FAQ
1. What is the ROI on solar panels?
Most systems will experience a pay-back term of 5 – 13 years. However each system has its own unique circumstances (system cost, energy consumption and rates, sun exposure, direction, and pitch of the roof, etc.) which will determine the return on investment. Contact us for a personalized consultation so that we can better determine what your ROI could be.
2. How much energy can solar panels produce?
Solar energy is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is how commercial and residential energy producers can measure how measure the output of their system over the course of a day, month, year, etc.
3. How is solar energy measured?
Solar energy is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is how commercial and residential energy producers can measure how measure the output of their system over the course of a day, month, year, etc.
4. What are the differences between monofacial and bifacial panels?
Monofacial panels are the traditional choice currently in the industry. These panels absorb sunlight from a single, front-facing side and are known for their robust performance and reliability. Bifacial panels can absorb light from both their front and back sides, capturing direct sunlight as well as reflected sunlight from the surface below. These systems are perfect for ground-mounted applications and with efficiencies such as installing reflective gravel underneath the panels, can produce up to 30% more energy than monofacial systems.
5. How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels will typically run at peak performance for between 25 – 30 years. However, this does not mean that they stop producing electricity after this period; it simply means that the energy production might decrease to a level which would be considered less than optimum. Paradigm Solar works directly with our manufacturing partners to bring a superior product to the market. The panels which we utilize in our systems can last upwards of 45 years.
6. How long does it take to install a system?
Install time for a system will vary depending on variables such as system size, site access, etc. Typical installations will be complete in 1 – 3 days.
7. Will you put holes in my roof?
To ensure that our systems are safely secured to your house, the rails on which the panels will sit have to be anchored directly to the rafters in your roof. All penetrations are performed by our qualified technicians and sealed thoroughly with high-grade weather-resistant sealants, which are protected by flashing to ensure your roof stays watertight.
8. Can my roof hold solar panels?
Shingle and metal roofs with large, unobstructed surface areas typically provide an ideal application for solar panel installation. However, each roof can differ slightly. Paradigm Solar works with municipalities to comply with regional building codes and ensure the safety of each one of our systems.
MYTHS
1. Solar in Canada does not work due to snow.
The design of your solar panels will greatly reduce accumulation by allowing snow to slide off naturally. The dark surface efficiently absorbs sunlight which heats the panels and speeds up the melting process, quickly clearing the panels to minimize the disruption in energy creation.
2. Hailstorms will wreck my panels.
Constructed with high-strength tempered glass and robust backing materials, solar panels are built to endure the impacts of hailstones in typical and severe weather conditions. Their durability ensures that the panels will remain intact and operational over their lifespan.
3. It is too cold in Canada for solar to be affective.
Cold weather does not impact solar energy creation as much as one would think. The conductivity of the materials in the panels can even improve in the cold, which would slightly enhance their output.
4. Solar panels are not that 'green'.
While manufacturing of solar panels does have an impact on the environment, the utilization of these panels for energy creation far outweighs traditional alternatives. According to the International Plant Protection Convention, the carbon footprint of roof-mounted solar panels is approximately 12 times less than natural gas and 20 times less than coal, in terms of CO2 emissions per kWh of energy creation. Rooftop applications are an efficient use of space which limits the demand for land development, while utilizing a renewable resource (the sun) rather than finite resources (ie. fossil fuels).
5. ROI – panels/batteries are not yet viable.
As people have become more educated about solar, and system popularity has increased, prices have drastically reduced over the course of time with some regions seeing a 90% decrease in the last decade alone. Increased efficiencies in manufacturing and a greater demand in the market have allowed us to provide you with an affordable solution for your energy needs, with the added benefit of potential government grants.