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The Solar Panel Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide The solar panel installation process is quite complex, involving many steps before placing the panels on the roof. The process begins months earlier, with drone visits on your property. Usually, the installation takes place 6 months after the contract has been signed. That is why you must begin your consultation in the winter if you want your solar panels installed in the spring or summer.  Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during a typical solar panel installation. 1. Arrival and Site Assessment The installation crew arrives on-site and begins with a job hazard assessment. This ensures the worksite is safe and potential risks are identified before the team starts work. They also take time to introduce themselves to the homeowner and conduct a walk-around inspection of the site to confirm everything is in order. 2. Roof Preparation and Layout Once the initial assessment is complete, the roof crew accesses the roof. They start by: Once the rails are properly installed and levelled, the inverters are mounted in their designated locations. 3. Electrical Work: Running the Wiring While the roof crew works on panel placement, the electricians will work on powering all the inverters: This step ensures that the energy collected by the solar panels can be safely transmitted to the home’s electrical system.  4. Panel Installation With the wiring in place, the team can now begin installing the solar panels: This step can be straightforward on simple roof layouts but becomes challenging when panels need to be placed on multiple arrays on roof faces or garage structures. 5. System Commissioning and Testing Once all panels are in place, the system is nearly ready to generate electricity. Before leaving, the crew performs the final steps: 6. Final Steps and Cleanup With the system now operational, the installation crew cleans up the worksite, removes ladders, and leaves the area tidy. Before leaving, they inform the homeowner about the upcoming system inspection and how to monitor their system using the app. How Long Does It Take? The duration of the installation depends on the project’s complexity (e.g., the number of arrays and the roof’s steepness). Challenges and Considerations Installing solar panels is a physically demanding job. Each panel weighs between 50 and 70 pounds, and carrying them up ladders onto a sloped roof requires strength and endurance. Weather conditions also play a role. Cold temperatures can make suction cups less effective for lifting panels, and high winds present challenges when securing equipment. Conclusion A solar installation is a carefully coordinated process that combines safety, technical skill, and teamwork. Every step, from the initial assessment to system activation, is crucial in ensuring a reliable and efficient solar energy system for the homeowner. If you’re considering switching to solar, understanding the installation process can help you appreciate the level of expertise that goes into making your system function seamlessly! Ready to explore your solar options? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s build a system that works for you.

Introduction The New Year brings exciting opportunities for change and goal-setting—but it also brings the coldest temperatures of the year. At Solar YYC, we want to help you make the most of your solar investment. Even if you haven’t switched to solar yet, we’re committed to supporting our community in reducing electricity consumption and saving money. January’s frigid temperatures and early sunsets mean more time indoors. Staying warm is essential, but increased indoor activity often drives up electricity use and leads to higher energy bills. You’ve probably heard the usual advice—turn off lights, unplug unused appliances—but we don’t want to bore you with the obvious. Instead, here are some practical, realistic electricity-saving tips to keep you cozy this winter without overspending. (Remember: Switching to solar energy remains the best way to cut electricity costs and gain long-term savings. Pairing solar power with these energy-saving strategies maximizes your system’s value. Check out the owners manual for more information) Bathroom fans can consume more energy than you think. Installing timed switches ensures they automatically turn off after a set period, preventing unnecessary electricity use. With longer nights, lighting tends to increase in winter. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and, therefore, last nearly 25 times longer. Consider using timers or motion sensors to ensure lights are only on when needed.  A programmable or smart thermostat helps optimize heating by adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. Lowering the thermostat by just a few degrees when you’re asleep or away can significantly cut energy consumption. Many modern thermostats even allow remote control from your smartphone, making it easier to manage your energy use. Gaps around windows, doors, and other openings allow cold air to enter and warm air to exit your home. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these gaps. Consider installing draft stoppers at the base of doors and insulating your windows with thermal film to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without overworking your heating system. If you own an electric vehicle, consider charging it at public charging stations rather than at home during peak times. This can help lower your overall electricity costs and reduce strain on your home system. Working from home will inevitably drive consumption. Consider heading to the office for a much needed change of scenery – not only will you be lowering your electricity bill at home, you’ll combat seasonal blues by socializing and getting out of the house.  Additional Tips for Solar Panel Owners For solar panel owners, running heavy appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers during solar hours—the peak times when your solar panels generate the most electricity (typically mid-morning to late afternoon)—maximizes your use of free solar power. This reduces reliance on grid electricity and increases your energy savings. Consider scheduling these tasks to align with sunny periods for the best results. Conclusion By implementing these electricity-saving tips, you can stay warm and cozy throughout Calgary’s winter while reducing your energy consumption. However, the most impactful step you can take is transitioning to solar energy—it remains the top recommendation for energy savings and sustainability. Modern solar systems perform efficiently even in cold climates, especially for Alberta residents, who benefit from sunshine year-round.  Start your journey toward lower bills and a sustainable future today! Ready to explore your solar options? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s build a system that works for you.

New clients are often eager to to maximize savings from the start and minimize the payback period. We understand that going solar is a significant investment, which is why joining Solar Club is a smart way to begin earning money as soon as your panels start generating energy.  At Solar YYC, we’re dedicated to helping our customers maximize the value of their solar energy systems. One of the best ways to do this is by joining the Solar Club™, a loyalty program designed specifically for Alberta’s solar micro-generators. With Solar Club, you can earn more from the energy you produce, reduce your payback period, and contribute to a sustainable electricity grid. Here’s everything you need to know about Solar Club, from its benefits to how to join. Top Benefits of Joining Solar Club With Solar Club, you can switch between high and low export rates. High Export Rate (30.04¢/kWh) for surplus energy generated during sunny months and a Low Export Rate (9.454¢/kWh) when your usage exceeds your generation in winter. This flexibility allows you to maximize your earnings throughout the year. Solar Club members receive 3% cash back on all energy imported from the grid. This cashback is calculated annually and paid out via direct deposit in February of the following year—a bonus for balancing your energy needs. As a member, you can sell the carbon credits generated by your system through Solar Club’s Carbon Offset Credit Platform. This provides an additional income stream while supporting Alberta’s sustainability goals. Choose the date for your monthly invoices to be withdrawn from your account. You can use your micro-generation credit balance to pay off upcoming invoices and/or offset your gas bill.  If you’re starting your solar journey, Solar Club’s Pre-Solar Rate™ (6.694¢/kWh) ensures you benefit while waiting for your system to be fully operational. This rate is valid for up to 180 days and transitions to the Low Export Rate once your installation is ready. This graph clearly illustrates the difference between production and consumption throughout the year.  The yellow bars represent the months when you are a net exporter, producing more energy than you consume. Meanwhile, the black bars indicate the months when you are a net importer, consuming more energy than your solar panels generate. Understanding this balance is key to improving your financial outcome with Solar Club, especially when switching between High and Low Rates. How to Optimize Your Solar Savings What Is Solar Club? Solar Club is a unique program created to help solar array owners like you make the most of your system. It’s part of the Utility Network & Partners Inc. (UTILITYnet) group, a trusted Alberta-based energy management company with over 45 years of experience. Solar Club builds on the foundation of Green Alberta Energy’s initiatives, giving micro-generators a way to actively participate in greening the grid. How to Join Solar Club To qualify for Solar Club, you need: Signing up is simple. Visit the Solar Club website or contact one of our Solar YYC sales consultants for assistance in enrolling and linking your micro-generation account. Why Solar Club? Solar Club isn’t just about saving money; it’s about helping Albertans take complete control of their energy production. By joining, you’ll shorten your payback period, increase your financial returns, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our province. Learn More For more details, check out the full YouTube video! Our sales consultant, Grady Topak, provides in-depth explanations and visuals to help you better understand the financial benefits of Solar Club. Ready to maximize your solar investment? Visit Solar Club’s website or contact Solar YYC to learn more. Click here for a free estimate: https://solaryyc.ca/free-solar-power-quote/ Let’s make your solar journey even more rewarding!