Solar Contractor

Why Should You Make the Switch to Solar Panels?

Switching to solar panels offers significant environmental benefits. By harnessing the power of the sun, you reduce your reliance on non-renewable energy sources, leading to a decrease in harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy is clean, sustainable, and has a minimal environmental impact compared to traditional power generation methods. By making the switch, you're both helping your business or family reduce its carbon footprint while also contributing to BC's commitment to a greener future!

In addition to environmental advantages, solar panels offer financial benefits that can greatly impact your bottom line. With solar energy, you can lower your monthly energy costs, as your business or home generates its own power, reducing reliance on the grid. In BC, programs like net metering can allow you to earn credits for excess energy produced. Over time, the savings on energy bills can offset the initial installation costs, leading to long-term financial benefits and increasing the value of your property. With benefits like these, how could you go wrong?

What Does a Solar Energy Contractor Do?

Our solar energy contractors provide a range of services to help your home or business harness solar power effectively. While solar panels are generally low maintenance and require minimal attention, inspections and the occasional repairs or cleaning keep yours functioning optimally.

Our key services include:

• Solar installation: We design and install solar panel systems tailored to your residential or commercial property needs.
• Solar repair: We diagnose and repair any issues with your existing solar panel systems to ensure their continued efficient operation.
• Solar cleaning: We offer regular cleaning and maintenance of your solar panels to maximize their energy production and lifespan.
• Incentive navigation: We discuss and explain a variety of government programs and tax credits you become eligible for with your solar energy system.

Signs You Need Solar Repairs

Solar panels, like any system, can experience issues that require professional attention. Recognizing the signs that your solar system needs repairs can prevent long-term damage and ensure continued performance.

Some common indicators that your solar system might need repairs include:

• If you notice a significant drop in the energy generated by your panels, it could be a sign of faulty wiring, a malfunctioning inverter, or dirty panels blocking sunlight.
• Physical damage on the solar panels can affect their performance and may require repair or replacement.
• If your system is shutting down or malfunctioning regularly, it may be time to inspect the inverter or electrical components for issues.
• If you’re receiving error messages, it's essential to address them quickly to avoid further complications.
• Buzzing, humming, or clicking sounds coming from the inverter or electrical components could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed by a professional.

If you're experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to have your solar system inspected to ensure it continues to function efficiently.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Solar panels generate electricity in two ways: solar thermal panels generate heat, and photovoltaic (PV) panels transform sunlight into energy. When sunlight hits PV cells, it dislodges electrons, creating an electric current. The panels we install for you are made up of multiple solar cells connected in a series to generate a higher voltage.

The electricity produced is then sent through an inverter, which converts it into usable alternating current (AC) power that you can use to supply to your home or business. You can also store excess energy in batteries or feed it back into the grid for credits.

Do All Solar Systems Require an Inverter?

Solar systems that generate electricity using photovoltaic (PV) panels require an inverter. The reason is that solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, but most household appliances and the electrical grid use alternating current (AC) electricity. An inverter is essential for converting the DC power produced by the solar panels into AC power, making it usable for your home or business.

Will Solar Panels Power Your Entire Property?

A common question for businesses and homeowners considering solar panels is whether they can fully power their entire property.

The answer depends on several factors, including:

• The size of your property
• Your energy usage
• The capacity of your solar system

While it’s possible for a well-sized solar system to meet most or all of your energy needs, it’s important to understand that solar energy is not exactly the same as being connected to a traditional power grid.

Solar panels generate power during the day when sunlight is available, but if your system is smaller than your energy consumption or if the weather is cloudy, your panels might not produce enough energy to cover your needs. This is where the grid comes into play in some areas. For example, in BC, net metering programs allow you to sell excess power back to the grid and draw from it when your system isn’t generating enough power. This helps balance your energy supply, ensuring you have access to electricity 24/7 while still benefiting from solar energy.

How Much Energy Can Your Solar Battery Store?

Investing in a solar battery is another way you can put yourself on the path towards solar energy independence. A solar battery stores excess electricity generated by your solar panels during the day, allowing you to use that energy when your panels aren't producing enough, such as at night or on cloudy days. This helps ensure that your energy needs are met consistently, even without relying on the grid.

They’re typically installed near your electrical panel, either inside your home, in a garage, or on an exterior wall, depending on space and design preferences. The amount of solar energy your battery can store depends on the battery's capacity, which is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Solar batteries are designed to store excess energy generated by your solar panels during the day for use at night or during cloudy periods. A typical residential solar battery can store anywhere from 5 kWh to 15 kWh of energy, depending on the size of your system and your energy needs.

To give you an idea: If your home uses 30 kWh of electricity per day, a 10 kWh battery could provide about 30-40% of your daily energy needs, depending on other factors like efficiency and weather conditions. However, larger systems with multiple batteries can store more energy, providing greater independence from the grid.

Hire Ready Solar Inc’s Service Electricians

If you’re worried about an electrical problem in your home or business, you probably want to call someone in right away.

Don’t get caught with:

• Faulty wiring from a DIY install
• Loose panels
• Mismatched wiring

When you dial our number, a friendly local electrician will be there to help you find peace of mind and assist you with any problems you are having.

What Are the Most Common Solar Panel Repairs?

While a cracked solar panel often leads to a decrease in performance, repair options can help restore functionality or extend the panel's lifespan. If the damage is extensive or affects the solar cells themselves, replacing the entire panel is often the best option. This ensures the system’s efficiency and prevents further issues.

For minor cracks or surface damage, resealing the panel with special adhesives or silicone can help prevent moisture from entering and causing further damage. This is typically a temporary fix to buy time until a full replacement is needed. If only the glass is cracked and the underlying cells are undamaged, the glass can sometimes be replaced without replacing the entire panel.

What Does Solar Energy Independence Mean?

Energy independence means reducing your reliance on traditional power grids by generating electricity on your property via solar energy. You may find solar energy use commendable on moral grounds, or perhaps simply desire to take more control of your energy costs.

Becoming energy-independent means you’re unbeholden to power outages and fluctuating energy costs while reducing your carbon footprint. With the added benefit of government incentives, you can also potentially generate income through net metering or selling excess energy back to the grid.

What Government Incentives and Solar Credits Will You Be Eligible For?

There are several government incentives and solar credits available to help offset the cost of installing solar energy systems for homes and businesses. Keep in mind that your eligibility for these programs depends on your specific location, the type of system you are installing, and other factors.

• Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CT ITC): In Canada, you can benefit from the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, which offers up to a 30% refundable tax incentive for investing in renewable energy systems, including solar panel installations.
• BC Hydro Net Metering Program: By participating in BC Hydro’s Net Metering program, you can earn credits for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. These credits can be applied to future energy bills, reducing your overall electricity costs.

What About the Canada Greener Homes Loan?

The Canada Greener Homes Loan is a federal initiative that helps homeowners improve energy efficiency by offering loans for solar panel installations. Homeowners can receive between $5,000 and $40,000, interest-free, with a repayment period of up to 10 years.

To qualify, you need to complete a pre-retrofit energy assessment with a certified energy advisor, ensuring your home is eligible for improvements. Additional criteria include Canadian residency, primary residence status, and a good credit history.

Note that the loan must be repaid, unlike the Canada Greener Homes Grant. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our solar energy contractors and consultations.

How Often Do You Need Solar Panel Cleaning?

Even with the sun constantly bearing down on the surface of your panels, they aren’t immune to dirt, dust, and bird droppings that can potentially reduce their efficiency. These substances can create a barrier as they accumulate, preventing sunlight from effectively reaching the solar cells.

Solar panel cleaning removes these elements to prevent any sort of barrier from forming. The frequency of cleaning varies depending on certain environmental conditions (wind and other weather), but generally, we like to perform cleaning every six months to a year.

Our Solar Panel Cleaning Process

To ensure your solar panels continue to operate at maximum efficiency, we follow a thorough cleaning process that removes dirt and debris without damaging the system.

Below’s an outline of what you can expect during a typical solar panel cleaning service:

• Inspection: We begin by inspecting your solar panels for any visible damage or wear, ensuring no issues need to be addressed before cleaning.
• Preparation: The area around your solar panels is cleared of obstacles, and any electrical components are properly safeguarded.
• Cleaning: Using specialized tools and non-abrasive cleaning solutions, we gently clean the panels to remove dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris.
• Rinsing: After cleaning, the panels are thoroughly rinsed with purified water to prevent mineral buildup that could affect performance.
• Final check: We perform a final inspection to ensure the panels are clean and functioning optimally.

What Factors Contribute to Solar Panel Output?

Solar panel output refers to the amount of electricity a solar panel generates. A higher output simply means the panel can produce more electricity.

We always help you maximize your output, but here are a few factors:

• Panel size: Larger panels generally have a higher output capacity due to their increased surface area for capturing sunlight.
• Sunlight intensity: The amount of sunlight reaching your panels directly impacts their output. If you live in an area with higher levels of solar irradiance, you’ll have greater energy production.
• Panel orientation and tilt: Optimizing the angle and direction of your panels to maximize sunlight is crucial, and the ideal tilt typically matches the latitude of your location.
• Shading: Any obstruction, such as trees or buildings, can reduce your panels’ output by casting shadows on its surface.

What To Do When Your Roof Is Too Small To Support Your Panels

If your roof isn’t large enough to accommodate the number of solar panels needed to meet your energy demands, don’t worry—there are several alternative solutions.

Options to consider when dealing with a small roof include:

• Ground-mounted solar systems: If your roof lacks the space, a ground-mounted system allows you to install solar panels on your property, often in a location with more sunlight exposure. This solution can provide ample space for the necessary number of panels.
• Roof extensions: In some cases, a roof extension might be an option. By expanding the roofline or adding additional structures, you can create more room for solar panels, though this option will likely come with higher upfront costs.

If space is limited, you might also consider improving your home’s energy efficiency before installing solar. Reducing your energy consumption with better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, or smart home technology could lower your energy needs and make a smaller solar array sufficient.

Our Expert Electrical Contractor Services

When it comes to hiring our experts for important electrical work, we are always on your side. You’ll never find hidden fees or confusing statements because we are 100% transparent from the get-go.

Here is an overview of what to expect when reaching out to one of our experienced electrical contractors:

Electrical Installation

We can install a full range of products, including:

• New fixtures
• Dimmers
• Audio and video home theatres
• Digital specialties

• Smart devices
• Specialty wiring setups
• Eco-friendly alternatives
• And more!

Give us a call to inquire about your install.

Electrical Repair

We offer assistance with any repair. We’ll inspect the damage, outline a plan, and proceed with the work. If you have noticed unusual smells, markings, sounds, or other signs, this could indicate a serious safety hazard, and you should call us immediately. 

If you are concerned about wiring, outlets, or even your own safety, reach out to us right away. A service electrician will be happy to consult with you and figure out how to proceed. Call us now!

Electric Company Specializing in Commercial Electrical

There are so many reasons to have a qualified electrician on speed dial when you own commercial space. Whether your building needs an electrical upgrade, or you need routine maintenance, we’re happy to help you maintain the place.

Find out more by reaching out to chat with one of our certified electrical contractors.

Residential and Emergency Electrician Services

No matter the situation, we offer 24/7 emergency repairs to everyone in the region.

If you are worried about a particular issue, give us a call, and we’ll send someone right over.

We proudly offer quick responses and fast turnarounds, all for competitive rates.