There are two basic components:

• Solar Array: generally 2.5-10 kilowatts of solar panels, typically mounted on the open roof space, facing South. The sun hits the panels, electrons in the silicon get excited and jump from the front to the back creating (DC) electricity.
• Inverter: converts the solar energy’s (DC) direct current, to (AC) alternate current, in order to blend with the utility power source. This is either fed to the grid or store in batteries for people who are off grid.

Throughout the majority of Ontario, a kilowatt (1000 watts) of solar panels with an area of 1.9-2.8m2 (6-9 ft2), mounted with good exposure, facing south, could generate between 1000 and 1200 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. The system size and location (roof or ground mount) will determine the rate of pay you receive for your electricity. Generally the payback is less than 8 years.

With the Feed-in Tariff program it’s far more economical to sell all the electricity you produce to the grid as you’ll selling at a much higher rate then you’ll buy it for. However we do offer off-grid systems that can power your cottage or RV.

If you are part of the Feed-in Tariff program and selling your electricity to the grid you don’t need batteries.

Grid-tie systems safely disconnect in the event of a power failure.

You still generate power, however it’s less than the summer months as the days are shorter and cloudier.

Yes for both ground and roof mount. If it’s on your home or a building, yes. Most insurance companies will only insure the panels if they also are insuring your house. Some companies add the value of the system to the value of your home and adjust the rates accordingly. Others add it as a separate item on your home insurance policy.

We attach the racking to the roof with stainless steel lag bolts that go into the rafters. We use a generous amount of caulking and then the lag bolts are covered with an aluminum flashing making secure and water tight.

This depends on the type of panels and inverts we use for your system. The average warranty is 25 years for solar panels, and 10 years for inverters. Most manufacturers also offer extended warranties.

A home equity loan will usually give you the best interest rate.

Stationary systems (as opposed to moving trackers) require no maintenance. Trackers require a lube every year.

Every inverter will have a display on it that shows what it is producing, and most inverters come with advanced monitoring that you can check through the internet.

The panels are as strong as your windshield. So if hail is strong enough to break your windshield then your panels will probably crack too. All systems have a separate ground plate that will offer some protection against lightning.

• A typical microFIT (OPA approval can be 30-90 days
• The system is then installed in less than a week
• Inspection and utility meter installation can be 5-30 days
• MicroFIT contract finalization is another 30 business days

A typical FIT (>10kW) project can be I year or more to complete. This is due more complex connection to the grid and utility requirements.

You’ll receive regular checks from your local distributor (on behalf of the OPA) for the renewable energy you produce and sell.

Currently the OPA requires that microFIT (10kW) require 60% domestic content. All of the systems Down To Earth installs are compliant with these regulations.

Contact us and we’ll answer your questions and can start collecting information to give you a rough quote.