and circulate water.
Passive Solar: A building practice that utilizes the sun in passive ways. Skylights and sun tunnels are examples of passive solar design. Another example would be large south-facing windows with an overhanging roof such that the house is heated by the sun when it's lower in the sky in the winter and cooled by the overhang when the sun is higher in the sky in the summer.
Why use solar energy?
Solar Energy is a renewable and plentiful resource that has few limitations. Harnessing solar energy is comparatively cheap and the energy produced can be used directly at the source as opposed to traveling great distances. The two main limitations are shading from nearby trees (nature's solar panels), and that the sun is an unreliable generator, meaning solar production/effectiveness is heavily skewed towards summer months.
Net-Metering or the current Self-Generation Offset program allows a grid-tied home to produce power which feeds the house first, and any excess power is then sent to the grid which is recorded by a bi-directional meter. This meter will provide credits that can be used at night and after a summer's worth of production you can offset the winter's use as well. A more detailed explanation on Net-Metering and the Self Generation Offset Program can be found here (link!)
A Net-Metered Solar PV system uses the grid as an "infinite battery bank," where your excess summer production can be banked for winter.
Is the design process for an on-grid system the same as that for an off-grid system?
The design process for an on-grid system is very different than that of an off-grid system. An on-grid system typically does not have batteries and certainly does not require batteries except in case of a grid-outage. An off-grid system requires an in-depth knowledge of the electrical loads and battery maintenance by both the installer and the customer. In general, off-grid systems require more planning, consultation, and industry knowledge. They are also more expensive (mainly due to the cost of the batteries) and often require more existing infrastructure such as non-electric heat sources or hot water sources.
The design process for a grid-tied system is relatively simple, as the installer does not need to know what the electricity is being used for. A grid-tied system also does not need to meet the entire electrical demand of the property. Most installers use satellite imagery and your historical annual kWh usage (commonly found at the bottom right-hand side of your NSP bill) to determine how many panels can fit on the roof or ground and what the production will be for that size of the system.
Can I install my own solar energy system?
Some parts of a solar installation can be done by anyone, but anything involving electricity should be handled by an electrician. Both on and off-grid solar PV systems need to be installed by a Red Seal electrician and inspected by Nova Scotia Power or the local electrical inspectors.
In general, racking and mounting panels, building a ground mount frame (depending on local building code), trench digging (if required), can all be done by someone with the skills and safety equipment/certifications to do so.
Will a grid-tied solar system power my home during a power outage?
A Solar PV system is capable of producing more power than your property uses in a day; this excess goes back to the grid. During a power outage, you cannot export power to the grid as it could injure line-workers, so all grid-tied Solar PV systems are designed and required to shut down automatically as soon as they stop detecting the grid. This is called "anti-islanding." Additional components can be installed that allow a part or all of a grid-tied solar PV system to operate during an outage but this typically requires a significant investment and is not trivial.
How long will my system last?
A Solar PV system will last as long as its component parts do. Solar PV Systems can broadly be broken down into three categories, each with varying warranty lengths:
Solar Panels: Solar Panels have two types of warranty. Linear Output (a.k.a production warranty) and Product Warranty. Solar Panels degrade over time as they get damaged by the sun and as they degrade, their output decreases. A typical degradation rate is 15% over 25 years. A linear output warranty allows for a replacement panel if the panel starts producing less than it's expected to - most linear output warranties are 25 years. Although rare, a panel ceasing to function entirely would be covered by product warranty, which are typically 10+ years. Although panels degrade over time, a system's performance should not noticeably decrease over 25 years if the panels are a higher wattage than the inverter(s) which is a fairly standard practice.
Inverters: Inverters take DC power produced by the solar panels and convert it to AC power to be used by your house and the grid. There are different types (string or central inverters and micro-inverters), each with their pros and cons, and varying costs and warranty lengths. Efficiency Nova Scotia recommends an inverter warranty of at least 10 years.
Racking: Roof Mounted racking is typically aluminum and most types carry at least a 20-year warranty. Ground-mounted frames are typically galvanized steel or concrete ballast. Generally speaking, roof-mounted racking is rated for higher wind loads than ground-mounted frames because most roof-mounted racking is not tilted up at an angle away from the roof.
In general, a solar PV system is expected to last 25 years, and potentially much longer.
My building's roof needs replacing soon. Does it make sense to combine the installations?
Shingles are damaged mainly by the sun, so anywhere covered with solar panels should extend the lifespan of the shingles underneath indefinitely. However, if your roof needs to be replaced in the next few years, doing it before installing solar panels is an excellent idea. If installing a metal roof, it's advisable to use a gauge of steel that can withstand the work being performed on it. If you're using "penetration free" racking such as S-5! clamps on a standing seam roof, make sure to use 26 gauge steel or better as you're relying on the structural integrity of the steel itself rather than the roof trusses to hold the system down.
Is my home a good site for solar?
Many homes are good locations for solar panels, which is one of the strengths of the technology. Ideally, you want a south-facing roof that's not too architecturally complicated. Other considerations would be self-imposed shading from the building itself (dormer's/second stories) or nearby buildings and shading from trees which can turn a theoretically perfect location into a non-viable one. You know your home better than any contractor, so take the time to walk around and look at the roof with a critical eye and think about where you would place the panels to get the most sun.
What is a Solar Energy System Design Brief?
A Solar System Design Brief, or solar proposal/quote is what a solar installer will provide a potential client. Typically, a proposal will include the number of panels that can fit on a roof in a viable configuration either done through satellite imagery, drone photos, or physically measuring the roof. It will have a calculation for the annual kWh production of the system often compared against an existing power bill. It should list the brands/model numbers of the equipment, particularly panels and inverters.
Solar proposals are often presented as a long-term investment. The idea is that the amount of power produced should remain roughly the same year to year, but the "escalation rate" or the rate of power you pay for will increase over time. Historically the escalation rate has been 3-3.5% per year over the past 10 years, however, an installer is free to set whatever escalation rate they think best on their proposals.
What are the effects of snow on panels?
Snow on the panels will partially or completely shut down PV power production until the snow comes off. When the snow comes off, it does so exactly like a metal roof (it slumps), so if you're filling the roof all the way to the edge with solar panels, a good consideration would be to ensure that there's nothing below that could be damaged/injured by falling snow or avoid placing panels too close to the edge.
In terms of production, solar power is heavily skewed towards the summer months, so anything you're able to get out of the panels in the winter is great but not expected.
Is Nova Scotia a good place for solar energy?
Nova Scotia is absolutely a good place for solar energy, as is most of North America. However, we have some unique aspects that make solar here a great investment. Nova Scotia has a culture of environmentalism and strong backing from the provincial government. It is also one of the only places where kWh for kWh* (the rate you pay for power is the same rate the utility must pay you for your power)* is provincial law instead of a contract with a utility. We also have some of the highest utility rates in Canada which means the value of a kWh produced in Nova Scotia is higher than elsewhere.
I'd like to be a solar contractor / carpenter / technician. What is my first step?
There are a number of different approaches to solar contractors/installers but in general, it's a labor-intensive career that will require heavy lifting (panels can weigh up to 70lbs) and being comfortable working on a roof. Getting fall arrest training and equipment would be the recommended first step. Other suggestions might be reaching out to existing companies or taking an educational course like NSCC's Microcredential in Solar PV - NSCC Solar PV Systems Design.
Do I have to clean my solar panels?
Generally, we get enough rain in Nova Scotia that you probably won't have to ever clean your solar panels. However, dirt, pollen, and leaves or other obstructions can impact solar production and if this is the case you may wish to clean the panels if it is safe to do so.
What is the optimum tilt angle for my solar panels?
The optimum tilt or pitch will heavily depend on the azimuth (compass orientation) of the panels and the time of year. Because we're in the Northern hemisphere, the ideal location for solar panels is a South-facing roof. Anywhere from South East to South West is excellent, and even due East or West roofs can be a good spot for panels if the pitch is not too steep.
If we're talking about a perfect 180-degree South facing roof, the best pitch in the winter is steeper at around ~45 degrees while the best pitch in the summer is shallower at around ~25 degrees. This is because the sun is higher in the sky in the winter and the best "angle" for the sun's rays to hit the panels is 90 degrees (perpendicular).
When dealing with propane tanks, it's crucial to ensure they are placed safely, especially in relation to power meters. If you have propane tanks within 3 metres of your power meter, you need to verify certain details to maintain safety and compliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your meter and take necessary actions if required.
Identifying the Correct Meter
1. Locate the Sticker on Your Meter:
Look for a sticker on the front of your power meter. This sticker will have a blue strip at the top.
2. Check the Code on the Blue Strip:
On the blue strip, you should see the code C2SR. This indicates the specific type of meter you have.
3. Verify the 7-Digit Number:
Below the blue strip, there will be a 7-digit number. Ensure that this number ends in 569 (e.g., 3450569).
If the Meter Ends in 569: Great news! Your meter is fine to be close to the propane tanks. No further action is needed.
If the Meter Does Not End in 569: The meter will need to be changed to ensure safety. Follow the instructions below for this process.
Steps to Change the Meter
Contact Nova Scotia Power:
If your meter needs to be changed, the customer (property owner) must make the call to Nova Scotia Power.
Call the Provided Number:
Dial 1-800-428-6230 to reach Nova Scotia Power.
Navigate the Phone Menu:
When the recording begins:
Press 2
Then Press 4
Finally, Press 2
This sequence will direct you to the correct division to handle your request.
Conclusion
Always make sure to verify the type of power meter you have if you have propane tanks nearby. This simple check can prevent potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations. If you find any discrepancies, don't hesitate to contact Nova Scotia Power for a meter change. Your safety is paramount, and these steps will help you maintain a secure environment.
Feel free to share this information with anyone who might need it, and stay safe!
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to us. We’re here to help!
What to Do When Your System Shows a Production Issue Error
Where Will You See the ‘System Production Issue’ Error?
If your system is experiencing production issues, the ‘System Production Issue’ error message will be displayed on the top right of the screen in the status tab of the Enphase App.
Steps to Troubleshoot a ‘System Production Issue’
As a system owner, follow this checklist to troubleshoot a ‘System Production Issue’:
Check the Weather:
Unusual weather may trigger a production issue if actual system production is below the estimated production, even though the system is functioning normally.
Check the recent weather in your area to determine if this is the cause.
If your system frequently flags a production issue due to weather, consider lowering the threshold versus the estimate to prevent frequent error messages.
Check Breakers:
Locate the load center, where all the circuit breakers are. It is typically found on the side of the house or building or in the garage.
Check if any of the breakers are tripped. If so, flip them back on and observe for 24 hours to see if production returns to normal.
Contact Support:
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, reach out to us or submit a support ticket.
Learn about the care and maintenance of Enphase Microinverters.
The Enphase Microinverter system requires virtually no maintenance and provides you with trouble-free energy production. However, there are steps you can take to help maintain system performance.
Monitor System Performance
Check Energy Production: Use the Enphase App to monitor and compare the month-to-month or year-to-year performance of your system.
Example: Use the Enphase App energy grid or generate a report and compare the energy production for one month to the same month in the previous year. If it is lower, consider factors such as cloud cover. If cloud cover is not a factor, perform a visual inspection of your array for debris.
Visually Inspect the Modules (Panels), Especially After Storms, Hail, and High Winds
Inspection Tips:
An inspection from the ground, with binoculars if needed, is usually sufficient.
Check the array for dust, debris, leaves, and other soiling. Clean solar modules generate maximum energy harvest.
Some geographic regions do not have much dust, debris, and pollution, so solar modules remain relatively clean and maintain optimum energy performance.
In other areas, rain and snow naturally clean modules and help maintain performance.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Enphase Microinverter system continues to operate efficiently and effectively.
When investing in solar energy, longevity and reliability are paramount. One of the most common myths surrounding Enphase microinverters is the claim that their 25-year warranty is "too good to be true" because the company supposedly won't continue supporting older models. Silly Geese argue that if you need a replacement inverter for a 10-year-old system, the newer model won't be compatible with your existing setup.
This claim couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s set the record straight.
Supporting Older Models with New Innovations
Enphase Energy has built its reputation on quality, reliability, and long-term support for its products. A perfect example of this is the M215 microinverter. Released around 2015, the original M215 became a trusted workhorse for countless solar systems. Fast forward to 2024, and Enphase still manufactures M215 microinverters—but now, they feature significant improvements, such as a more durable casing. These enhancements ensure that replacements are not only compatible with older systems but also benefit from years of technological advancement.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
Take a look at these two images. The first shows an M215 microinverter from around 2015, while the second showcases the 2024 version of the same model. The newer design incorporates advancements in durability and materials, reflecting Enphase’s commitment to continuous improvement without sacrificing compatibility. This ensures that even if your system needs maintenance a decade from now, your replacement inverter will work seamlessly with your existing setup.
Enphase's 25-year warranty isn't just a promise; it’s a commitment to the longevity of your solar investment. By manufacturing updated versions of older models, Enphase ensures that customers receive the best of both worlds—compatibility with existing systems and the benefits of modern advancements. This dedication not only protects your investment but also highlights the company’s customer-first approach to solar energy solutions.
Conclusion
Don’t be misled by competitors’ myths. Enphase stands behind its products with one of the longest warranties in the industry and a proven track record of supporting older systems. When you choose Enphase, you're not just buying cutting-edge solar technology—you’re securing peace of mind for decades to come.
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