Grid Tie Planning Guide

Welcome to the world of Renewable Energy! Sunfind Solar Products is proud to provide our grid tie solar energy systems Canada wide. The last several years the solar energy business has exploded with demand greatly outstripping supply. Starting in late 2008 and in 2009, supply issues have been resolved and the price of solar is now, once again, trending lower. It is now a buyers market...good news for Canada!

While the Canada is posting some impressive solar installation growth numbers, Canada still drastically lags the U.S and Europe in installed capacity and policy. In Canada, the most dominant use of solar energy is off-grid, however, grid-tie systems are posting impressive growth numbers and hold fantastic opportunity for the Canadian solar market.

Solar grid-tie systems can serve any residential or commercial
application that is connected to the utility grid.

Topics Covered:

A grid-tie system will consist of the following:

  1. Solar Array: This consists of the solar modules and wiring.
  2. Solar Mount: This secures the solar modules to the mounting surface.
  3. DC disconnect: Most utilities will require a DC disconnect mounted on the outside of the home. This allows the inverter to be de-energized at any time.
  4. Inverter: The inverter takes the high voltage DC electricity from the solar array and is converted to the required AC voltage for the home.
  5. AC Load Center: This is simply the AC Distribution Panel that feeds all of the homes circuits from the utility.
  6. Utility Meter: The utility meter records the amount of electricity consumed from the utility. The utility can also record the amount of electricity exported back into the grid, as is the case in Alberta, where net metering is approved.
  7. Utility Connection: This is simply the power line that accesses the home
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Why Purchase A Grid Tie System?

1.FINANCIAL INVESTMENT
While the price of solar energy continuous to trend lower, and utility power continuous to rise, solar energy is still more expensive than utility power when comparing price based solely on $ / kW.

How Much Will I Save?
Savings are calculated based solely on the amount of electricity that the solar system will off-set from the utility at $0.10 / kW. Savings will also vary depending on your location and the transmission, distribution and service charges applied by your utility.

How Long is the Payback?
Looking only at the savings provided, a solar energy system will take decades to pay for itself. However, a solar system will pay for itself in more ways than just than through yearly savings. Take for example remodeling the kitchen. It may not save you any money on a yearly basis, but the new upgrade adds value to the home, which in turn pays for itself through increased home equity.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows that a home with a solar energy system has the ability build equity 20 faster than a non solar home. The NREL also shows for every $1 the solar system saves the home, the home value increases by $20.

When looking at the big picture, a solar system will provide a monthly savings as well as build home equity.

A solar system needs to be looked at like an appliance upgrade, home renovation or deck addition...an investment in your home and future.

Own or Rent?
Would you rather rent or own a home...virtually anyone that can afford home ownership would rather own than rent their home. It is common knowledge to why it is more desirable to own a home verse renting a home. When it comes to energy, merely paying the electrical bill is like renting. Own your own energy by purchasing a solar system!

2. Energy Independence and Security
Solar systems act like a hedge. Lock in a portion or all of energy for over 3 decades. Does the possibility of skyrocketing energy costs worry you? Energy costs from utilities are increasing at accelerated rates due to “pollution costs” now being administered by governments around the world. Carbon offsets, cap and trade, and other punitive measures are being applied to large carbon producers, such as energy utilities. These cost are being passed on to the consumer all in an effort to reduce consumption. As more of these programs come into effect driving up the cost of energy, solar energy owners will continue to save more money as solar energy prices are fixed for the life of the solar system. No inflation and no operating costs.

3. Solar Is 100 Percent Clean Operating solar system produce absolutely no emissions...that means 100% clean, renewable energy! Solar energy help provide a better, cleaner future for our children and grandchildren.

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Home Owners

Building a new home and would like to incorporate a solar grid tie into the home? It is best to consult with Sunfind Solar Products during the planning and design stage to ensure the that solar system is properly designed specifically for your home. Proper planning and preparation will save significant time and money.

Available Residential Solar Systems:

GTS156Z

GTS159Z

GTS164Z

NOTE

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Home Builders

Looking at new ways to generate sales? Looking at ways to stand out from your competitors?
Looking at ways to take meet the growing demand for green energy?

Solar Energy can help you do all of this! Sunfind Solar Products is currently partnering with Alberta home builders to bring clean, green solar energy to home owners. With thousands of Canadians already relying on solar energy and the solar energy market growing at 35% yearly, there is a tremendous opportunity to take advantage of the growing demand for solar energy.

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Why Sunfind Solar Products is working with home builders?

  1. The most cost effective solar system is one that has been incorporated into the design of the home and installed during the building stage
  2. By utilizing the skilled trades that are building the home to also install the solar system, the home owners saves considerable installation costs verse installing the system at a later date.
  3. Installing the solar system at the same time the home is built, the solar system can simply be included into the mortgage making the solar system purchase more economical for the home owner
  4. Home builders can rely on the expertise of Sunfind Solar Products to design and deliver the appropriate solar system
  5. Home Builders can rely on Sunfind Solar Products to assist the client through the grid intertie process by partnering with Sunfind Solar Products, home owners gain access the solar expertise of Sunfind Solar Products and the building expertise of their home builder. Sunfind Solar Products looks forward to partnering with Alberta’s leading home builders to deliver professional, cost-effective solar energy solutions to the residential market.