Installing Solar Panels
What's the installation process?
The first step is to arrange for a site assessment. Local, experienced contractors are available for people wishing to have assessments and installations done professionally. Board members have offered workshops and courses. People on our mailing list will get an e-mail when details of future workshops are finalized. Note that you can do your own assessment and still have professional contractors do all or part of your installation. Applications to BC Hydro as well as final hook-ups must be done by a certified electrician.
How do I calculate my solar energy needs?
Have a look at your power bills from the last year. The average household in Canada uses about 12,000 kWh per year. Take this number and divide by 1150 kWh/kW of installed solar. This will equal the capacity needed to be net zero (in this case 10.43 kW or 40 panels). Another way to think about it is that 1000 watts of installed solar power will give you 1150 kWh of energy output. Solar energy projects are often as small as 4 kW and still contribute to a household’s power needs while helping to reduce emissions and power bills.
Where can I access financing for solar installations?
BC homeowners in need of financing can contact the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for more information on their preferred residential rates and Greener Home Loans. Greener Home Loans are for BC homeowners who are upgrading their homes to more efficient technology. (NB: The SCCSA has developed a strategic partnership with the SCCU to offer affordable financing options for the purchase and installation of solar panels.)
The first step is to arrange for a site assessment. Local, experienced contractors are available for people wishing to have assessments and installations done professionally. Board members have offered workshops and courses. People on our mailing list will get an e-mail when details of future workshops are finalized. Note that you can do your own assessment and still have professional contractors do all or part of your installation. Applications to BC Hydro as well as final hook-ups must be done by a certified electrician.
How do I calculate my solar energy needs?
Have a look at your power bills from the last year. The average household in Canada uses about 12,000 kWh per year. Take this number and divide by 1150 kWh/kW of installed solar. This will equal the capacity needed to be net zero (in this case 10.43 kW or 40 panels). Another way to think about it is that 1000 watts of installed solar power will give you 1150 kWh of energy output. Solar energy projects are often as small as 4 kW and still contribute to a household’s power needs while helping to reduce emissions and power bills.
Where can I access financing for solar installations?
BC homeowners in need of financing can contact the Sunshine Coast Credit Union for more information on their preferred residential rates and Greener Home Loans. Greener Home Loans are for BC homeowners who are upgrading their homes to more efficient technology. (NB: The SCCSA has developed a strategic partnership with the SCCU to offer affordable financing options for the purchase and installation of solar panels.)
Solar thermal hot water heaters are very effective and can save a lot on your hydro bill. Warmland Solar Solutions www.warmlandsolarsolutions.com (cell 250-812-2006) is offering members of the Sunshine coast Community Association a 10% discount.
To take advantage of these offers, confirmation of membership is required. If you haven't already become a member, just go to our website and follow the membership link. https://suncoastcommsolar.weebly.com/membership.html
To take advantage of these offers, confirmation of membership is required. If you haven't already become a member, just go to our website and follow the membership link. https://suncoastcommsolar.weebly.com/membership.html
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of upcoming workshops, courses and solar information.
of upcoming workshops, courses and solar information.
