Solar questions, straight answers.

A premium residential install in the Lower Mainland typically averages between $20,000 and $40,000 depending on system size, battery storage, and design complexity. Most clients are investing in a 25-year energy asset, not chasing the lowest sticker price. We provide a detailed quote after a free on-site assessment.

BC Hydro's Self-Generation Program lets solar customers feed excess electricity back to the grid in exchange for a credit. The credit rate isn't the same as the rate you pay — you pay BC Hydro roughly 11.7¢ per kWh for power, while they credit you about 10¢ per kWh for the electricity you send back. Credits roll over monthly and are reconciled annually, dramatically reducing or eliminating your BC Hydro bill.

Most residential systems are installed in 1–3 days on-site once panels arrive. The full timeline from signed contract to grid interconnection is typically 4–8 weeks, with most of that being BC Hydro’s self-generation approval process — which we manage on your behalf.

Yes. Modern panels produce meaningful power on overcast days — typically 10–25% of full-sun output. Annual production in Vancouver averages 1,050–1,200 kWh per installed kW, which is comparable to parts of Germany where solar is mainstream. Our quotes model your specific home using historical local weather data.

No — most BC homeowners go solar without batteries, using BC Hydro self-generation as a virtual battery. You bank excess production as credits in summer and draw them back in winter. Batteries make sense if you want outage protection, want to maximize self-consumption, or live in an area with frequent power interruptions.

Tier-1 panels carry 25-year production warranties and typically operate at 85%+ of original output after 25 years. Real-world lifespan often exceeds 30 years. APsystems micro-inverters carry a 25-year warranty as well — same lifespan as the panels.

A standard grid-tied solar system automatically shuts off during an outage to protect line workers (this is mandated by safety code). To keep power on, you need a battery system with islanding capability — something we install regularly for homeowners in outage-prone areas.

Yes. Multiple Canadian appraisal studies show solar-equipped homes sell faster and at premiums of 3–5% over comparable non-solar homes. The exemption from BC property transfer tax on increased value also helps.

Yes — we install on asphalt shingle, metal (standing seam and corrugated), tile, torch-on, TPO, and EPDM roofs. We’ve also done several roof-integrated installs where panels replace tiles entirely. Every roof gets a structural review before install.

We’ll tell you straight up — if your roof has fewer than 10 years of life left, we recommend replacing it first or doing it concurrently. Many customers bundle roof and solar for cost and warranty alignment. We can refer trusted roofers if needed.

Yes. We file the BC Hydro Self-Generation application, prepare documentation for the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, and apply for any applicable municipal rebates on your behalf. You sign; we file.

Yes. Ready Solar Inc holds BC Electrical Licence LEL:0210190. All work is performed by red-seal certified journeyman electricians. We carry full liability and WorkSafeBC coverage on every install.

Panels: 25-year product + 30-year energy/performance warranty. Microinverters: 25 years. String inverters and batteries: 10 years. Roof penetrations / footings: 25-year leak-free warranty. Workmanship: 25-year Ready Solar Inc workmanship warranty on the install itself. We honour everything in-house — no calling the manufacturer.

Yes. We regularly work across the entire Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver Island. There may be a small travel surcharge for sites farther from Burnaby — we’ll quote it transparently.

Yes — if we design with expansion in mind from day one. Tell us at the consult, and we’ll size the inverter, wiring, and disconnects to accommodate future capacity. Retrofit additions are also possible but cost more per watt than initial install.