Solar Power: Frequently Asked Questions

The number one question we get asked is "How much to power my house?"

Grid-tied PV systems under the microFIT program produce money. The energy they produce is sold back to the local distribution company (LDC) at a much higher rate than you pay for electricity, and you don't have to produce more than you use in order to make money; in fact, a seperate energy meter, dedicated to revenue, is added onto the electricity distribution grid, usually right next to the one your already have. Every kWh of energy the system produces makes you money. You can go green without breaking the bank.

Why should you be interested in solar?

Solar PV receives the highest rate out of all renewable energy sources under the microFIT program. Solar PV also has the lowest maintenance out of all its competitors. This allows for a safe and sound investment when combined with Remote Monitoring and Factory Warranties. With the MicroFIT program now in place everyone is able to generate renewable energy and sell it back to the grid.

Why choose us?

Beach 1 Electric, and AMP CHAMP (a residential division of Beach 1 Electric) is an established, licensed electrical contractor, providing quality electrical work for almost a decade. Our focus has always been on excellent workmanship and customer satisfaction. We want your system to last at least as long as the 20-year contract and when we're designing and installing it we keep the big long-term picture in mind the whole time. We have a reputation in the industrial world for excellent workmanship, professional customer relations, long-term customer satisfaction, and referrals.

Why now?

Recently, the Ontario Government passed the Green Energy Act. Part of this ACT was the creation of the Feed In Terrif (FIT) program and MicroFIT program. The FIT program basically offers a higher rate for all renewable energy. Solar power receives a rate of 80.2 cents/kwh under the microFIT program (10kW or less). This makes solar PV financially viable.

Why Enphase?

Enphase is a well respected, reliable, and supportive manufacturer. Their products are superior to any products we've worked with before, and we are proud to be able to install these advanced systems within our community. We have been promoting their technology because we believe in it. They have a 15-year warranty and a web-based monitoring system that we believe is the best in the industry. Here's a picutre of an Enphase inverter installad on a metal roof. In the finished installation the panel would go over top of the inverter.

Is solar the right choice for me or my company?

That depends entirely on your site (location of property and the amount of sunlight on it...etc). A quick site analysis will determine your eligibility for installation.

Are the panels fragile?

NO! Made of Tempered glass, our panels have passed hail tests and extreme weather condition testing. They are also under a manufacturers warranty for your ultimate satisfaction guarantee.

How long does installation take?

Usually it only takes about a week to install; however, the site analysis, permit requirements and so on, may take a little longer depending on the situation.

Will I get rich quick?

NO! This is not a get rich quick opportunity. The truth is, solar power is an investment in clean, reliable power, and also a financial vehicle. The reasonable rate of return on a grid-tied MicroFIT system makes it a worthwhile investment. A 20-year contract, a good rate of return, and a reliable technology that's been around for decades all make for a safe investment with no down side!

What's the difference between the AC power rating and the DC rating?

The AC power rating is the maximum power the inverters can deliver to the grid. The DC power rating is the sum of the rated power for each of the PV modules, as measured in a standardized test with a flash of light at a certain distance and intensity when the PV module was assembled. A 200W panel will not produce 200W of power all the time the sun is up. There are many factors that influence the maximum power a PV module can produce. We deliberately design the system to have a higher DC rating than the AC rating to maximize the production though the varying intesity of sunlight hitting the PV modules. The Enphase micro-inverters are designed to maximize the power from the PV module at all times, and can even collect small ammouts of energy in near-darkness and output the energy to the grid in a burst strong enough to register on the revenue meter.

Where do I start?

Call or e-mail Beach 1 Electric 705-443-8411 to get information and arrange for a site analysis with one of our Solar Specialists.

WHY WAIT?

With the Green Energy Act on your side, the technology and viability is excellent, why wait is exactly the question you should be asking.

Don't Hesitate, Call us Today!