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  • The Canada Greener Homes Loan

    The Canada Greener Homes Loan

    The Canada Greener Homes Loan

    In May 2021 the Government of Canada launched the Canada Greener Homes Initiative to help Canadians make energy-efficient home upgrades to combat climate change and create good jobs – all while helping homeowners save on their monthly energy bills. Canada has made a commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 when the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act was signed in June 2021 and the Canada Greener Homes Loan lies at the core at the initiative to achieve this goal.

    Understanding the Canada Greener Homes Loan

    The Canada Greener Homes loan is an interest free loan on a 10-year term for between $5,000 and $40,000. The loan can be taken out for home solar projects or other clean energy retrofits like an air source heat pump. The maximum eligible loan amount is based on the retrofits selected in the application and the quotes you have received to complete their installation.

    The most attractive feature of the Canada Greener Homes Loan is that it is completely interest-free. A 15% portion of the loan can be disbursed to you up front, to cover your project’s down payment. This makes the Canada Greener Homes Loan the most affordable financing option for homeowners looking to go solar.

    The Canada Greener Homes Loan Criteria

    A maximum of one loan is available per eligible property and homeowner. For all loan
    applicants the following eligibility requirements must be met before applying for the loan:

    • You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or non-permanent resident
      who is legally authorized to work in Canada.
    • You must own the home, and your home must be your primary residence
    • You have completed a pre-retrofit evaluation of your home dated April 1, 2024, or later

    You have a good credit history and aren’t under:

    • a consumer proposal
    • an orderly payment of debt program
    • a bankruptcy or equivalent insolvency proceeding

    In addition to the above requirements that pertain to all loan applicants, there are
    additional requirements for Low-rise multi-unit residential buildings and Indigenous group
    applicants.

    Low-rise multi-unit residential buildings

    Indigenous group applicants

    • You are eligible to register multiple homes
    • You must own the home(s) or have a formal partnership to represent the owners, but the homes do not need to be the owner’s primary residence
    • Your home must be occupied by an Indigenous household
    • You must select at least one eligible retrofit for each property subject to the loan

    How the Canada Greener Homes Loan Works

    Applying for and using the Canada Greener Homes Loan involves several steps:

    1. Energy Assessment: Before you can apply for the loan, your home must undergo
      an energy assessment conducted by a certified energy advisor before undergoing
      any retrofits. This assessment evaluates your home’s current energy performance
      and identifies areas where improvements can be made.
    2. Plan Your Retrofits and Obtain Quotes: The next step is to receive a solar
      assessment by a contractor. Do not start any work until your loan application has
      been submitted. Retrofits started before submitting your loan application are not
      eligible.
    3. Application Process: After the energy assessment, you can apply for the Canada
      Greener Homes Loan. The application process involves submitting your energy
      assessment report, outlining the proposed upgrades, your photo ID, property tax
      bill/assessment, and proof of income.
    4. Completing the Solar Install: You can advance up to 15% of the loan value to pay
      any up-front costs of the solar installation. With the loan funds in hand, you can
      proceed with the solar installation or any other retrofits outlined in your energy
      assessment.
    5. Final Inspection and Repayment: After the upgrades are completed, a post retrofit
      evaluation will be done to provide you a new report showing the impact of your
      retrofits. Once this is confirmed, you will receive the rest of your loan and you’ll
      begin repaying the loan according to the agreed-upon terms.

    Why go Solar with the Canada Greener Homes Loan?

    Costs of electricity have increased steadily year over year. By going solar you are essentially paying up front at today’s costs for a system that will give you free energy for the next 30 to 40 years. Most homeowners have space on their roof to get a solar system that will eliminate 90-100% of their power bill.

    The Canada Greener Homes Loan is a perfect opportunity to invest in solar energy with no financial strain, since the home solar system will be covering the costs of your power bills once installed. You won’t see much of a change in your monthly budget since the financing is canceled out by your power bill being eliminated.

    You will experience savings even before your system is paid off, since power companies will still be raising rates yearly. Once you’re home solar system is paid off you will experience free electricity for decades.

    Make Going Solar Easy with XOLAR

    If the loan application process sounds overwhelming, don’t worry – there is an easy path forward. Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required for the Canada Greener Homes Loan and make sure you maximize the value of any other government programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your personal energy needs at home.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    XOLAR INC.

    Xolar is a full service turn-key platform for transitioning both residential and commercial clients, book a free quote today!

    Fast Solar Quote

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  • Roof or Ground Mounting Which Is Better for Home Solar?

    Roof or Ground Mounting Which Is Better for Home Solar?

    Roof or Ground Mounting Which Is Better for Home Solar?

    Is Roof or Ground Mounting Better for Home Solar?

    Aside from the panels and inverter you choose for your solar project, the next most important factor is where and how you are mounting your system. Your two options would be either to mount the panels on your roof, or to ground mount the panels. Both methods have their merits, but roof mounting is often the superior choice for residential solar installations. Let’s compare the two methods and their benefits.

    What is a Roof Mount?

    A roof mount is a method of installing solar panels directly onto the roof of your home. This is the most common installation method for residential solar systems. The panels are attached to the roof using a racking system, which secures them in place on the most sunlight exposed portions of your roof and uses your homes natural roof slope to get the best angle on solar rays.

    How Roof Mounts Work:

    1. Racking System: The solar panels are secured to your roof using a specialized
      racking system. This system is designed to withstand various weather conditions,
      ensuring that your panels stay in place and function efficiently.
    2. Panel Orientation and Tilt: The racking system uses the natural pitch of your roof to
      get the best angle on sunlight. Canada is in the northern hemisphere, so our most
      direct sunlight comes from the south. This means solar panels would be placed on
      a south facing roof, or if your home has an east/west orientation then some will be
      placed on both sides to capture sunlight from both morning and evening.
    3. Minimal Roof Impact: Modern roof mounting systems are designed to have
      minimal impact on your roof. They are installed with care to prevent leaks or
      damage.

    Advantages of Roof Mounts:

    1. Space Efficiency: Roof mounts stylishly utilize the existing space on your roof, making them ideal for homes with limited yard space. This leaves your yard neat and free for other uses.
    2. Cost-Effectiveness: Roof mounts are much more cost-effective than ground mounts. Since they don’t require additional land preparation, trenching, or complex racking systems the installation costs are lower.
    3. Aesthetics: Roof-mounted solar panels are often more visually appealing, as they blend seamlessly with the roofline. Ground-mounted systems, on the other hand, can be more conspicuous and may not be as visually integrated with your property. Solar increases your home value. If you end up selling your property you also want to make sure your solar install is aesthetically pleasing by putting it on your roof.
    4. Optimized Sunlight Exposure: Roof mounts take advantage of your home’s height to capture more sunlight, especially if there are trees, buildings, or other obstructions in your yard. This will lead to better overall energy production compared to ground-mounted systems that may be subject to shading at some points of the day.

    Comparing Roof Mounts to Ground Mounts

    While roof mounts are popular, ground mounts may be needed for certain solar projects. Ground mounts involve installing solar panels on a racking system that is anchored to the ground in your yard or another open space on your property.

    Situations Where Ground Mounts Might Be Preferred:

    1. Limited Roof Space: If your roof is too small to accommodate the number of panels you need, a ground mount might be a better option. This is more common in homes with irregular roof shapes that have many obstructions like chimneys or skylights.
    2. Commercial Projects: We’ve all seen pictures of big fields of solar panels. Ground mounting is best used in larger scale commercial projects where there is a huge amount of space to cover with panels.
    3. Flexibility: Ground mounts offer more flexibility in terms of orientation and tilt, which can be adjusted easily if necessary.

    Why Roof Mounts Are Superior for Most Home Solar Installations

    For most homeowners, roof mounts are going to be the better choice for your home solar installation. Ground-mounted panels are more suited to very large commercial projects that require a large amount of space. Most homes only need about 15-20 solar panels to cover 100% of their power bills, making ground mounting a less-needed option for residential systems. Roof mounting is cheaper, blends better with the overall look of your home, and uses your home’s natural elevation and slope to get the best angle of sunlight.

    Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what you need for your solar project as well as making sure you maximize the value of any government rebates in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your personal energy needs at home.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    XOLAR INC.

    Xolar is a full service turn-key platform for transitioning both residential and commercial clients, book a free quote today!

    Fast Solar Quote

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  • What does it mean to have a Net-Zero home?

    What does it mean to have a Net-Zero home?

    What does it mean to have a Net-Zero home?

    Understanding Net-Zero

    Net-zero in the scope of our combined human carbon footprint refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which became law in June 2021, set a goal for Canada’s carbon footprint to be Net-Zero by 2050. Achieving Net-Zero is done one home at a time.

    For a building or home, achieving net-zero means that the energy you consume is equal to the energy you produce from renewable sources, resulting in zero net emissions over a year.

    Ultimately for a bill paying homeowner, net-zero means is that your power bill is 100% covered – through a combination of solar and efficient energy use. The most important factor towards reaching Net-Zero is installing solar on your home so you generate your own energy.

    How Net-Zero Works:

    1. Energy Production: To achieve net-zero, your home must generate renewable
      energy, often through solar panels. This energy powers your home’s electricity
      needs, reducing reliance on the grid and fossil fuels. You’ll also get energy credits
      through Net Metering ensuring that energy you produced with solar is powering your
      home at night and on dim winter days.
    2.  Energy Consumption: Alongside generating renewable energy, you need to
      minimize your energy consumption. Use energy-efficient appliances, improved
      insulation, and efficient heating like air source heat pumps.
    3. Balancing the Equation: The goal is to balance the energy you produce with the
      energy you consume. If your solar panels produce as much (or more) electricity as
      your home uses over the course of a year, you’ve achieved net-zero and completely
      offset your power bill.

    Two Main Steps to Achieve Net-Zero

    Achieving net-zero requires a combination of renewable energy production and energy
    efficiency. Here’s how you can work towards a net-zero home:

    1. Install Solar Panels

    Solar panels are the cornerstone of any net-zero home. They allow you to generate clean, renewable energy directly from the sun. The amount of energy your solar panels produce should be sufficient to meet or exceed your home’s annual energy needs.

    To determine the right size for your solar panel system, we will assess your home’s yearly energy consumption, available roof space, roof orientation, sunlight exposure, and any future energy needs.

    2. Improve Energy Efficiency

    Reducing your energy consumption is as important as generating renewable energy. Energy efficiency measures can drastically cut the amount of energy your home requires, making it easier to achieve net-zero.

    Switch to energy-efficient appliances that use less electricity without compromising performance. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated products that meet strict efficiency guidelines.

    Effective insulation and sealing work to prevent heat from escaping during the winter and help keep your home cool in the summer, lowering your reliance on heating and cooling systems.

    Installing smart thermostats, air source heat pumps, and energy-efficient lighting, like LED bulbs, can further reduce your energy usage by optimizing heating, cooling, and lighting based on your actual needs.

    Why Net-Zero Matters

    Reaching Net-Zero with home solar isn’t a purely altruistic undertaking. It’s a win-win situation where you are taking a proactive approach to preserving natural resources and improving the health of the planet while also eliminating your power bill.

    Beyond the environmental advantages of adopting solar energy, there are also significant financial benefits. As mentioned earlier, for a homeowner, reaching Net-Zero means that your energy bills are 100% covered, allowing you to enjoy life without that added expense.

    Net-zero homes are less reliant on external energy sources, providing greater independence from utility companies and fluctuating energy prices. You can also go as far as installing solar batteries which will completely make your home self-sufficient without any reliance on the power company.

    By producing as much energy as you consume, you effectively neutralize your home’s carbon emissions. This is a significant step towards reducing your overall carbon footprint and combating climate change.

    Reach Net-Zero with XOLAR

    There is no path to Net-Zero without renewable energy, and solar remains by far the best option to generate your own energy. By producing your own energy at home, you can cut your power bills by up to 100% and play a role in reducing carbon emissions for a more sustainable future.

    Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of going solar and reaching Net-Zero as well as make sure you maximize any government programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your personal energy needs at home.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    XOLAR INC.

    Xolar is a full service turn-key platform for transitioning both residential and commercial clients, book a free quote today!

    Fast Solar Quote

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  • How many solar panels do I need?

    How many solar panels do I need?

    How many solar panels do I need?

    One of the first questions that need to be answered if you are going solar is exactly how
    many panels you need to buy. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all because the number of
    solar panels required depends on several factors unique to your home and lifestyle. Too
    few panels would mean you aren’t covering enough of your power bill for it to be of value;
    too many panels means that you might be overpaying since most provinces don’t let you
    liquidate your Net Metering credits as cash. There is a sweet spot where you are producing
    just enough energy and excess credits to cover your bill over a 365-day period.

    What factors influence your system size?

    Let’s look through some of the factors that influence your system size – and don’t be
    overwhelmed, we will build a solar proposal for you based on all of these factors.

    1. Roof Space: The amount of available roof space can limit the number of panels you
      can install. If space is limited, you may need to choose higher-wattage panels to
      maximize energy production. We only use Tier 1 panels, which are the highest
      wattage and most value since they can last 30 to 40 years.

    2. Roof Orientation: Since Canada is in the northern hemisphere of the Earth, we get
      all our most direct sunlight from the South. If your roof is facing south then you
      have an optimal property for solar. This doesn’t rule out east/west facing roofs
      though, you can design systems where your east facing panels capture the early day
      sunlight and the west captures the sunlight of the afternoon. Roofs with steeper
      slopes are also favorable for solar.

    3. Sunlight Exposure: Roof Space and Roof orientation directly affect sunlight
      exposure but also some provinces tend to get more direct sunlight than others. The
      amount of sunlight your location receives directly affects your solar system’s
      output. Areas with more sunlight require fewer panels to generate the same amount
      of electricity.

    4. Assess Your Yearly Energy Consumption: Your electricity bill is a good source of information—look for the section that shows your yearly consumption in kilowatt-
      hours (kWh). This figure represents the total amount of electricity your household uses over the course of a year, taking into account seasonal fluctuations.

    5. Future Energy Needs: Consider whether your energy needs might increase in the
      future. For example, if you’re planning to add an electric vehicle (EV) or expand your
      home, you might want to install additional panels now to accommodate higher
      energy consumption later.

    Understanding Solar Panel Output

    The output of a solar panel is measured in watts, and panels come in a range of sizes, typically from 250 watts to 400 watts. Like I said earlier, we only use Tier 1 panels which are produce above 400 watts and last 30 to 40 years. The total energy production of a panel is calculated by multiplying its wattage by the number of hours it is exposed to sunlight each day under optimal conditions.

    For instance, if you have a 400-watt solar panel and your location receives an average of 5 sunlight hours per day, that panel would produce 2,000 watt-hours or 2 kWh of electricity per day. Of course, not every day is optimal and our solar proposals are very conservative estimates that factor in average amounts of cloud cover over the year.

    Calculating the Number of Panels

    To determine the number of panels you need, divide your average monthly electricity consumption by the average monthly output of one panel. Of course, this is also impacted by factors listed above like your roof orientation and pitch, sunlight exposure, and future energy needs. We do all the calculations of the other factors for you. Most homes can cover their power bills on a system size of about 15-20 solar panels. Factoring in roof space, most of our clients can cover between 90-100% of their energy bills by going solar with the panels we use.

    Upsizing Your Solar System

    One of the advantages of solar energy is the ability to upsize your system over time. If your energy needs increase, you can add more panels to your existing system, provided you have the roof space and your inverter can handle the additional capacity. Upsizing allows you to start with a system that meets your current needs while keeping the option open for future expansion.

    Get the most out of your home solar system with XOLAR

    If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry – there is an easy path forward. The first step is to acquire a solar proposal. By understanding your energy consumption, sunlight exposure, and roof orientation and space, we can design a solar solution that meets your needs both now and in the future. A well-sized solar system can help you achieve your energy goals and reduce your carbon footprint.

    Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of what is required and make sure you maximize the value of the provincial or federal programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your residential project’s energy needs.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    XOLAR INC.

    Xolar is a full service turn-key platform for transitioning both residential and commercial clients, book a free quote today!

    Fast Solar Quote

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  • How Net Metering Benefits your Home Solar Setup

    How Net Metering Benefits your Home Solar Setup

    How Net Metering Benefits your Home Solar Setup

    The Basics of Net Metering

    Your electricity generation from solar isn’t consistent throughout the year. During the summer you’ll produce much more energy than you need, and during nights and some winter days you may need to pull electricity from the grid. Net metering is a billing agreement with your power company that ultimately ensures you can power all of your energy needs with solar. Under Net Metering, you will receive credits from your power company for any excess electricity your solar panels generate.

    When you pull energy from the grid, like at night or on some winter days, the credits you generated during sunlight hours will cover those costs of power. This system ensures that you are fairly compensated for the energy your solar panels produce. Solar can cover 100% of your power bills when coupled with the Net Metering program.

    Combining your solar system with Net Metering is how you can achieve a Net-Zero home. Net-zero is when you produce 100% of the energy you use during a year, ultimately meaning you won’t owe a power bill.

    How Net Metering Works:

    1. Solar Production: During the day, your solar panels generate electricity. When the
      sun is shining brightly, your panels may produce more electricity than your
      household needs at that moment.
    2. Sending Excess Energy to the Grid: Any surplus electricity that your home doesn’t
      use immediately is sent back to the grid. This excess energy isn’t wasted; instead, it
      contributes to the overall electricity supply in your area.
    3. Earning Energy Credits: In exchange for the electricity you send to the grid, your
      utility company provides you with energy credits. These credits appear on your
      electricity bill and will be used to offset the cost of the electricity you consume
      when your panels aren’t producing enough power, such as at night.
    4. Using Credits: When your solar panels aren’t generating enough electricity to meet
      your needs, you can draw from the grid. The energy credits you’ve accumulated
      offset the cost of this electricity, reducing your overall bill.

    Advantages of Net Metering

    Net metering offers several significant benefits for solar energy users:

    1. Lower Electricity Bills: By earning energy credits for the electricity your solar
      panels send to the grid, you can substantially reduce your electricity bills by up to
      100%. This makes solar energy an even more cost-effective option for homeowners.
    2. Maximizing Solar Investment: Net metering ensures that you get the most out of
      your solar panels by compensating you for all the electricity they produce. Even if
      your panels generate more energy than you use, you won’t lose that extra power—
      it’s credited to you for later use.
    3. Time-Of-Use Billing Plans: In a Time-of-Use billing plan you are charged different
      amounts for electricity at different times of day. Solar generation is always at peak
      rate costs during the day, and you sell you energy back to the grid at that higher rate.
      This means you use electricity more efficiently by selling your excess energy at a
      high rate back to the power company, and then using your energy credits at a lower
      rate during the night and evening.
    4. Environmental Impact: By feeding excess solar energy back into the grid, you’re
      contributing to the overall supply of clean, renewable energy. This helps reduce
      reliance on fossil fuels and decreases your carbon footprint.

    Net Metering is a Must Have

    Net Metering, especially with Time-Of-Use billing plans, will help you make the most of your home solar system. Net Metering makes it easy for a home solar system to reach Net- Zero status and cover up to 100% of your power bills. With Time-of-Use billing you get to automatically sell your excess electricity production back to the grid at high rates, and then at nighttime you earned energy credits will cover your usage at lower nighttime rates.

    Net metering policies can vary by location, and some utilities may have different rules about how credits are calculated or how long they can be carried over.

    Our Solar Specialists and Project Managers can cleanly walk you through the steps of going solar and signing up for your local Net Metering program, as well as make sure you maximize the value of any other government programs in your area. We’ll also get you started on the vital first step of acquiring a tailor-made solar proposal for your personal energy needs at home.

    Schedule a consultation for our solar specialist’s expert guidance here.

    XOLAR INC.

    Xolar is a full service turn-key platform for transitioning both residential and commercial clients, book a free quote today!

    Fast Solar Quote

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