SOLAR - FAQ

What is solar energy?

Solar Energy is a form of renewable energy generation. Renewable energy is generated such that it does not depend on a resource or fuel that will eventually be exhausted. The sun generates radiant energy that travels to earth, and can in turn be converted into useable energy by solar energy technologies, such as photovoltaic cells.

What is solar photovoltaic technology?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology converts the sun’s radiant energy directly into electricity. Silicon, a semiconductor material (also used to make computer chips), is the component of solar cells that makes electricity generation possible. Radiant energy from the sun in the form of photons bump electrons of the silicon out of orbit around their nuclei, creating a flow of electrons known as Direct Current (DC) electricity. Silicon is currently used to fabricate 3 main types of solar cells: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline and Amorphous (or ‘thin-film’). Other materials have also been found to exhibit similar characteristics and are being tested for thin-film applications.

During the manufacturing of a solar panel, the manufacturer will connect a series of solar cells together in a framed panel to create a solar module. The solar cells of a solar module are protected on top by either a clear sheet of tempered glass or a laminated layer of protective plastic, and on the bottom by a layer of material to give it strength. The entire unit is then framed with aluminum, making it easier for handling and mounting.

What is the plan for the solar energy project considered for my property?

The solar energy project located on your property will be built over the course of the next 3 to 5 years under the newly enacted Provincial Government’s Green Energy and Green Economy Act. The Government is putting regulations in place that will strongly encourage solar energy projects and is planning on making significant investments to improve the local electrical distribution system, so that it can handle more small scale renewable energy. To integrate the changing landscape and the changing capacity of the local electricity grid, we design each project to be modular. As such, each project can react to the unique on-site conditions, as well as, the changing rules and regulations. We expect the projects will start smaller and increase in size as grid investment takes hold.

Where will the solar energy project be located?

The project needs to be located in an area that is unobstructed from the sun, setback from roads to avoid dust problems and stones that could break the panel’s glass cover and in close proximity to an electrical line running from the road to your house. The actual location of the project on the property is subject to the landowner’s full approval.

Where is the electricity going from the solar energy project and how does it get there?

The project will be a grid-tied system, meaning that the electricity from the project will be distributed to the local electricity grid. A grid-tied PV system is the simplest method of connecting to the electricity grid and it is, in most cases, the easiest to install. In a standard grid-tie system, solar energy is converted by solar modules into DC electricity, which flows into a grid-tie Inverter, being converted into Alternating Current (AC). The inverter then synchronizes the voltage and frequency with that from the local electrical grid. Electricity from the project is fed through a meter on to the local electrical grid to be used in local homes and businesses.

Is my energy bill going to increase or decrease as a result of the solar energy project?

Since the project will be a grid-tie system, it will be distributing electricity back to the local grid and not to your house, barn, or business. The project will have its own meter that will calculate the electricity delivered from the project to the grid. The meter at your house, barn or business will be completely separate and will not be impacted in any way from the project.

Are there any safety issues related to solar photovoltaic energy projects?

Since a solar energy project is easy to construct, has no moving parts and does not require very much maintenance, workplace safety is not a concern; however, it is important to note that all of our installers and operations and maintenance staff will have all of the appropriate training and health and safety credentials to ensure that the project is constructed and operated applying best practices.

As for electrical safety, the project will be required to obtain the approval of the Electricity Safety Authority before it can generate and deliver electricity to the local grid. In addition, in a grid-tie inverter system, the component of the project that interacts with the grid, is programmed to shut off if there is a grid power failure, and break in the flow of electricity to the grid. In other words, if the grid goes down the system will shut off. This is a legal electrical code requirement ensuring the safe operation of the project.

Do solar panels and related electrical equipment emit noise?

The solar panels do not emit noise and there are no moving parts. Generally speaking, the electrical equipment used for a solar project also does not emit noise; however, depending on the size of the project, a larger inverter and a small transformer may be required that together produce a faint hum. If this type of equipment is needed, the project will require:

(a) a permit from the Ministry of Environment and a setback between the inverter/transformer and any noise receptor; or

(b) an enclosed structure that will dampening any sound emitted to the point where no permit is required.

Do solar panels create a glare?

PV panels do not create glare. These types of panels are meant to absorb the sun and not reflect it. Solar panels used in a solar thermal installation do reflect light on to a tube to heat water, but photovoltaic panels do not.

How far off the ground are the solar panels and what is the height at the top of the panel array?

The solar array will be located about 3 feet off the ground and the top of the array would not be higher than a typical fence (approximately 6 feet), thus eliminating any concerns over visual impact. Trees or other obstacles can be arranged where visual impacts are holding up a project from moving forward.

Will the solar energy project produce electromagnetic fields?

Levels of electromagnetism are tied to the voltage levels associated with the electrical project and/or line in question. Since the voltage level from the electricity produced by the project is the same level as the voltage of the electricity coming into your home, barn or business, the project will have no impact on levels of electromagnetism.

What are the dimensions of each solar panel?

The dimensions vary across solar panel manufacturer models but are generally the same size. One solar panel model we have used is 2 feet by 4 feet for a ‘base module’ total of 8 square feet. However, we also have the flexibility to use the best technology available from various manufacturers at the time the project is constructed. Base module panels are linked together and connected to an inverter that will convert the electricity from Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC); which is required for connection to the local electricity grid.

Once I have signed a lease, what steps are left before a solar energy project is installed on my property?

Once a lease is signed and the location of the project is agreed to, all subsequent steps required to install the project are the responsibility of Gengrowth. We will be responsible to obtain all required permits, certifications and agreements to sell the electricity generated to the grid and our engineers will design the project and work with the local distribution company to connect the project to the grid.

How long will it take to construct the solar energy project?

Construction timelines will depend on the size of the solar energy project approved by the local distribution company and other factors such as weather. Typically, it takes a crew of two people about 1 day to install 1 kilowatt (kw) of solar panels. Depending on the project size, multiple crews will be assigned for installation.

What are the operations and maintenance requirements for a solar energy project located on my property?

Grid-tie solar systems require virtually no maintenance. Leaves or other debris may occasionally need to be removed from around flush-mounted systems, but solar panels are installed in Canada to be ‘self cleaning’. The angle allows snow to melt and fall off, and rain washes away any silt or dirt. Since solar systems have such long project lifetimes, certain components such as inverters may need to be replaced over time.

How many CO2 and other harmful air emissions will a solar energy project located on my property remove from the atmosphere?

Overall, all photovoltaic technologies generate far less life-cycle air emissions per kilowatt hour than conventional fossil-fuel-based electricity generation technologies. At least 89% of air emissions associated with electricity generation from fossil-fuel-based electricity generation technologies could be prevented if electricity from solar photovoltaics displaces the fossil-fuel-based electricity from the grid.

How many homes will be powered as a result of a solar energy project located on my property?

On average, each house uses about 24 kilowatt hours of electricity per day or 8760 kilowatt hours per year. One 150 kilowatt solar energy project will produce about 236,000 kilowatt hours per year; which could be enough to power approximately 25 homes.