GreenLight Power works with exciting new technologies like LED lighting, backup generation, and solar power. If you have general questions about these technologies and their applications, check here to see if we have a satisfactory answer in our frequently asked questions section. If the answer to your question is not found here, feel free to contact us directly, and we will do our best to respond to your inquiry.
Most urban residential consumers tie their systems to the utility grid to keep costs low and power supply consistent. These types of systems do not require any batteries, but stop collecting power if the utility grid fails. If no utility grid is available or an uninterrupted power supply is desired, a battery bank can be used to store some solar energy for later use. A system that never connects to the utility grid at all is called off-grid and relies on batteries every day, while a system that switches between the two mentioned modes is called utility interactive. Utility interactive systems use the energy in the stored batteries only when it makes sense, keeping them fully charged and ready the rest of the time.
Grid-tied solar systems feed power directly into the grid through your two way electric meter. When the power supply from the grid is interrupted, a grid-tied system will detect this change and disconnect itself, so that it no longer supplies extra power to the grid. This is a safety feature which allows your utility company to fix the problem without being endangered by the electricity that your system would otherwise produce. A utility interactive system handles power outages differently, by switching to an off-grid battery operation mode, allowing an uninterrupted power supply for your property while ensuring that the power you generate is safely contained.
Solar modules are designed to withstand a range of extreme weather conditions including hailstorms - even in spite of large hailstones travelling at high speeds. In the event that a solar module was damaged by inclement weather, each panel that we install carries a full manufacturers warranty.
In Calgary and southern Alberta, the maximum collection potential of a panel is realized when it is oriented towards the south, and tilted to about a 45 degree angle. This angle also helps gravity keep your panels clear of snow in the winter months. For this reason, a flat roof usually requires special mounting systems to provide sufficient inclination. For structural reasons, a sloped roof usually has solar modules mounted parallel to the pitch of the roof. This means that a large, sloping, south face without any shade is the ideal spot to place an array of solar panels. Panels installed facing east or west can be expected to produce 20-30% less power, while panels oriented north, or whose direct sun is obstructed by shade, will lose even more collecting potential. While this can be offset by adding more modules to the system, the lowest cost per watt can only be achieved with smart array design and module orientation. Does your property have a sweet spot for solar? Apply to have your property evaluated and find out!
Solar is viewed as an upgrade, much like adding a new furnace or windows to your home. People will now pick a home with solar verses one without as it provides the home owner a hedge against rising energy costs.
Currently, the Federal Government is offering $1000 per Kw up to $5,000 dollars maximum of solar installed. They also offer up to $1,000.00 towards the installation of a battery system. See link attached. https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-initiative/canada-greener-homes-grant/canada-greener-homes-grant/23441
The first step in the process is interest. Once a customer has expressed interest, and has provided us with their power bill to sales@GLPsolar.com and a few pictures of their electrical panel, we are able to formulate a budgetary quote for them detailing various financial and logistical aspects of the installation. From there, we book a physical site evaluation to finalize scope and cost of the project. If the customer still wishes to procede, we apply for permits and the microgeneration application with the wires owner.