The complete process usually takes 6-12 weeks. Initial consultation and site assessment happen within the first week. Engineering design and permit applications require 2-3 weeks, while municipal approvals can take another 3-6 weeks depending on your location in the Greater Toronto Area.

Physical installation is remarkably quick, typically completed in 1-3 days for residential projects. After installation, electrical inspection and grid connection approval add another 1-2 weeks. We coordinate all steps to minimize delays and keep you informed throughout the entire process.

Yes, photovoltaic systems function year-round, though output varies by season. Winter production is typically 40-60% lower than summer due to shorter days and lower sun angles. However, cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency compared to hot summer days.

Snow accumulation is usually temporary as panels are installed at angles that promote natural melting and sliding. Dark panel surfaces absorb heat, accelerating snow removal. Annual production calculations account for seasonal variations, ensuring your system meets projected energy generation targets across all four seasons.

Multiple financing paths exist to make renewable energy accessible. Many homeowners choose home equity loans or lines of credit, which offer favorable interest rates and tax-deductible interest in some cases. Specialized green energy loans through participating financial institutions provide terms specifically designed for such projects.

The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers up to $5,000 for eligible installations, reducing upfront costs significantly. Some municipalities in the GTA provide additional rebates or property tax incentives. We assist with application processes and can recommend financing partners who understand the long-term value of energy independence.

Ideal roofs face south, southeast, or southwest with minimal shading from trees or neighboring buildings. Roof pitch between 15-40 degrees works best, though systems can be adapted to flatter or steeper angles. Your roof should be structurally sound and have at least 15-20 years of remaining lifespan to match the warranty period.

We conduct thorough assessments using satellite imagery and on-site inspections to evaluate shading patterns, roof condition, and structural capacity. If your roof needs replacement soon, we recommend completing that work first. Alternative mounting solutions exist for challenging roofs, including ground-mounted arrays for properties with suitable yard space.

These systems are designed for minimal maintenance. Panels have no moving parts and are built to withstand Canadian weather conditions. Rain naturally cleans panels in most cases, though occasional manual cleaning may improve output if you live neardusty areas or under trees that drop debris.

We recommend annual inspections to check electrical connections, mounting hardware, and inverter performance. Most inverters include monitoring systems that alert you to any performance issues immediately. Panels carry 25-year performance warranties, while inverters typically have 10-15 year coverage with extension options available.

Battery storage can be integrated during initial installation or added later to existing systems. Batteries store excess energy generated during sunny periods for use during evenings, cloudy days, or power outages. This increases self-consumption and provides backup power capability.

Storage costs have decreased significantly in recent years, making batteries more economically viable. A typical residential battery system stores 10-15 kWh, enough to power essential loads during outages or shift your energy use to maximize savings under time-of-use electricity rates. We design systems with future battery integration in mind, even if you choose not to include storage initially.

Net metering allows you to send excess electricity back to the grid when your panels produce more than you consume. Your meter runs backward during these periods, earning credits that offset electricity drawn from the grid at night or during low production times. This effectively uses the grid as a virtual battery.

Ontario's net metering program is available to systems up to 500 kW. Credits roll over month-to-month throughout the year, though annual reconciliation occurs where excess credits are typically settled at a lower wholesale rate. This system maximizes the value of your energy production without requiring immediate battery storage investment.

Photovoltaic installations typically increase property value by $15,000-$25,000 for residential systems. Studies show homes with renewable energy sell faster and command premium prices compared to similar properties without such features. The system transfers to new owners, who immediately benefit from reduced electricity costs.

If you have financing through a loan tied to the property, arrangements can be made to transfer the obligation or pay it off through sale proceeds. Most buyers view installed systems as valuable assets rather than complications. We provide documentation and warranty transfer information to facilitate smooth real estate transactions.

Yes, building permits are required for rooftop installations in Toronto and surrounding municipalities. The application process includes structural engineering assessments to verify your roof can support the additional weight, typically 2-4 pounds per square foot. Electrical permits are also necessary for connecting the system to your home's electrical panel.

We handle all permit applications and coordinate with local authorities throughout the approval process. Our team is familiar with requirements across different GTA municipalities, from Toronto to Mississauga, Markham, and Vaughan. Permit fees are typically $200-$500 depending on system size and location, which we include in our project estimates.

Comprehensive warranty packages protect your investment on multiple levels. Panel manufacturers provide 25-year performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80-85% of original output after two decades, plus 10-12 year product warranties covering defects. Inverters carry separate warranties of 10-15 years with extension options.

Our installation workmanship is warranted for 10 years, covering mounting systems, electrical connections, and roof penetrations. We only partner with manufacturers who have established track records and financial stability to honor long-term commitments. Extended warranty options are available for additional peace of mind beyond standard coverage periods.

Commercial installations offer excellent returns, particularly for businesses with high daytime energy consumption that aligns with peak generation periods. Warehouses, retail centers, and office buildings in areas like Etobicoke, North York, and Scarborough have substantial roof space ideal for larger arrays generating 20-100 kW or more.

Businesses benefit from reduced operating costs, enhanced sustainability credentials, and potential tax advantages through accelerated depreciation schedules. Commercial systems typically achieve payback in 6-10 years with returns exceeding 10% annually. We specialize in designing installations that minimize disruption to operations while maximizing energy production and financial benefits.