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.

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) the inverter 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.

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.