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Frequently Asked Questions
| TOP TEN MOST ASKED QUESTIONS |
| 1 | How much can I save on my hydro bill with PV solar system? |
| Answer: Savings can be all the way up to 100%. It depends on the initial investment and type of a PV system you install. If your main goal is to off-set your hydro bill, there are three possible options: net-metering, microFIT, or off-grid. Feel free to contact us for our expert advice to see what best works for you. |
| 2 | How much does PV solar system cost? |
| Answer: Price of PV solar system is determined by the size and type of that system. Logitest Solar offers portable off-grid packages (DIY off-grid packages) starting from $1,500 plus HST. MicroFIT turnkey packages start from $15,000 plus HST and net-metering turnkey packages start from $5000 plus HST. Contact us today to receive your free quote. |
| 3 | Is there enough sunlight in Ontario to make PV solar system work? |
| Answer: Based on the data taken from Toronto Pearson weather station, Southern Ontario gets an average of 4.2 hours of sunlight a day. Ontario gets 20% less sunlight per year than Los Angeles. However we also get 35% more sunlight per year than Berlin, Germany. Germany is the world’s leader in solar market. |
| 4 | Is the price set by Ontario Power Authority (OPA) under Feed-In Tariff program guaranteed over a 20-year term contract? |
| Answer: The OPA intends to review and amend the microFIT program at periodic intervals. Future changes or amendments to the program will not affect existing microFIT contracts or applicants who have received a conditional offer of microFIT contract. |
| 5 | Is there any tax breaks associated with solar energy projects or government rebates? |
| Answer: Generally, costs associated with the purchase and installation of renewable energy property are considered as capital costs of depreciable property, which are deducted over a period of several years, based on a prescribed percentage. This deduction is referred to as capital cost allowance (CCA). Unfortunately there are no government rebate programs associated with solar energy projects at this moment. |
| 6 | How long does it take to complete a solar PV project? |
| Answer:Completion of a solar PV project depends on type and size of the project. For mictoFIT projects a typical timeframe is about 4-6 months from submission of initial applications to the connection. For net-metering projects the timeline is about 1-3 months. Off-grid projects require less time than microFIT or Net-metering projects since there is no need of permissions and approvals from OPA (Ontario Power Authority) or LDC (Local Distribution Company). Simple off-grid small-scale projects can be completed within a week. |
| 7 | What happens with my microFIT contract if I decide to sell my house? |
| Answer: If you sell your house, you have to reassign a new owner of the property to the OPA (Ontario Power Authority) contract. The new owner will take the rest of the contract term as well as the payments. It is up to you and you real estate agent to include the system cost in the selling price of the house. |
| 8 | Is there a warranty on your products? |
| Answer: All of the materials provided by Logitest Solar Inc have 10 – 25 year manufactory warranty. Also complimentary 1 - 3 year labor warranty is applied to all the projects installed by Logitest Solar Inc. |
| 9 | Do you have experience installing PV solar systems in Ontario? |
| Answer: Logitest Solar Inc has experienced team of installers who successfully installed and connected all of our projects to the Ontario’s grid. For the description and pictures of our projects click here. |
| 10 | Can I use my grid-tie PV solar system during grid power outage? |
| Answer: Only PV solar system designed with battery back-up can give you power during a grid power outage. PV solar systems without batteries turn off automatically during a grid power outage to prevent possibility of injuring workers who repair the grid power lines. When grid power is restored, PV solar system turns on automatically. To find out more about our battery back-up packages contact us. |
| FAQs: General |
| Q: | What does PV solar project do to my house value? |
| A: | Case study is being done by many organizations and so far we know that value of the house increases as it gives a house unique advantage compared to others on the market. Since each region and each house location is different we are not able to provide you information of % increase for your house. |
| Q: | How will PV solar system affect my house insurance policy and premium? |
| A: | At a minimum the value of the structure will increase by the cost of the solar panels, which means that your insurance premiums will likely increase some amount Talk to your insurance broker to get a clear idea of your potential insurance requirements. As this is still a new program, not all insurance companies offer this coverage. |
| Q: | Do you provide financing? |
| A: | Logitest Solar Inc is partnered with number of organizations that would be happy to assist you with financing options available for your PV solar project. For more information contact us. |
| Q: | Who does all the complex applications and permits paperwork? |
| A: | If you decide to go with our turnkey packages - Logitest Solar Inc does all the necessary paperwork from system design and engineering, to applications, permits and utility interconnection applications. We also provide clarifications and answers to all of your concerns to set straight anything that seems complicated. |
| Q: | How will PV solar system affect my income tax return? |
| A: | The amounts earned by a homeowner under a microFIT contract are considered income from a source that is either business or property. A participant may deduct any reasonable expenses incurred to earn business or property income. (i.e microFIT) Note that the participant's personal home consumption of electricity is a personal expense that is not deductible for income tax purposes. (i.e. net-metering & off-grid) |
| Q: | What is included in you turnkey PV system price? Are there any additional charges? |
| A: | Logitest Solar Inc turnkey packages include materials cost, installation, engineering and connection costs as well as applications costs associated with microFIT and Net metering projects. (i.e. building permits)There might be additional charges due to the difficulty of the projects (i.e. roof re-enforcement) All of the costs will be discussed and explained during the initial assessment. |
| FAQs: Technical |
| Q: | Do I have to worry about maintenance of my PV system? |
| A: | PV solar systems without batteries are virtually maintenance free. There are no moving parts and nothing to lubricate or adjust. Rain keeps the solar array clean or if needed you can rinse off dust and dirt with city pressure water from a hose. Performing a cleanup for roof installations can be a hazard! |
| Q: | Can a PV system produce enough power to run my air conditioning, refrigerators, pool pumps and other devices that use a lot of electricity? |
| A: | Yes, but PV is not usually used to power individual circuits for specific equipment. Motor like equipment requires large startup and operation current consumption and PV solar system might damage motor or decrease its live. In most cases PV systems are connected to the main bus bar in your electric service panel to offset all power consumed. |
| Q: | How long do PV solar systems last? |
| A: | A well-designed and properly installed PV solar system can last for many years. PV solar panels have 25-year power output warranty and most people plan on at least 25 to 30 years of operation. There are solar projects that were installed in 1950 and they are still operating with reduced (overtime) power production. |
| Q: | Do PV systems have any negative effects? |
| A: | No, they do not have any negative effects. PV solar panels are extremely reliable and long-lasting. Qualified, professional installers and designers are used in order to minimize possibility of injuries during solar panels installation. PV modules produce more energy than was used to produce them which is good for the environment. Grid power from coal, gas and nuclear materials consumes non-renewable recourses and pollute the land, air and water; meanwhile PV solar panels are net energy positive in less than 6 years. |
| Q: | What happens if my PV system stops working? |
| A: | Turnkey PV solar systems from Logitest Solar Inc come with online by-panel monitoring feature, that allows you to see whether your system is operating normally or one or more PV solar panels are “off-line”. It also provides you a list of possible solutions to resolve the situation. Logitest Solar Inc representative is available during work hours to provide you assistance with resolving any possible complications. |
| Q: | Do I have to replace my shingles before installing solar panels on the roof? |
| A: | Advisers and engineers from Logitest Solar Inc suggest replacing 7 and over years old shingles prior to the installation of solar panels. It is cheaper to change shingles without solar panels on the roof. |
| Q: | Do you service large PV solar systems? |
| A: | Yes. Logitest Solar Inc provides variety of services such as solar panel annual clean up, service of grid-tie and off-grid solar projects, snow removal from the roof (flat roof). Size of the PV solar project determents the price of the services. Contact us for more details on our service packages. |
| Q: | How much roof space does a PV solar system require? |
| A: | South-facing roof space is the most suitable for a PV solar project. Every 100 square feet will produce about 1000 watts of PV power from solar panels. Solar panels come in different shapes and sizes as well as custom designs are available. Most popular size of solar modules is 65’x40’ (1665x997 mm). |
| Q: | Can you give me a list of the parts and the manufacturers –are they manufactured here in Canada? |
| A: | We can supply you with certificates of Ontario content for any of our materials, such as modules, racking systems, and inverters. |
| Q: | Do you have qualified PV solar system installers? |
| A: | All of our installers are fully qualified according to Ontario’s requirements and have expertise in working on various PV solar system installations. |
| Q: | Can my roof withstand the weight of a solar system? |
| A: | Our structural engineer makes the calculations and drawings of the system for your city approval which guarantees that the current structure will sustain the weight of the PV solar system and the project is safe to proceed with. |
| FAQs: About MicroFIT |
| Q: | Why would the government pay such a high price for electricity? |
| A: | The Government of Ontario has approved the Feed-in Tariff program to contribute to our electricity system with green renewable energy. By 2030, almost 70% of required electricity generation will need to come from new or refurbished electricity generating facilities. Despite conservation efforts, demand for electricity is expected to increase by 15% from 2010 to 2030. Solar energy plays an important role in our electricity mix. Since solar PV is available during peak demand periods, it offsets the electricity generated from other available sources of energy, primarily coal and natural gas. |
| Q: | How often will I receive payments from OPA? |
| A: | The payments for the energy your PV solar system produces under microFIT contract will be received by mail through your LDC (Local Distribution Company) with your electricity bill. The frequency of the payments depends on the frequency of your bill. |
| Q: | Will my property taxes go up if I install solar PV project on my property? |
| A: | On January 4, 2012, Ontario Regulation 282/98 under the Assessment Act was amended to provide greater clarity and introduce new rules governing the property tax treatment of renewable energy installations. Rooftop PV solar projects of any size and ground mount solar projects less than 10kW will not result in your property tax increase. For larger ground mount solar projects (i.e. solar farms) properties are taxed at the industrial rate. |
| Q: | Is there a penalty if I decide I no longer want to participate in the microFIT program? |
| A: | You may terminate your microFIT contract at any time with no penalties with given 30-day written notice to OPA (Ontario Power Authority) |
| Q: | Are there any other fees or registrations that need to be paid separately from system cost? |
| A: | When you purchase a turnkey PV solar system solution from us all of the registration fees and applications costs are included. |
| Q: | What kind of time is reasonable from application to completion of a project? |
| A: | Completion of a solar PV project depends on type and size of the project. For mictoFIT projects a typical timeframe is about 4-6 months from submission of initial applications to the connection. |
| Q: | What is domestic content and how does it affect my microFIT project? |
| A: | Domestic content rule was introduced by government of Ontario in order to secure solar market for the local manufacturers. 60% of the complete PV solar system must be manufactured in Ontario. 65% of turnkey PV solar system from Logitest Solar Inc is manufactured in Ontario, making Logitest Solar projects compliant with domestic rule requirements. |
| Q: | How can I manage my existing micro FIT account? |
| A: | MicroFIT account is just like any other accounts you might have; you can manage it online at https://mymicrofit.powerauthority.on.ca/login.php or by calling 1-888-387-3403. Make sure to have your login information for online management or your microFIT contract number when calling microFIT customer service. |
| FAQs: Net Metering |
| Q: | What is Net metering? |
| A: | Net metering is like a trade agreement between you and your LDC (Local Distribution Company) for the electricity your PV solar system supplies versus the electricity you consume. Net Metering allows you to pay only for the net amount of electricity used. |
| Q: | How is Net metering different from Feed-In Tariff? |
| A: | MicroFIT program allows you to sell the energy your PV solar system produces at the rate that is high enough to give you an annual ROR of about 12%. Net metering allows you to reduce your hydro bill by paying only for the net amount of electricity used. Generally microFIT projects are more costly and require longer time to complete due to various registration processes than net metering projects. |
| Q: | How to qualify? |
| A: | Solar PV systems must be under 500KW in order to participate in Net metering program. Contact us for your free consultation about Net Metering |
| Q: | How much will I save with Net metering? |
| A: | The more your PV solar system produces the more savings you’ll see on the hydro bill. Contact us for you free consultation on how to maximize the production of your solar system. |
| FAQs: Off Grid/Back Up |
| Q: | What is an off-grid PV solar system? |
| A: | Off-grid PV solar system is a PV solar system that operates by using batteries for energy storage. Off-grid PV solar system is best suited to situations where power is needed during blackouts or premises that are not connected to the main electricity grid. Contact us today to receive your free consultation on off-grid solar systems. |
| Q: | What are the differences between PV solar system with and without batteries? |
| A: | Main differences are price and complexity. All of us are concerned about power blackouts, but southern Ontario’s utility power is reliable and very few people need the extra costs of batteries. If your utility proved to be unreliable or you are looking to provide power to remote location, you have many options. Options include purchase a fossil fuel generator which will provide you power whenever you need it; have a Logitest Solar professional to design a grid-tie or off-grid PV system with batteries that will power important electric loads (lights, refrigerator, communications, etc.) during a power outage. Our team can also design a separate battery and inverter system without PV that will provide you uninterruptible power for special electric loads. |
| Q: | How many batteries do I need? |
| A: | Number of batteries depends greatly on your energy requirements. For example, if you wish to run a notebook all day, LED lighting and a few small appliances intermittently, a 120 AH battery may be sufficient, assuming you have the correct size PV solar panel array to charge it. To run a household will require far more battery storage. For your free consultation on our off-grid packages contact us |
| Q: | How to size my PV solar panel project? |
| A: | In order to figure out the size of your PV solar project you need to answer one question: what would be your daily kW (kilo-watts) consumption? By knowing your needs we can provide you information of a size of the system needed in order to supply you with needed power. Contact us today for your free consultation |
| Q: | How much does a PV solar project cost? |
| A: | In order to give you top solutions at the best available prices on the market today, Logitest Solar offers off-grid DIY (Do It Yourself) packages. DIY package includes everything you need to install and connect you own project starting from $1500 plus HST for a PV solar system that generate up to 30 kWH per month. Contact us today for our special offers. |
Can't find the answer to your question? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to assist you with any questions you might have.
