We believe in straight talk. You’ve no doubt several questions like what happens to your property taxes, what if you move, why choose JAZZ Solar, how is income guaranteed, what size of system can you have, and so on. We’ve compiled some straight answers below, and invite you to contact us to get even more insight on the benefits of solar energy to you, to Mother Nature, and to your wallet.
How much will a solar PV system cost?
That really depends on the size of the system. If you can give us your contact information and some details, we would be happy to get back to you with a preliminary quote. We can even help you arrange financing through our relationship with TD Bank who are offering up to $50,000 in unsecured financing. Click here to get an idea of samples prices.
How much money can I make?
That depends on the size of the system that is installed. If you can give us your contact information and some details, we would be happy to get back to you with a preliminary quote. Click here to get an idea of samples prices.
Why should I do it now?
We certainly can’t speak for the OPA, but their FIT plan can be changed at anytime. Additionally, the local content requirements change every year, and that can make the equipment more expensive. While waiting long-term may result in lower equipment costs, that savings will be offset by decreases in the value of the guaranteed FIT rate. When the program was started, the rate paid by the OPA was around 80 cents per Kilowatt. As of September 2013 that rate is down to 40 cents. California and Germany are other good examples where the FIT rate decreased over time and as installed capacity grew. There’s still time to make plenty of money if you act now.
What if my system becomes obsolete?
Major innovation in solar power happens very slowly. For example, the efficiency of a typical production solar module today is about 14%. This level of efficiency was first achieved in a laboratory setting in 1956. After more than 50 years, we are still at the same point. We cannot predict the future but we can say that your system will be the most advanced available today. The most important aspect is the availability of the government incentives currently available in Ontario and it is best to take advantage of this today, before the government reduces or removes the incentive plan.
Will my property taxes increase as a result of installing solar panels?
The Province of Ontario has answered this question with an emphatic “No”. On January 4, 2012, Ontario Regulation 282/98 under the Assessment Act was amended to clarify that neither the property assessment nor the property tax classification for buildings will change due to the installation of rooftop renewable energy systems. A number of related amendments provide preferential treatment for ground-mounted renewable energy systems as well.
What Will happen to my property value if I sell my house?
Economists have reported that you will recoup most all of your investment. It is by far the most practical investment possible for a home. Consider that, for example, a luxury kitchen will return about 60% of its value at resale. In US studies, the return on a solar energy system was 97% excluding energy savings and/or feed-in tariff payments from the power authority. The OPA contract you sign is transferable to the new homeowner, and will increase the resale value of the property based on the future value of the contract. Visit the OPA FAQ for additional information at http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/contract-faq#23
Why isn’t everybody doing this if it’s such a great offer?
For the simple reason that most people don’t know about it. It is not in the OPA’s mandate to solicit business by calling customers. So, promotion is up to companies like ours. Furthermore, some people just don’t believe that the opportunity is real. But it is, and income is indeed guaranteed via 20-year contracts with the OPA. Of course not all homes have the roof layout or proper lines of sight to accommodate a system, which is why a solar system isn’t for everyone. Finally, costs may prove prohibitive. The good news is that most banks view this as a low-risk investment and will readily loan you money at preferable terms. For example, the TD Bank will provide up to $50,000 in unsecured financing for solar energy systems.
Why should I use JAZZ Solar?
We have NABCEP trained installers and designers, and we work as a team in conjunction with experienced builders and roofers. Our founding team are accredited Engineers and have almost 100 years of combined experience in the energy conversion and telecommunications sectors. Unlike many renewable energy companies who do a bit of everything, we are an Ottawa company that is focused exclusively on solar PV, specializing in FIT and microFIT systems
How long does it take to do an installation?
The first step is the OPA application process, which can take weeks to a few months, depending on their backlog and resources. If you’re interested, we can help you apply for the permit now. There is no cost, and you are not committed in any way. The entire process should be completed within 4-6 months, though most of this is just “waiting time” with the OPA given that they are quite busy.
How many installations has JAZZ done?
Our company has designed, installed and brokered hundreds of systems of all sizes for residential, commercial, municipal and First Nations. We are booking installations very quickly so you will want to book yours sooner rather than later.
How does solar PV work?
The solar panels actually convert the sun’s light into direct current (DC) electrical energy which is then converted to alternating current (AC) that can be supplied to your local distribution company’s network. Find out more by reading our Solar Energy Primer
What is the OPA FIT program?
Ontario Power Authority Feed-in-Tariff. It is an Ontario government initiative that guarantees a specific rate that your local power company will pay for renewable energy that you generate. The microFIT program applies for systems up to 10 Kilowatts, either roof or ground mounted, while the general FIT program has provisions for installations up to 500 Kilowatts.
What size system should I install?
To make the most of the program you should install the largest system that you can. If you exceed the 10 Kilowatt microFIT program limit, you can choose to be a part of the general FIT program. The actual size will of course depend on your roof size or the ground space that is available. If you provide us with details we can send you a preliminary quote.
How do I know if my home is appropriate for a solar PV system?
Provide us with your contact info and some details, and we will be happy to provide you with a free assessment.
Can a smaller system, say 5 Kilowatts be built and increased to a 10 Kilowatt system at a later date?
This is entirely possible and is identified by the OPA as “incremental systems”. The only risk you would take would be the potential loss of a higher rate of payment should the OPA decide to reduce their pricing structure.
Does your quotation cover electrical hookup to the hydro pole line and any transformer costs?
We will cover electrical hook-up costs of up to $3,000, which is sufficient in most-cases. We will be able to determine the specifics of these costs once your local distribution company evaluates your site.
Are there more efficient solar panels on the market?
The solar panels that we’ve selected for your project are among the highest rated by third-party evaluators. JAZZ Solar Solutions maintains ties with Tier 1 organizations in order to ensure that your costs remain as low as possible while providing you with top-quality solar panels.
How will my solar panels be affected by snow, hail, etc.?
The panels are covered in tempered glass rated at 5400 Pa to withstand hail and snow. The temperature of the panels increases to about 10 degrees higher than the ambient temperature, so most snowfall will melt itself off independently. In cases where there is an extreme snowfall, some brushing of the panels may be necessary.
What maintenance is required on the panels?
The panels require very little maintenance and have production guarantees for up to 25 years.
What are trackers and how much do they cost?
Trackers a automated systems that align the solar panels with the sun throughout the day in order to maximize the output of the panels. Trackers are typically only used on ground mounted systems.
If a tracking system is used, is it powered by solar output or is local feed required?
The tracker we recommend is powered by the solar output and includes a battery which should provide 2-3 days of backup power.
What maintenance is required on the trackers?
The tracker will have a 10 year limited warranty, and yearly maintenance will require a slight re-greasing of the slew drive.