Solar Education FAQ

  1. Do I need extra insurance?

    Insurance companies are typically treating rooftop solar systems on homes as a fixture. However, it is important to give your insurance broker a call to let them know it is there, and to tell them it was installed according to the building code and electrical authority approval.

  2. Will I still receive an electricity bill?

    EthoSolar specializes in on-grid or grid-tied systems, whereby you sell solar power directly to the utility company for 20 years at a fixed rate that is currently much higher than what you pay for electricity. This means that you will still buy electricity from the grid for your own needs.

  3. Are any permits needed before installation?

    You will need approval from your local municipality in the form of a building permit for all roof mount systems. Fixed and tracking systems do not require building permits, but an inspection by a qualified electrician or solar installer to ensure your system meets the Canadian electrical code will be needed. EthoSolar will help customers obtain all required documentation and approval for solar PV projects.

  4. Does EthoSolar offer any guarantees on their solar products?

    Yes, all system components are covered with their standard manufacturers warranties. EthoSolar also offers a money back guarantee* if you are not granted a contract with the OPA.

  5. Is there enough sunlight in Ontario for a solar PV project to provide a good return on investment?

    Yes, Southern Ontario receives more sunlight than other places where solar has become a significant contributor to the grid, such as Germany and Japan. According to Natural Resources Canada the yearly PV potential in Toronto is 1161 kWh/kW, whereas in Berlin it is 848 kWh/kW and Tokyo 885 kwh/kW for south-facing panels tilted to latitude. If all the PV systems in Germany were placed in southern Ontario, they would produce 25% more electricity given Ontario's PV potential.

  6. What happens when it snows?

    Solar panels operate at 30 degrees C above the ambient temperature so much of the snow that falls will either slide off the glass surface or melt. Snow accumulation, however, is possible but is likely to occur in the darkest days of winter when power production is minimal. It is always wise to monitor your system and scrape the snow off if your notice a drop in production for a long period of time.

  7. Do solar panels lose efficiency over time?

    Like most technologies, solar panels do lose efficiency over time, and this varies with environmental factors and the brand of panels used. Many panels, even after 20 years of continuous use still provide over 80% of their original generating capacity. To minimize power loss, keep panels clean from leaves and dirt by periodically cleaning them, especially in dryer seasons.

  8. Why is the optimal tilt angle different at various times of the year?

    Panels receive the maximum amount of available solar radiation when mounted perpendicular to the direct radiation rays. In the summer, the sun is higher in the sky than in the winter. To maintain the most direct sunlight, a panel must have a smaller tilt angle in the summer and a larger tilt angle in the winter. EthoSolar offers a fixed system that takes this into account and is fixed at the optimal tilt angle to receive maximum power for summer and winter months.

  9. Why does shading, even on only small parts of a PV array, impact outputs so significantly?

    PV arrays are sensitive to shading due to the electrical design of the PV modules. Depending on the magnitude and location of the shading, the reduction in output can be significantly high. Shading should be avoided as much as possible to increase the solar yield of a PV system.