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Get the Power of the Sun Working For You!
There’s a lot of buzz about Solar these days. What is involved? What do I need to know? What does Ontario Content mean?
At Osso, we’ve done a lot of work to understand the Solar Market so we can help you become a player in the emerging market.
What do you need to know?
The Top 5 Things to Consider When Selling Solar
- Rooftops and landscapes are changing across Ontario. Look around for opportunities. Solar power systems can be installed practically anywhere where there are homes, farms, and commercial buildings.
- Understand the investment opportunities. Ontario’s Feed-In-Tariff (FIT) program offers the best financial incentive in the world for solar power; up to 80.2 cents/kWh, for a guaranteed 20 year contract. Payback on a typical system under microFIT starts in approximately 7 to 10 years. With this level of government incentive, this is the right time to get involved.
- Starting in 2011, all Solar Installations under the FIT program must have at least 60% of the product made in Ontario. 27% of that 60% is applied toward all on-and off-site labour and services. This includes your installation services. Determine what percentage of your services your customers can include as Ontario Content in their applications.
- There are a lot of people selling solar. Makes sure the products you use for your installations are from proven suppliers. Ask about their policies if something goes wrong. Are the different components covered by a guarantee? Can your supplier offer design and layout support? Do they know and understand the solar market?
- All of the earth’s potential energy from coal, oil & natural gas are matched by just 20 days of sunshine. Having said that, do your homework. Shade is the natural enemy for solar installations. Look for trees and other obstacles that will take away from the expected output of the systems. Take advantage of available site assessment tools that will help you avoid these pitfalls.
These are just 5 areas to consider before jumping into the solar market. Right now, solar is a big focus with the Ontario government offering great incentives to solar system buyers. These rebates may not be available forever, so the quicker you enter the market, the better.
How Can We Help?
As the forerunners in the solar market, OSSO understands what is required to be successful in this business.
Our dedicated Solar Support team offers:
- Project specific estimates and quotes
- Customized system design and layout
- Technical support
- Product and installation training
- Marketing assistance to help you win business
- Field assessors to assist with site assessments, estimates and customer engagement
Training
We offer solar training sessions at each of our branches as needed. Contact us for the next scheduled training session.
Marketing
We make available customizable marketing material for you to use to help you win solar business (show jpgs of customer brochure). These documents can be tailored to your specifications by:
- Modifying the colours and profile information to reflect your company
- Highlighting your customers product needs
- Pointing out the financial benefits to the homeowner and/or business
In addition to supporting your marketing initiatives, we also have a group of trained field assessors to help you with site assessments and customer meetings.
Ontario Content Compliant
Osso offers a complete package to meet 2011 Domestic Content requirements. Check out our Products Page for more information.
Download the available Certificates of Compliance. Use these for your FIT and microFIT applications.
- Wire and Hardware
- Racking
- Inverters (link coming soon)
- Panels (link coming soon)
Customer Installations
Below are details and pictures of actual installations with products supplied by OSSO Electric Supplies.
Ballasted 10kW System
Installed by Global Point Energy
Products Used:
- Solar Semiconductor 225W panels
- Zilla RED 3 ballasted system, 10-deg tilt
- 3x SMA SunnyBoy3000 inverters (mounted in the basement), to accommodate the 3-phase connection
- Tyco Solarlok connectors
5kw Roof Mounted System
Installed by Southern Exposure
Products Used:
- Solar Semiconductor 225W panels
- Zilla Metal Roof standoffs, mounted with the Zilla Claw for ease of installation.
- SMA SunnyBoy5000 inverter (mounted in the basement) w/ Sunny Beam monitoring device
- Tyco Solarlok connectors
10kw Roof Mounted System
Installed by Southern Exposure
Products Used:
- Solar Semiconductor 225W panels
- Zilla Metal Roof standoffs, mounted with the Zilla Claw for ease of installation.
- 2x SMA SunnyBoy5000 inverters (mounted in the barn)
- Tyco Solarlok connectors
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some questions your customers might ask you about solar in Ontario.
Were you asked a question that isn’t listed here and you can’t find the answer? Maybe we can help! Ask us your questions and we’ll get back to you with answers.
Q: How does Solar Work?
A: Download our “How Solar Works” flyer to better understand how solar power works.
Q: What will a system cost?
A: It depends on the size, roof type and location.
A 12 panel (2.7kW) system like the one displayed below would cost around $20,000 installed. As an estimate, the cost for an installed system is about $7,000 to $8,000 per kW installed.
Q: How many panels will I need to power my house?
A: In Ontario, we don’t actually use the power ourselves; we sell it back to the Province at a premium price. (For a rooftop system, the OPA pays us 80.2 cents/kW generated).
Q: What conditions make a location viable for solar?
A: South facing roof, no shade, strong structure.
Q: How many panels can I put on my house?
A: This depends on the size of your roof. Each panel is about 3 feet wide by 6 feet high.
Q: What is the payback?
A: Based on current MicroFIT prices, most systems will pay back in 7-10 years. A typical system will generate about $1000 for every kW installed, per year.
Q: How much maintenance is involved?
A: Minimal –the panels may need to be cleared of leaves or dust occasionally.
Q: How long will my system last? What is the warranty?
A: 30-40 years is not uncommon. Our solar panels have a limited 25 year power warranty to fulfill a percentage.
Q: What if it’s not sunny?
A: Your production will be none to minimal.
Q: How will snow affect the system?
A: Generally snow will melt off the panels quickly. If there is build up, it will lower production
Q: What is Grid-Tied versus Off-Grid?
A: Grid-tied is a system that is physically connected to the grid – MicroFIT and FIT. Off-grid means that you are generating power for your own use and are not connected to the Provincial grid. This would be mainly for cottages or remote areas.
Q: What does “Ontario Content” mean?
A: The solar system components are manufactured or assembled in Ontario. Our racking is currently made in Ontario; Panels and Inverter to be manufactured in Ontario in 2011 (Panels in Oakville).
Q: Is a microFIT contract transferable?
A: Yes, it remains on the property and is transferred to the new owner.
Industry Links
OPA Feed-In-Tariff program
PV-WATTS Online Solar Estimator
CanSIA
Clean Break, Renewable Energy Blog
Ontario Sustainable Energy Association
