how-does-solar-work | April 16, 2024

According to Canada’s energy production report, as of 2019, Canada had about 2.9 GW of solar power capacity, the majority installed in Ontario. However, B.C. is about to surpass about five megawatts of solar, which is roughly 2,000 residential installations, so if you’re considering going solar, you’re about to join the club! To find out if solar is for you, take our helpful quiz!

While solar energy has several benefits, like slashing those utility bills so you end up saving on your monthly expenses and combatting climate change, it is a significant financial commitment and a huge shift from traditional to a renewable source of energy, so being an informed consumer will help smoothen out the process for you. 

Installing solar panels is an expensive decision and a one-time action that will have long-term effects on your energy generation. There are also plenty of manufacturers in the industry with differing product specifications, so making the right choice among many options can seem daunting. 


What To Look For When Buying Solar Panels

Installing solar panels will not only save you money in the long haul and reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also increase your property value in the future. Since you will only do it once, it is important to make a wise decision; the following are factors to consider. 


Warranty

Time does a number on products’ efficiency, solar panels included. One of the primary factors to consider is the warranty period within which you can get support from manufacturers for your solar panels. Most manufacturers state that the power output of their panels won’t drop below a certain point for 25 years, but if the panel itself fails or is faulty, manufacturers also provide a materials warranty. 

Manufacturers commonly offer permanence and product warranties; you must be sure to check both. The industry standard is 25 years for performance and 10 years for products/materials. In the long run, the more years you get support from the manufacturer, the more peace of mind you will have for the future of your solar power system.


Technology

Although technical details are mentioned on the solar panels' spec sheet, it can be quite overwhelming for a non-technical consumer to read and digest. So, we’ve broken it down as a guide so you can pick the right panels to suit your requirements.

Solar panels can use varying cell types, arrangements and efficiencies.

  • Monocrystalline

  • Polycrystalline

  • Half-cut

  • Shingled

We will cover the two most popular types: Monocrystalline & Polycrystalline Panels. 


Monocrystalline Panels

Monocrystalline solar panels are frequently recommended as the most efficient choice. They work best when placed in larger energy systems in commercial and residential buildings. However, because panel sizes differ, they can also be used in smaller systems.

They have high silicon purity and are, therefore, the most effective at converting light to energy; this makes them an expensive option. However, they are a good choice if you are looking for the highest productivity, and cost is not a limiting factor.


Polycrystalline Panels

Polycrystalline solar panels are made by melting many pure silicon crystals together. However, having more crystals isn't necessarily better. The efficiency of polycrystalline panels is lower than that of monocrystalline panels. However, given that they are available in various power levels from 5W to 250W and above, they make a viable choice for both modest and large-scale installations.

These panels are the ‘greenest’ choice since they entirely use the silicon used during production. They are not as efficient as the Monocrystalline panels, but they are priced a bit lower, so if you are looking for an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option, Polycrystalline panels are for you.

At Future West Solar, we use top-quality monocrystalline panels from Canadian Solar—one of the world’s leading renewable energy brands, with a silver or black trim for a sleek, aesthetic look.


What To Look For When Choosing Solar Companies

Deciding to take the plunge into renewable energy is a big investment, so it goes without saying that with such high stakes, you’d want only the best. With green energy sources like solar becoming more accessible by the day, the market is getting saturated with companies offering solar solutions. So, how can you make sure you’re making the right decision for your future? Following are some pointers that might help. 

  1. Experience & Reputation: Look for solar installers with a proven track record of successful installs. Check out their reviews, ratings and testimonials to ensure they’ve got good market standing. Take a look at our projects and what our happy customers had to say here.

  2. Certification & Credentials: Do your research on the company’s credibility to ensure that they are properly bonded, insured and certified by a reputable organization, as it is a testament to their professionalism and expertise. At Future West Solar, our team is bonded, insured and licensed.

  3. Open Communication: Switching to solar power is a high-calibre project that involves several details. To ensure clarity and informed decision-making, it is vital that the company you choose prioritizes transparency in sharing details, timelines, cost estimates, addressing your concerns, and making sure you are as much a part of the journey as possible.

  4. Local Expertise: Solar companies with local experience and knowledge of regional regulations, permit processing, and climate conditions will ensure a smooth transition to solar power. They may also provide faster response times and better customer service. Our team has carried out thousands of solar installations across the Okanagan and can come to your house within as little as 18 hours to review a solar proposal tailored to your lifestyle, home and electricity usage!

  5. Warranties & Support: It is always good to proactively ask about warranties for the solar panels and installation service. A reputed company will stand behind their service and offer ongoing and maintenance services. Future West Solar provides a 25-year warranty with local service readily available when you need it.

  6. Personalized Solutions: A good installer should provide personalized solutions tailored to your specific energy needs, roof space, and budget. Avoid cookie-cutter approaches and seek companies willing to conduct a thorough site assessment. Our team of experts will assess your energy usage over the past year and schedule an in-home visit to go over your solar system plan, including government grant applications. Then, we take the reigns on setting you up to generate your own solar power while keeping you involved and informed about the entire process. 


Future West Solar is a full-service electrical contracting company based in Kelowna. We are bonded and insured, and we stand behind our work with the best warranty in the industry. If you feel inspired to power your life with solar energy, get started with us. You’re in good hands.