Ask the Renewable Energy Experts – Marcus Campell

Are you thinking about having a Solar PV or Solar Thermal System installed on your home?

If so, the process and timeline with respect to these technologies has changed recently.  With anything, as it becomes more popular and mainstream, it also  must accept more criticism and scrutiny. Solar PV and Solar Thermal installs are becoming more popular and so are the design features.  Some systems suggest a tank of water on your roof, while others consist of glazed flat panels with minimal fluid running through them.  Cost of these technologies are also changing,  some are relatively cheap, while others compare to the industry standard. 

Some systems are more pleasing to the eye than others and when a home owner chooses to install a certain technology, that in some peoples’ opinion, is not attractive, the City of MH is the first to hear about it.  Hence, why they have changed the permitting process, allowing people an opportunity to object to something on your roof.

A development permit must be obtained, and the proposed job must be  advertised in the MH News for a period of two weeks, allowing your neighbours an opportunity to object.  After the two weeks, and if no one has objected, we can then move forward some with the install.

Depending on the system you choose, engineering may also be required in special cases.  There are technologies available that suggest mounting a tank of water on your roof, with a heating element in it.  This will certainly require an engineers stamp certifing your roofs load capacity, which will add to your overall cost.

Be sure to do your research, and ask your installers if they are CANSIA certified and if the technology you have chosen is recognized by Natural Resources Canada, and has CSA approval. Do not be afraid to ask your installer to provide documents back up this information. These are all very important when it comes time to access your grant money and you will have issues if your installer cannot satisfy these requirements.

Terralta can satisfy all of these requirements and have gone thru the application process many times.   The grants are running out and the time is now.  Call us today for your free estimate.

Marcus Campbell.