1. How much does/will it cost?
    1. That really depends on the size. If you can give us your contact information and some details, we would be happy to get back to you with a preliminary quote. We can even help you arrange financing through our relationship with TDBank who are offer up to $50,000 in unsecured financing.
  2. How much can I make?
    1. Well, that depends on the size of the system that is installed. If you can give us your contact information and some details, we would be happy to get back to you with a preliminary quote.
  3. Why should I do it now?
    1. We certainly can’t speak for the OPA, but their FIT plan can be changed at anytime. Additionally, the local content requirements change on January 1st, 2011, and that will definitely make the equipment more expensive. While waiting for the long-term may result in lower cost of equipment, that will probably be offset by decreases in the amount of the guaranteed FIT. Refer to California or Germany plans where the FIT decreased over time and/or as installed capacity grew.
  4. Why should I use JAZZ Solar?
    1. We have NABCEP trained installers and designers, and work as a team in conjunction with experienced builders and roofers…
    2. Our founding team are accredited Engineers and have almost 100 years of combined experience in the energy conversion and telecommunications business.
    3. Unlike many renewable energy companies who do a bit of everything, we are an Ottawa company FOCUSED exclusively on solar PV, specializing in residential microFIT systems.
  5. How long does it take to do an installation?
    1. That really depends. The first step is the OPA application process, which can take weeks to a few months, depending on their backlog and resources. If you’re at all interested, then we can help you apply for the permit now; there is no cost, and your are not committed in any way.
    2. The entire process should be completed within 4-6 months, though most of this is just “waiting time” with respect to the OPA.
  6. How many installations has JAZZ done?
    1. The OPA microFIT progam just began at the end of last year. Our company has just moved into solar PV, but our team has done dozens of installations with their prior experience, going back over 28 years.
    2. We are booking installations very quickly so you will want to book yours sooner rather than later.
  7. How does solar PV work?
    1. The solar panels actually convert the sun’s light into direct current (DC) electrical energy which is then converted to alternating current (AC) that can be supplied to your local distribution company’s network.
  8. What is the OPA FIT program?
    1. Ontario Power Authority Feed-in-Tariff. It is a government initiative that guarantees a specific rate that your local power company will pay for renewable energy that you generate.
    2. The microFIT program applies for systems up to 10kW, either roof or ground mounted while the general FIT program has provisions for up to 500kW installations.
  9. What size system should I install?
    1. To make the most of the program you should install the largest system that you can. If you exceed the 10kW of the microFIT program, you can choose to be a part of the general FIT program.
    2. The actual size will depend on your roof size or ground space that is available. If you provide us with your details we can send you a preliminary quote.
  10. How do I know if my home is appropriate for a solar PV system?
    1. Provide us with your contact info and some details, and we will be happy to provide you with a free assessment.
  11. Are there more efficient solar panels on the market?
    1. The solar panels that we’ve selected for your project are among the highest rated (by third-party evaluators). JAZZ Solar Solutions maintains ties with tier 1 organizations in order to ensure that your costs remain as low as possible in the range of the top ranked panels.
  12. Will my property taxes increase as a result of installing solar panels?
    1. Property Taxes are assessed by MPAC. Jonathan Lapp (613-742-1001 x 2805) an evaluation reviewer from MPAC described the information he received from an internal email referring specifically to microFIT as follows:By the definition of land under the assessment act, feed-in solar PV would technically be considered a commercial operation, but this was all put into place before The Green Energy Act (GEA) 2009, so they’re currently looking into developing regulations in regards to that, but need to wait for provincial legislation.Jonathan says that microFIT will probably be exempt because it’s socially beneficial. He also said that it might go the other way, and have to be considered commercial, but he emphasized that this would be more unlikely and if it happened, it would probably be very minimal (in the range of a few hundred dollars) which he assured me is not retroactively applied. He told me that MPAC has no reason to go out and look for these systems, so the only way that they would be notified, would be if the municipality forwards their building permit request, or if the OPA forwarded them a list and requested that they go assess the systems. Feel free to contact him with any questions regarding property taxes.
  13. How will my solar panels be affected by snow, hail, etc.?
    1. The panels are covered in tempered glass rated at 5400 Pa to withstand hail and snow. The temperature of the panels increases to about 10 degrees higher than the ambient temperature, so most snowfall will melt itself off independently. In cases where there is an extreme snowfall, some brushing of the panels may be necessary.
  14. What maintenance is required on the panels?
    1. The panels require very little maintenance and have production guarantees for up to 25 years.
  15. What are trackers and how much do they cost?
    1. Trackers a automated systems that align the solar panels with the sun throughout the day in order to maximize the output of the panels. Trackers are typically only used on ground mounted systems and cost approximately $1.80/W DC.
  16. If a tracking system is used, is it powered by solar output or is local feed required?
    1. The tracker we recommend is powered by the solar output and includes a battery which should provide 2-3 days of backup power.
  17. What maintenance is required on the trackers?
    1. The tracker will have a 10 year limited warranty, and yearly maintenance will require a slight re-greasing of the slew drive.
  18. Can a 5 KW system be built and increased to a 10 KW system at a later date?
    1. This is entirely possible and is identified by the OPA as incremental systems. The only risk you would take would be the potential loss of a higher rate of payment should the OPA decide to reduce their pricing structure.
  19. Does quotation cover electrical hookup to pole line and any transformer costs?
    1. We will cover the electrical hook-up costs of up to $3,000 which is sufficient in most-cases. We will be able to determine the specifics of these costs once your local distribution company evaluates your site.
  20. What if my system becomes obsolete?
    1. Major innovation in solar power happens very slowly. For example, the efficiency of a typical production solar module today is about 14%. This level of efficiency was first achieved in a laboratory setting in 1956. After more than 50 years, we are still at the same point. We cannot predict the future but we can say that your system will be the most advanced available today. The most important aspect is the availability of the government incentives currently available in Ontario and it is best to take advantage of this today, before the government reduces or removes the incentive plan.