Residential Solar System Options/Reccomendations

Good morning,
I have been researching “all in one” residential solar installation companies around Toronto, Ontario. I was close to signing with one when I came across this amazing forum.
I realized I could get a lot more bang for my buck by avoiding these “all in one companies”, however I’m also not very handy.

I’m looking to have a system installed that has option to add batteries either now or in the future.

I have a south facing roof that can handles 37-40 smaller panels (eg. Longi 405w) or 27-32 larger panels.

My house, which we recently purchased, is heated mainly by electricity and therefore our electricity usage is quite high, around 20,000-23,000 Kwh per year.

I have been advised that the following would be a good choice:

1. Growatt MinTL (most economical however batteries are quite expensive)
2. Sol-Ark 15 K
3. Luxpower 18Kpv

My questions:

1. Could anyone recommend a specific system that would work for me?
2. Would you recommend I chose one of these “all in one” solar companies or hand pick my own equipment and hire someone to install?
   1. If purchasing my own equipment is the way to go, what are some companies you would recommend and trust?
   2. Do you have any recommendations for solar installers in and around the Toronto/Barrie Area (Ontario)

3. What hybrid inverters would you recommend?
4. Would Tigo Optimizers be a good choice. I have been reading a lot (on this forum) about the fire hazard these optimizers pose? Are there other optimizers that would be recommended?

If anyone needs any more information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks so much!

Happy New Year! Welcome to the forum @Jman99 you have come to the right place.
I am going to suggest you need to start with more research, both from the loads side and the PV potential side.

I have a south facing roof that can handles 37-40 smaller panels (eg. Longi 405w) or 27-32 larger panels.

excellent that your roof is well suited to solar. Now use the links - go to PVWatts and plug in the total kw of PV and roof pitch use your to confirm "south" facing - often the angle is off a bit from true south - plug this all into PV watts and let it spit out the solar per month for your location (Barrie) save this info.

My house, which we recently purchased, is heated mainly by electricity and therefore our electricity usage is quite high, around 20,000-23,000 Kwh per year.

"Recently purchase" - ie less than a year?
I ask because it would be best to have the monthly electrical useage for every month of a typical year.
As you will see from PV watts, the power available varies during the year, with Nov/Dec typically the worst (least available) and for an electrically heated home this is Bad News, since you likely need more electricity just as the PV gives you the least.
The good news is, for A/C loads, solar typically works out since hot and sunny occur together.

I can't suggest any installers. This is the DIY solar forum after all (LOL) however your located near Orangeville, where there are several solar suppliers, perhaps they can suggest some local installers. You should avoid thinking about "kits" and find the solar potential you have, and the loads you need to power. Then search this forum for some ideas, and post questions. There are a lot of very helpful and knowledgable people here that will help you.

Everywhere in Canada, the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) applies. For a roof top solar PV system you need RSD {Rapid Shut Down} and AFDD {Arc Fault Detection & Disconnect} - do a search. These requirements limit your equipment options. Ground mounted PV arrays are exempt from RSD and AFDD, however then you need an open sunny space for the ground mounts.

Hope this gives you a place to start. Look foreward to seeing your questions. Welcome to the Forum, I like you have been on a journey of learning from here this is the best Solar forum on the internet. The experience here is massive. Even manufactures, and online retail vendors listen to what is going on here. There is a vendor review sub-forum read those threads get an idea what manufacture you might want to go with. I like Sol-Ark read several threads here their support is excellent they cost more, but obviously better support costs more.

Were you thinking about doing the install yourself, or just getting more educated on the subject to make a more informed decision. Solar industry has its share of scammers more you know easier to avoid them. One basic thing to know is if you have a really long ROI the solar system will be out of warranty and the panels will be degraded before you even make it halfway through 30-year ROI. This is why solar DIY has become so popular. People call a solar contractor who shows up gives them a price that is 8 times the cost of the equipment. They do it because it's a commission-based industry. There are honest contractors who will give you an honest price since you can look up what the cost of the equipment is can figure out with some clarity how much they are charging to install it.

Choosing a solar company is a decision worth making carefully as it can impact whether you end up with quality solar panels and solar PV system. In WA, over 36% of WA homes and businesses have now invested in a rooftop solar PV system – and choosing a reputable solar panel installer is important.

If you’ve been considering installing a solar PV system at your home or business– or upgrading your older system – here are some tips to help you in choosing a solar company.

Goto Qianyun to know more.

Start with your Synergy electricity bill

Residential solar – or solar for your business – can help you embrace renewable energy and reduce how much electricity you draw from the grid. This could help to lower your electricity costs – but your Synergy electricity bill won’t disappear altogether, so beware of any solar energy sales pitch which tries to suggests otherwise. Here’s why:

• Your solar PV system can only generate solar power when the sun is shining. 
• When the sun goes down, or on cloudy or rainy days, you’ll also need to draw from the energy system, also known as the grid, unless you’ve invested in battery storage.
• Network charges apply too, regardless of whether you have a solar PV system or a solar battery.

The amount you could save on your Synergy electricity bill will depend on a range of factors including your electricity usage, how much solar power you’re generating and using or whether you’re exporting solar power to the energy system.

Take your time when choosing a solar company

When you’re choosing a solar panel installer, don’t feel pressured to sign up within a certain time to take advantage of any special deal, rebates or credit offers. It’s worth taking the time to make sure you understand exactly what you’ll be getting when you purchase your solar PV system from a certain supplier. 

Look beyond the sales pitch and make sure you ask any questions that you have about the solar PV system to work out whether you’re getting quality solar panels and system components. Check the fine print, details about warranties and ensure you understand who and what is involved in the installation process.  

The solar energy industry is competitive – and some companies doorknock for new business. This isn’t necessarily a bad sign – but it’s good to know that if you sign a contract that has arisen from an unsolicited sale (such as a salesperson knocking at your door), a 10 business day cooling-off period applies. During this time, you can change your mind and terminate any agreement by providing the supplier notice.

Some suppliers may offer a cooling-off period in their terms, even if your agreement with them was not an unsolicited sale. Be sure to check.

If your potential supplier is not happy to answer your questions or shows any of these solar panel installer red flags, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

Take the solar panel installer’s reputation into account

Look for a solar supplier  you can trust. Take some time to look into their experience, reputation and whether they use products approved by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) and what warranties are offered. 

Check reviews, such as Facebook and Google reviews, to see what current and past customers say about their products and service. 

You may also want to check your chosen solar supplier is a CEC accredited installer – and it’s also worth checking whether they are also a New Energy Tech Approved Seller. 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit solar power system supplier.

Look for quality solar panels and installation

Find out which brands your solar installer offers with their solar power systems. Many solar retailers and installers choose to work only with certain brands, so if you have a preferred brand in mind, check whether your chosen installer offers it.

Solar panel installers should be able to discuss your options, the products available and the most suitable size solar PV system and orientation for you. You don’t want a one-size-fits-all approach!

Look into where the products are made, if the products are CEC approved and whether the installer offers custom designed solar panel systems. You might like to ask:

• What brand of solar panels do you use? Is this a premium or budget brand?
• What brand of inverter are you using? Is it a premium brand or budget? 
• If I have to deal with the panel or inverter manufacturer in the future, do they have an Australian office?

Investing in a solar PV system and choosing a solar company are major decisions – so it’s important to make sure you’re getting a good deal and a solar PV system suited to your requirements. 

Shop around for residential solar quotes

It is a good idea to get a few different quotes when choosing a solar company to make sure you get a solar PV system suitable for your individual needs. 

Don’t just settle for the cheapest price.  The quality of the products and solar installation services can vary hugely, so the cheapest won’t necessarily be the best option.

Once you have done some research, and read reviews to narrow down your options, it’s time to talk to the solar installers. Ask them questions to help you understand what’s involved and get some detailed quotes. 

Solar companies will generally visit your home and speak with you to understand your requirements and your electricity usage patterns. By choosing a solar PV system that aligns with the way you use electricity, you could become a solar super user and make the most of your investment in renewable energy.

“What should I look for in a solar company?”

As with any major investment, it’s worth making sure that you know exactly what you are paying for and who you are buying from. 

Here’s a checklist to help you when you’re choosing a solar company:

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• ACCREDITATIONS:

  Are they CEC accredited or a New Energy Tech Approved Seller? Will the installation be done by their own staff, or do they subcontract the installation to other companies or independent contractors? Are those people also accredited solar installers?

• CUSTOMER SERVICE: 

  Does the company have a local office? Do they have a customer service number? Are they easy to get in touch with and responsive to emails and calls?

• EXPERIENCE:

  Have they been in business for several years? Can they refer you to previous customers reviews to learn about their service before and after installation? 

• YOUR NEEDS:

  Someone from their solar team should visit your home to work out what your home needs, based on your household electricity usage habits, the location, the roof condition and aspects, whether an upgrade will be needed for your electrical meter, and so on.

• SYSTEM DESIGN:

  You should understand the design of the system, including all the components and how they'll be located and installed, plus any related electrical work, before you sign any contracts.

• YOUR SOLAR ENERGY QUOTE:

   Your quote should be detailed and fully specify the proposed system design, installation, expected generation, warranty terms and an itemised list of components/products.

• WARRANTIES: 

  Make sure you have a clear understanding of the warranty terms. Individual products may also come with additional product warranties from the manufacturer.