Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems
(A.K.A. photovoltaic (PV) systems).
Ontario's Feed in Tariff (FIT) program is now underway. This new program pays generators 80.2 cents per Kilowatt-hour of solar energy directly sold to the grid, making Ontario one of the most attractive places on earth for grid connected solar.
Grid Connected systems have the advantage of not requiring battery banks, this increases their efficiency as well as lowing the system cost and maintenance requirements.
How They Work (A Typical Remote System)…
- The solar modules convert the sun's radiation into DC electricity.
- The electricity runs down the wires to an inverter.
- The inverter converts DC to AC and sends out to the grid through a dedicated meter.
- The rest of your household electrical system remains unchanged.
Main Components…
- Solar module: a series of wafer-thin silicon cells covered in a protective tempered glass, it converts solar radiation into DC electricity.
- Inverter: an electronic device that changes DC electricity from the PV modules into high voltage AC electricity.
The Details…
- Lifetime: The standard lifetime of a system is 25 years, however with proper maintenance it can easily surpass this.
- Costs: Typical costs are now below $8,000 per kW installed. Firm quotes are available: please see our Site Evaluation page.
- Service Requirements: As grid connected systems have no batteries or moving parts regular service is not required.
- Installation Time: Installation time for grid connected systems varies depending on the size of the system.
- Warrantee: All of our systems carry a complete two year warrantee on installation and labour. Most modules are typically warranted for 20-25 and inverters for 5-10 years.
- Payment Terms: A 30% deposit is taken at the start of installation, with the balance due within 30 days.
Common Myths…
A PV system will never pay for itself.
False: Under Ontario's new Feed in tariff program grid connected systems typically generate enough income to cover the initial cost within 7-10 years and provide a 12% return on investment.
Canada doesn't have enough sun for PV.
False: Canada has more solar potential than Germany and Japan; the current leaders in installed PV capacity.