The situation which was predicted in my previous post Do it sooner rather than later happened... in Germany. According to PV-tech.org new rooftop solar systems' FiT rate will be chopped by 16% while solar parks built after July 1 will receive cuts of 15%, less than the 25% the Germany Environment Ministry originally proposed for parks.
History repeats itself. What happened in Germany may (and will) happen in Ontario. As it happened with ecoEnergy Retrofit program. So, don't procrastinate with your installation. The first layer of protection - apply for OPA approval.
To learn how to start a residential solar project visit Solar PV Installation.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Residential Solar Photovoltaic Installation: A Complete Guide for Ontario Homeowners
Solar Photovoltaic installation under the Ontario Feed In Tariff program is a quite big venture. It may take well over 3 months and require coordination between numerous parties. Here is your step-by-step tutorial for how to get this done smoothly:
Request approval for you project from OPA. According to program rules, you need to submit an application to the Ontario Power Authority for approval. You can send this request yourself or your PV installer can help with this. While you await the approval of your project (in autumn 2009, the processing time for applications was more than 2 months, but this time period has now been shortened) you or your PV contractor can contact your local utility to find out how you will be connected and learn about costs associated with this connection.
Find a photovoltaic installer. Do your homework. Research installers websites. Narrow down your list (tips for how to find a proper installer have been discussed in the previous article). Request estimates from 3-4 installers from your shortlist. Weigh all factors again (including price) and make an educated decision.
Receive approval from OPA. Now, you and your installer are ready for the active phase of the project.
Put together and submit an application for a municipal building permit. In Ontario, Photovoltaic panels measuring 5 sq. meters and more are considered "designated structures" and require a building permit. There are 3 options: you can prepare the application yourself, your PV contractor can do this, or your PV installer can put together the application and you submit it. The third alternative is the most practical if you are not prepared to dive deeply into drawing and building codes. Municipalities usually process applications within 2-3 weeks.
Receive a building permit. Now you can schedule all final steps of the project: installation, ESA inspection, connection to utility.
Install PV system. For a 3-5kW residential rooftop system it will usually take 2 days.
ESA inspection. Your PV installer should schedule and pass an Electrical Safety Authority inspection.
Connect to Utility. Utility's technician will come to install a designated meter and connect your system to the grid.
Sign contract with utility. This is the final step; after this, you are in production and produce electric power for North-Eastern America.
It may have taken you a bit more than 3 months but you have accomplished this big project. Congratulations! Now you not only help the environment, but receive hefty cheques for doing so.
To learn more about solar panel installations in Ontario visit Solar Photovoltaic Installation.
Request approval for you project from OPA. According to program rules, you need to submit an application to the Ontario Power Authority for approval. You can send this request yourself or your PV installer can help with this. While you await the approval of your project (in autumn 2009, the processing time for applications was more than 2 months, but this time period has now been shortened) you or your PV contractor can contact your local utility to find out how you will be connected and learn about costs associated with this connection.
Find a photovoltaic installer. Do your homework. Research installers websites. Narrow down your list (tips for how to find a proper installer have been discussed in the previous article). Request estimates from 3-4 installers from your shortlist. Weigh all factors again (including price) and make an educated decision.
Receive approval from OPA. Now, you and your installer are ready for the active phase of the project.
Put together and submit an application for a municipal building permit. In Ontario, Photovoltaic panels measuring 5 sq. meters and more are considered "designated structures" and require a building permit. There are 3 options: you can prepare the application yourself, your PV contractor can do this, or your PV installer can put together the application and you submit it. The third alternative is the most practical if you are not prepared to dive deeply into drawing and building codes. Municipalities usually process applications within 2-3 weeks.
Receive a building permit. Now you can schedule all final steps of the project: installation, ESA inspection, connection to utility.
Install PV system. For a 3-5kW residential rooftop system it will usually take 2 days.
ESA inspection. Your PV installer should schedule and pass an Electrical Safety Authority inspection.
Connect to Utility. Utility's technician will come to install a designated meter and connect your system to the grid.
Sign contract with utility. This is the final step; after this, you are in production and produce electric power for North-Eastern America.
It may have taken you a bit more than 3 months but you have accomplished this big project. Congratulations! Now you not only help the environment, but receive hefty cheques for doing so.
To learn more about solar panel installations in Ontario visit Solar Photovoltaic Installation.
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