Ontario’s microFIT Program: The Nitty-Gritty On Going Solar
The approval process after our application to the OPA microFIT program took 3 1/2 months; in June, we heard that our application had been conditionally approved. By then, Mark had done a lot of research on solar technology and had narrowed our choice of suppliers down to a few companies. More discussion with companies both in California and Southern Ontario followed after we received word that we could go ahead with our project before Mark decided to go with a solar package from the R.E. Source Store in St. Thomas, Ontario. We have had the solar panels sitting in our garage since they were delivered at the end of July, waiting to be installed, which was why it was particularly difficult to learn that those panels had to be returned to the factory in southern Ontario last week, after the electrical inspector noticed that no CSA stickers had been applied at the warehouse before shipping them to us. These stickers indicate that the panels meet Canadian safety standards. Some other options for getting the CSA stickers were discussed, including shipping the stickers out to us so we could apply them, or (when that failed to meet the inspector’s approval) the possibility of Dave, the distributor from whom we bought the panels, flying up and applying them himself. That, too, didn’t pass muster with our inspector, so in the end the manufacturer had to ship up a whole new batch of panels and take back the first ones.
The second set of panels arrived on Wednesday of last week. Mark had done all of the prep work on the roof, installing the rails and doing the wiring. Once the inspector approved this on Thursday the installation of the panels could begin. We started by hauling the panels up on the roof (and when I say “we” I should clarify that Mark did the majority of the carrying, being the bigger and stronger one, but I was still very much a part of the process. It would have been very difficult for one person to do on their own). The 21 panels on the upper roof were installed first, then the 12 lower ones. And I should add that installing these, particularly the ones nearest the edge of the roof, is not for the faint of heart!
If you’re interested in seeing how much power we are generating, in real-time, check out our Enphase Energy page – it updates the information every fifteen minutes, and also graphs our output by the day, week, and month: EnphaseEnergy.com
What We Have Learned From Our Experience So Far:
1. Apply early if you are hoping to be part of the Ontario microFIT program – it took us 3 1/2 months after we applied to receive our conditional approval. Even if you are not sure of the final size of your solar array, fill out the application with your best guess. It is easier to change the size of your project once you have been approved, as long as it is still 10 kW or smaller, than to speed up the approval process.
2. Hire professional installers, unless you have a LOT more time than money, and only if you have some electrical know-how. We went the do-it-yourself route because there was no local installer, and because Mark is a hands-on kind of guy who was interested in learning the process. He does have a background in carpentry and has done a fair bit of electrical wiring.
3. If you are doing it yourself, speak to your electrical inspector early as you will need an electrical permit. Also check with your local building inspector as you may need a building permit, depending on the size of your project and where you live, as it may differ between municipalities.
4. If you are planning to be part of the Ontario microFIT program, make sure that you meet the domestic content requirements as outlined on the OPA microFIT website. In 2011, the program requires that 60% of your materials and installation be considered Ontario-based. Read the guidelines on the OPA website.
Panels are on!
As of October 17, 2010, all of the panels are installed but we are not yet hooked up to the grid. More details will follow as that final part of the project is completed.
To view more pictures, click here.
And here’s a video of us installing the last panel:
Hi Guys,
I came across your article. You did a great job installing the panels. As you can guess, I am thinking about installing panels too. The first thing that I’m sure everyone asks is how much does it cost and what do you expect to make yearly? Do you mind sharing that with me?
Thanks,
Darryl
The total project cost is around $40,000, and the pay off we estimate to be between $5,000 – $ 6,000/year.
Hello
It is great to see your project. I do have couple of questions.
First what is the wattage per panel and what is the total wattage. Is it 5kw or more?
Second I don’t have funds to do it right away but I do would like to get the permit approved for future if possible. Do you have any information about it, that if I apply right away, would I be able to atleast qualify for current terms and condition?
Someone told me that the application can be approved and the expiry for the approved application is 3 years, in other means, that the project can be started in 3 years from the day of approval.
The only reason I would like to get the 2010 application status is for the 40% domestic content instead of 60% in 2011 onwards.
Thanks
Faisal
Hi Faisal –
Our total wattage overall is 7.5 kW, divided between 33 panels; that’s 230 W per panel.
And no, Mark (who has done the research on microFIT) tells me that the system has to be up and running before January 1st to be exempt from the changes coming in 2011. For example, our system is not yet hooked up to the grid (!!) so if it’s not hooked up and running by the end of 2010 we’d have to meet the new criteria.
So, the bad news is, even if you apply now, you will still need to meet the 2011 criteria (and it takes several months to get approved, so even if you apply now you won’t get your approval before 2011). However, the good news is that there are more and more Ontario manufacturers getting involved in the solar industry because of this incentive.
Good luck!
A good way of looking at the investment required is that it’s like an RRSP, except that you are guaranteed a very good rate of return once you have paid off your initial investment. You won’t find an RRSP that pays as well as microFIT!
Where (or whom) did you purchase your panels/system from? Were they helpful with installation instructions?
Hi Dave –
We purchased our panels through the R.E. Source Store in St Thomas Ontario (there’s a link to their website in the first paragraph).
My husband who installed our panels doesn’t recommend doing it yourself – the panels did not come with clear instructions, and while Dave at the R.E.Source Store was happy to help when he could, he himself had never installed any panels so we had to do a LOT of internet research trying to piece together the best way to go about the installation. And my husband has worked as a carpenter and home renovator in the past, so he brought that experience to the installation. So, unless you have no other choice, our recommendation is to work with an installer with experience (which can be difficult to find, in these early days of renewable energy roll out).
So cool that you installed it yourself, but you’re I can imagine it was a ton of work. We have a working system on our roof in Toronto for the past year, and we have full power production graphs on our website: http://www.yourturn.ca/solar
You can see that the snow is not a good thing, but overall for the year, our production numbers are quite good, about 1170 kwh per installed kw of capacity, or higher. For our small sized array (3 kw) that translates to just under $3,000 for the year under the microFIT program.
So you *can* get good results with this technology in Ontario, and make money at it!
–Julian
Great website, Julian, thanks for sharing. You’re absolutely right, it’s a great investment.
After our experience, though, with all the extra charges from Hydro One, we believe that the best philosophy to have if you’re participating in the microFIT program is “go big or go home” because the Hydro One charges are the same, no matter what size of array you are putting up. For example, we get charged every month a small fee just for having a second meter.
Looks like a great system, I am also looking at a rooftop system on about a 4/12 pitch roof and I am concerned about the snow staying on and not letting the sun through to make energy. How has yours been through this winter?
Hi CJ,
Our system has had snow on it since December (though I’ve gone up a few times and swept it off with a broom on a long pole). We’re in Ontario’s “farther north” near the Manitoba border so we get a fairly long winter. A 4/12 pitched roof is not steep enough for the snow to slide off automatically. On the other hand, the months that we normally have snow on the roof are also the months when the level of solar radiation is at its lowest. I expect to make 80-90% of my power during the warmer months with longer days and more intense sunlight so I’m not too worried about the snow. Good luck with your project.
Mark
Great site guys. What is the range revenue so far…..
Cheers
It’s over $5000 in 2011, we figure. You can see the total generation for our array on the Enphase website: https://eecs.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/TgUA10919
Hi Christine,
Do you know anything about whether do it yourself solar panels are eligible for the microfit program. We do not have that initial investment to put out right now, but this is definitely the way we want to go. I have done a lot of research on the internet and the do it yourself programs seem to have come a long way. Do you have any input on this issue?
Jev – at this point, because the Ontario govt wants to stimulate jobs through the FIT program, they are only approving solar panels that have been manufactured in Ontario (there’s a certain % of Ontario-made content that they look for). Now, if you can prove that the appropriate percentage of the material that you use to produce your panels is made here, you might have a chance. But our experience is that it’s a bureaucratic nightmare right now, so you will need persistence as well as luck to get an answer out of anybody at OPA!
In case anyone else is looking at the idea of the do-it yourself panels, just be careful who you are buying your info from. The company power4home that advertises “do it yourself” solar panels using the tag lines “power companies fear this!” is a known rip-off and only selling you instructions on how to make the panels yourself.
Thanks for the tip, Brian.
Excellent job and installation guys !
Just a quick note to anyone who may want to explore options for southern Ontario installations I can be contacted at chris@nlsolar.ca . Website is http://www.nlsolar.ca ..
The microFIT program is an amazing opportunity for those looking to take part in a green initiative and generate profit while doing so.
Great job guys !
Thanks for dropping by, Chris, and good luck with the microfit installations.
Hi Mark and Christine,
Great job on the install and general description of the issues surrounding it. I understand your frustration at the Canadian certification labelling issue. We certainly worked very hard to solve that issue as quickly and efficiently as possible for you. Regarding one comment about support for your installation, I have to clarify this issue for you and anyone else who may read this information. First off, we have installed many solar systems over the years, but stopped in 2007 when changes were made to the Ontario electrical code prohibiting non-electricians from pulling permits and doing electrical work for others.
More important to those wishing to self install is the fact that resellers can’t offer technical support beyond presenting what information is provided by the manufacturers of the equipment. We aren’t entitled or insured to provide that kind of service. However, engineers and planners can tell you what they need to see, and the ESA can be called in for a visit prior to the installation to discuss your concerns and provide guidance. Self installers need to know who to call, and when.
Hi David –
Thanks for dropping by, and for adding your perspective. So far, 2011 has been a great year for generating solar power!
I notice you didn’t use weebs to bond your panels to the rails(usually inserted at the rail clamps, between the rail and panel).
Did this come up during ESA inspection?
Sorry, you’re going to have to speak in plain old English for me – qu’est-ce que c’est “weebs”?
What is a WEEB?
WEEB stands for “Washer, Electrical Equipment Bonding”. The WEEB family of products are used to bond solar modules to solar mounts. The mounts are then grounded so the entire assembly is grounded. The WEEB family consists of six products: WEEB-9.5, WEEB-DMC, WEEB-PMC, WEEB-SMC, WEEB-UMC, and WEEBLug.
If your wiring system already has grounding included, these weebs may not be needed. It’s overkill. I got the weeb information from the website below.
http://www.altestore.com/store/Cables-Wiring/Wiring-For-Solar-Panels/Grounding-and-Wiring-Accessories/Wiley-Electronics-WEEB-95NL-SS-for-PoleGround-Mount/p7466/ (copy and paste the link to your web search)
Thanks for the clarification, Rayal!
Hello, I am thinking of having a sky tracker installed at my property in Port Stanley, On. So far what I have come up with for a cost of this project is in an around the $ 80k mark. Im new to this and want to make sure I cover my ass if I invest. I just had a fellow from Certified Solar come to my home in London, Ont. yesterday and he has told me that I can collect $1,000.00 upto $2,000.00 per month. To me this sounded too good to be true. What are your thoughts ? Do you think this is achievable ?
Hi Jeff,
Our advisor must have forgotten to leave our “Sounds to Good to be True” sheet. Here’s an online copy for you:
http://certifiedsolar.biz/SoundsTooGoodToBeTrue.pdf
If you have any queries, please call on 416-315-0837.
Mike.
It would depend on the size of your roof and your array, Jeff. I would be very surprised if you make that sort of income, though – the FIT rate has gone down since we installed ours, although we don’t have the largest installation possible – ours is 7KW, and the largest allowed under the microfit program is 10 KW – we make closer to $5,000 in a YEAR. And northwestern Ontario is rated better than southern ON for solar. On the other hand, maybe the sky tracker makes a big difference, I’m not sure.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
Very interesting blogs. We are a company based in Waterloo and service all of Ontario. With our 30 years experience, we would be pleased to provide advice and guidance on your solar projects…NO COST…NO COMMITMENTS…If you buy from us. all the better but give me a chance to get you off on the right foot with your solar projects. Check out our website at http://www.retpower.com or email me at rday-retpower@primus.ca for further information. It never hurts nor does it cost to ask me a question (or 5)
There is no company who has 30 years of experience in this industry at all. The microFIT program is only 2 years in Ontario and it is stalled right now because the government won’t sign on the “dotted line for the rates” – it is merely a political move. But the upcoming deadline of April 14th, 2012 has to be met for this first round of requirements. If you wish to have good sound information about the microFIT program as it stands right now – contact me and I will put you through to a trusted company who has been a part of the microFIT program and the correct registration process since day one. Getting attached to the grid is a specific process – and if you assume you are talking to a qualified person who says he can do it; make sure you shop around. Too many people are tied up because their applications are denied due to ‘wrong information’.
pklewis2000@yahoo.com
Actually I do have over 40 years experience in the wind and solar industry, starting in 1970′s. True enough microFIT is new but I have been doing off-grid systemss, system design, standard offer contracts , research and development along with retail sales in both wind and solar ever since the early 70′s…..Very few people have the background experience that I can offer with my 4 decades of invoolvement in renewable energy sources….Bob
rday-retpower@primus.ca
Yyeeahh ssuuree Bboobb
You do the math. I have been involved in the PV business since 1982. We have more than 45,000 PV systems deployed in over 60 countries. In addition to Canada, I have travelled to 52 countries on PV business. In 1983 we installed a 3kW grid-tied PV system at Ontario Place, Toronto which was just recently removed as they begin redevelopment of the waterfront.
Very few people were aware of PV prior to the Green Energy Act -doesn’t mean there were not people designing and deploying systems throughout the country.
http://www.generationpv.com and http://www.northgridsolar.com
Hi Eric – you seem to be saying that The Green Energy has been good for the PV business, in that’s increased its profile among many Ontarians. That must be good for business!
never trust certified solar.
they ripped us off $30,000.00 and never installed anything.
I have documented proof.
If you are interested let me know I will send.
Rob – please provide more information or I will need to delete your comment, or ask the installer to respond. Your comment isn’t substantiated at this point at all.
I read an article about this. Sad story. Check references first. Some good companies are out there, but a lot of bad ones. Microfit is a tough business these days and a lot of people are cutting corners. For those interested, here is a link for LIVE solar monitoring, and for the moderator, if you wish to add live solar systems to your site for reference to people. I have over 40 systems with links to tigo, enphase and solaredge. our live monitoring site is: http://paid4power.ca/live-solar/ I sincerely hope this will help people make a decision to go solar.
Are you saying that $30,000 just went into thin air or did you get it back eventually?
Dene, as customers we had found the R.E.Source store to be responsive and responsible.
Hey guys, solar has dropped in price again. Here is a coupon for a 10 kW solar installed system for less than $3/watt. http://paid4power.ca/summer-sales-promotion/ It ends on June 14 2013 though