Yes. We ship to customers right across Canada

We purchase in bulk direct from manufactures so can offer the best pricing on quality solutions. Each product comes with the manufacturer's warranty and can range from 1 yr up to 25 years depending on the specific product you are interested in. For example, Victron has a 5 year warranty on all equipment, Battle Born has a 10 year warranty and solar panels have a 12/25 year warranty.

Firstly you need to work out how much electricity you currently use or if a new build the amount you plan on using. We have some great blog posts which will help you calculate this as well as roof space etc.

No. We supply Do-It-Yourself projects by offering competitive pricing for quality solar solutions. We are happy to discuss your project and give advice on what you will need either on the telephone or email. We can also help build your shopping cart on the website for the items you will need for you to purchase securely with your credit card etc.

Yes, we do. We are happy to discuss your project and help design the solution you will need. Even if you have solar components already we can advice on how to replace or extend your current solution.

We are a Canadian company with our office located in Kelowna in British Columbia. Our warehouse has most items in stock or if needed we can contact our suppliers and get what you need in a very short time frame.

1/ If the product is faulty and under warranty then we will get the manufacturer to replace the item under their terms and conditions. If you are adding to an existing system configuration you have we will need to know to make sur eyou are ordering the right parts.

Yes there are a number of incentive and grant opportunities depending on your Province etc. Have a look at the link at the bottom of this page to find out out more. https://cdnsolar.ca/pages/incentives-grants

Solar power is a renewable energy source derived from harnessing the energy of sunlight and converting it into electricity. This process relies on solar panels, composed of photovoltaic cells, to capture sunlight and transform it into direct current (DC) electricity. These photovoltaic cells consist of layers of silicon and other materials that generate an electric field when exposed to sunlight. As sunlight interacts with the cells, it liberates electrons from the silicon atoms, initiating an electrical current. Subsequently, an inverter converts this direct current electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity, suitable for use in homes and businesses.

The main components of a solar system can vary depending on its type and scale. However, in general, a solar system typically consists of the following components:
1.Solar Panels: These devices capture solar energy and convert it into electricity. Solar panels are comprised of photovoltaic cells wired together to form a module or panel.
2.Batteries: In off-grid solar systems, batteries store excess electricity produced by the solar panels for later use when sunlight is unavailable.
3.Inverter/Charge Controller/All-In-One: The inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is compatible with most household appliances and the electrical grid. The charge controller manages the flow of electricity between the solar panels and batteries. Modern systems often integrate both functions into a single unit, combining a charge controller and inverter.
4.Mounting System: This system secures the solar panels to a rooftop or ground-mounted structure, ensuring optimal positioning to capture sunlight effectively.

Grid-tie, off-grid, and hybrid solar systems each offer distinct functionalities in terms of grid connection and energy storage capabilities.
1.Off-Grid Solar System: Off-grid solar systems function independently from the electrical grid. They store excess solar energy in batteries during the day to power properties at night or during low sunlight periods.
2.Grid-Tie Solar System: Grid-tie solar systems operate alongside the local utility electrical grid. They generate electricity from solar panels during the day to power homes or businesses, with any surplus power directed back to the grid for credit. These systems lack battery backup, making them unable to provide power during outages.
3.Hybrid Solar System: Hybrid solar systems blend features of both grid-tie and off-grid setups. They connect to the electrical grid while also incorporating battery backup for energy storage. Excess solar energy charges batteries during the day, powering properties. In instances of full battery charge or no surplus solar energy, excess power is fed back to the grid. During outages, these systems automatically switch to battery backup, ensuring continuous power until grid restoration. Although versatile, hybrid systems are pricier due to their enhanced functionalities.

The placement and orientation of your solar panels play a crucial role in maximizing their performance and energy production. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
1.Accessibility: Choose a location that allows easy access for maintenance and cleaning, as dirt and debris can diminish panel performance over time.
2.Orientation: To capture the maximum sunlight, solar panels should ideally face south (in the Northern Hemisphere) or north (in the Southern Hemisphere). For specific details on the optimal angle, refer to [source].
3.Roof Type: Solar panels can be mounted on various roof types, including asphalt shingles, metal, tile, and flat roofs. For flat roofs, a racking system may be necessary to tilt the panels to the correct angle.
4.Shading: Avoid installing solar panels in shaded areas, as even partial shading can significantly reduce their energy output.
5.Structural Integrity: Ensure that your roof can support the weight of the solar panels, along with any mounting hardware and racking systems.
6.Ground Mounting: Alternatively, solar panels can be mounted on the ground, providing benefits such as easier maintenance and cleaning access, as well as the ability to adjust panel angles for optimal sunlight exposure.

Solar systems generally require very little maintenance. Just spray them down with a hose at ground level every month to remove any debris or dust that may have gathered on the panels. Now the batteries may require some maintenance (periodic electrolyte refilling, testing…) depending on their type, you can choose maintenance free batteries as well to avoid the maintenance.

Photovoltaic panels are rated to last over 25 years.

No, you can't. All the batteries you connect together should be the same capacity (Ah), the same voltage (V), and most importantly, the same battery type (AGM). And it would be better if they come from the same brand.

A charge controller regulates the charge on the batteries, giving full power when necessary and reducing the charge as the batteries require less. This is important for maintaining the health of the batteries

This is the only component of a solar energy system that is not absolutely required. However, if you don't use one, you will not have Alternative current (120VAC, 120/240VAC…) and will have to use battery power alone. This might be acceptable in a small RV or cabin, but most people want to use normal AC appliances. Most systems are now using Pure sine wave Inverter Charger, nowadays you need a pure sine wave inverter in order to have all your electronics devices working properly and not having problems with your appliances electronics boards.

This refers to the input voltage from the battery bank. The main consideration is that at higher voltages the current is less so that you can use smaller wires between your solar panel array and your battery bank. Of course, when you decide on a system voltage, the Solar Panels, Inverter, and Battery Bank all need to use the same voltage. The bigger the system we install, the higher the voltage. You always have to take in consideration futures needs.

If you are connected to normal Utility company power and just want to add some Free Sun Power electricity to reduce your electric bill and you do not need a independent system, it is possible that a Grid Tie inverter will suit your needs. With a Grid Tie inverter, whatever electricity that your solar panels produce will reduce the amount supplied by the power company, in effect lowering your bill. For this setup a large battery bank to store the power for later use is not needed. Unless you have frequent power company outages, you will not need any batteries at all. What's the difference between a true sine wave inverter and a modified sine wave inverter? The AC sine wave of a true sine wave inverter is just as good as the utility company's AC power. A modified sine wave inverter is not as close, but is still quite satisfactory in some cases. Certain motor control circuits don't like the modified wave. Modified sine wave inverters are also much less expensive.

New Canadian electrical code prohibits having battery banks located inside the property https://www.csagroup.org/article/codes-and-standards-for-stationary-energy-storage-installations-nfpa-855-ul-9540-and-ul-9540-a/

When supplying your own power, it's a good idea to have back-up power for 2 reasons. Number one is that in the winter (depending on your location) you will often have too many days of low sunshine to supply all your electric needs from the solar panels alone. Reason number 2 is that you will probably have some equipment that uses large amounts of power but is only needed some of the time. (say filling a water tank with a large pump) How long does the generator need to run? During bad weather, you will need to supply the bulk of your battery charging with the generator. For a medium sized system, with no sunshine at all, an hour per day will usually provide enough of a charge for the batteries. A large system may require up to 10 hours depending on the system. What size Generator should I use? Please contact a specialist in order to calculate the loads onsite plus the charger, it is important to have the right size of generator in order to be the most effective. This way you will burn less fuel. A generator with an auto start is the best way to manage your complete system and get more cycles from your batteries, let the AGS do the work for you..