Question 1

Why should I install a Ground Mounted Solar System?

Accepted Answer

If you live in a rural area with a large sunny lot then you’ve got an ideal location to install a ground-mounted solar system. Rooftop panels may be restricted by the size of your roof or shading from trees or buildings which will reduce the amount of solar energy you can produce.

One of the best advantages of a solar ground mounted system is that you have better control on direction and tilt to better maximize solar production than with a solar roof mounted system. This advantage means ground panels often receive more sunlight, allowing them to generate more solar power, thus making you more money.

Question 2

Are Ground Mounted Solar System’s more expensive?

Accepted Answer

Compared to a roof-mounted solar system, ground mounts are a bit more expensive, at least in the short term. Ground-mount systems require more labour and more costly materials. While a roof mount still has a racking system to hold the panels in place, its main support is the roof on which it’s installed. With a ground-mount system, this structure must be built with steel beams mounted into the ground.
But, while the installation cost of a ground mount may be higher than a roof mount, that doesn’t mean the roof mount is the best option long term. With a roof mount, you’re at the mercy of your roof, which may or may not be suitable for solar. Some roofs may not be able to support the additional weight of a solar system without reinforcing the building, or you may need to replace your roof. Additionally, a north-facing roof or a heavily shaded roof can severely reduce the amount of electricity your system generates. These factors could make a ground-mounted solar system more appealing than a roof-mounted system, despite the increased installation cost.
Compared to a roof mount, a ground-mounted system may produce more energy per watt of solar installed. Solar systems are more efficient the cooler they are. Solar panels installed on roofs sit just a few inches above the roof. On sunny days, roofs heat up and your PV modules produce less.
With a ground mount, however, there will be a few feet between the bottom of the solar panels and the ground. Air can flow freely between the ground and the panels, helping to keep the temperature of the solar system lower, thus helping them be more efficient.

In addition to a slight boost in production from cooler temperatures, you’ll also have more freedom when it comes to where you’ll install your system, the direction it faces, and the panels’ degree of tilt.

If optimized, these factors can provide gains in productivity over a roof-mount system, especially if your roof is poorly situated for solar. You’ll want to choose a spot that’s free of shade from nearby trees or buildings and orient the system south. South-facing systems will receive the most sunlight throughout the day.

Question 3

How Many Years Do Solar PV Panels Last?

Accepted Answer

Solar PV can produce energy for over 30 years. In fact most come with a 25 year prorated warranties.

Question 4

How Much Energy Will A Solar System Produce?

Accepted Answer

We have installed over 600 Solar PV systems and found the average production for a fixed ground mounted system in Southwestern Ontario averaged:  5 kW system slanted at 32 degrees averaged 6,000 kW of electricity 10 kW system slanted at 32 degrees averaged 12,000 kW of electricity  Note: The production numbers may be higher and lower from year to year, but the average should reflect close to the above numbers.  The average home uses between 5 kW to 10

Question 5

What is the Maintenance of a Ground Mounted Solar System?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance on a fixed ground mounted system is minimal. Rain can keep the PV modules basically clean, but washing the PV modules when dirty will increase solar production.

There are no moving parts, so there’s nothing to wear out.

Ground-mounted panels will be easier to access over panels installed on rooftops. This can come in handy should you need maintenance or repairs for your panels. It’ll be easier for solar technicians to access ground mounts, which can help keep costs down.

Question 6

Where is the Inverter installed?

Accepted Answer

Solar PV is the workhorse of your Solar System and Inverters are the brains. Inverters convert the DC (Direct Current) power from your PV panels to AC (Alternating Current) and then feed this power into the grid.
Solar inverters are typically installed outdoors and mounted onto your solar racking system and connected to your hydro meter via trenching.

Question 7

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Contact R & D Energy to get started today.
R & D Energy will provide a One-Stop shop that will help you:
Government applications and approvals
LDC Net Metering Forms and approvals
Site Assessments
System design and plans
Engineering for your system
Installation
Work with ESA to connect

Question 8

How much can I receive under the home retrofit program?

Accepted Answer

The initiative reimburses you up to $5,600 for eligible upgrades. There are limits for different retrofit category. Therefore, you need to plan the retrofits and choose the ones with the best energy s

Question 9

Is Canada Greener Homes Grant taxable?

Accepted Answer

Reimbursements received under the Canada Home Retrofit Program are completely tax-free. You won’t be taxed on the amounts or have to report them on your income tax returns come tax time.

Question 10

Do you have to pay back the Canada Greener Homes Grant?

Accepted Answer

The Greener Homes initiative is a grant and not a loan. It is a reimbursement for the cost of your eligible retrofits. So you won’t have to repay any amount you receive.

Frequently asked questions