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Installing solar panels on your roof is an exciting investment, especially when you expect to reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills dramatically! But with growing demand comes an increase in aggressive sales tactics and misinformation.  We always advise our clients to do your due diligence; get at least three quotes from different companies, take the time to check AND read their reviews. If you’re considering solar, here are some key red flags to watch for when talking to companies or door-to-door representatives. 1. High-Pressure Sales Tactics. “Sign Now or Miss Out” If someone is at your door urging you to sign a contract right now or suggesting you’ll miss out if you “don’t act today,” take a step back. Government incentives and financing programs have deadlines, but they don’t disappear overnight. Solar energy is a long-term investment that deserves careful consideration. If a rep tells you the loan or grant will vanish unless you sign today, they’re likely using scare tactics. You should never feel pressured to make a rushed financial decision, especially one tied to a 25 to 30-year asset like a solar system. A trustworthy company will give you time and space to make the right decision for your home and budget. 2. They offer to sign you up for a Loan Be cautious if a solar company offers internal financing or tries to push you into a loan of their own. Reputable solar providers will guide you through financing options—but they won’t offer to “get the application started for you” or sign you up on the spot. That’s not their role. You, the homeowner, should initiate and complete the loan process, not the sales rep. If someone is eager to fill out an application on your behalf, it’s a red flag. Personal financial information should not be shared with a third party. 3. They Promise Over 100% Offset Some solar companies will promise systems that generate over 100% of your energy usage, making it sound like you’ll be “off the grid” or earning major credits. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) limits system sizes based on your past electricity use to protect the grid and ensure fair access for everyone. At Solar YYC, we never overpromise an offset to win a sale. While some companies may show you flashy numbers, we prioritize accuracy—our designs are 99.75% precise, a stat we’ve proudly maintained since 2016. Even if a design with more than 100% offset gets approved, the actual usable output is often much lower due to inverter limitations—a concept called “clipping.” It may look impressive on paper, but you won’t get the extra benefit you’re being sold. In rare cases, a higher offset may be approved if you add a new appliance, like an EV charger or electric heat pump. However, you must provide documentation like proof of purchase or vehicle registration. Without those, overpromising leads to rejected permits, delays, and disappointed homeowners.  4. Don’t Fall for False Limits on Microgeneration Permits Some companies claim a hard cap on microgeneration permits—for example, saying only 25,000 are allowed in your area and that 22,000 have already been taken. This isn’t true. Alberta has no set cap on the number of microgenerators connecting to the grid. Spreading this misinformation creates a false sense of urgency and pressures homeowners into rushing a decision. At Solar YYC, we believe in honest, transparent communication, not scare tactics. 5. No Clear or Committed Installation Date Vague timelines are a major red flag. A professional solar provider should be able to give you a realistic estimate for installation based on permitting requirements, crew availability, and current scheduling. If they can’t—or won’t—commit to a rough timeframe before you sign, that’s cause for concern. Without that commitment, you could be left waiting for weeks or even months with no clear sense of when your system will be installed. Therefore always ensure you get a clear timeline in writing before proceeding with any agreement 6. They claim “A bigger system is Better.” Some companies will try to sell you the biggest system possible, claiming that more panels will lead to more savings. However, oversized systems can be less efficient, especially if the system isn’t designed properly and the inverter can’t handle the extra power. *AC size is often more important because it reflects your real-world output. You don’t use *DC power directly, only the AC power that runs your home. Thus if your inverter is too small, it will “clip” any extra energy your panels produce, limiting the amount of power you can actually use. Think of it this way: your solar panels are a big jug (DC size), and your inverter is the faucet (AC size). No matter how full the jug is, only so much water (electricity) can come out at a time through the faucet. That’s why AC size gives you a clearer picture of how much solar energy you can actually use, and why bigger isn’t always better. *DC size (Direct Current) is the total power your solar panels can produce under ideal sunlight—it’s like the maximum potential of your system.  *AC size (Alternating Current) is the amount of usable electricity your system can actually deliver to your home or the grid after the inverter converts DC to AC (the type of power your appliances use). Bottom Line: You Deserve to Be Informed and Empowered In conclusion, take your time, ask questions, and do your research. Solar can be life-changing, but only when it’s done right. A quality solar consultant will educate you, not pressure you. They’ll design a system that’s built to suit your roof and not their bottom line. Remember, solar is a 30-year investment. There’s no reason to rush the process. At Solar YYC, our clients should feel 100% confident and informed about their installation. That’s why we guarantee total honesty and integrity every step of the way. If you want to learn more about solar, our team will walk you through your options honestly and transparently—no pressure, no gimmicks! 

Earth Day is the one day a year everyone comes together to celebrate the beautiful planet we call home. It is a day to appreciate, reflect and give back to the environment for everything it has and continues to give to us.  At Solar YYC, we actively try to increase our environmental footprint. Since 2016 we have been powering more Alberta homes and businesses with clean, renewable energy from the sun. Going solar is not just about the economic benefits but its long-term impact on our environment. We all know renewable energy is very eco-friendly, but how does it benefit the environment? Solar panels don’t emit any greenhouse gases or produce air pollution during operation. They work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells. The sun is an excellent energy source as it is inexhaustible! Solar also shines when it comes to water conservation. In fact, the average household powered by solar can save up to 61,000 litres of water in one year.  Like all energy sources, solar does have an environmental impact during manufacturing and installation. However, compared to other sources, it’s by far one of the cleanest. One helpful measure is the energy payback time—the time it takes for a system to generate the same amount of energy that went into making it. For solar, that’s typically under 4 years. Customer Highlight: One of our customers, Jeremy McIvor, shared his inspiring commitment to sustainability with us. His long-term goal? To transform his home into a Net-Zero Energy Retrofit—meaning it will produce as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. Solar power is a key part of his plan, helping him dramatically cut utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a big step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.  Additionally, he took advantage of the Greener Homes Loan and has seen an impressive return on investment! The government announced an extension with an added $600 million in funding. Take advantage while it lasts. Watch his full testimonial video below:  The Local Impact of Solar in Southern Alberta Solar YYC has offset 9 million kWh of electricity in the past year. This means our solar community has helped offset over 6,345 tons of CO₂, and that’s equivalent to: Every install matters. Every system counts. And every homeowner who chooses solar is part of this progress. How You Can Take Action This Earth Day If you want to join the Earth movement, there are a ton of ways you can get involved! If you are a past Solar YYC customer, you can spread the word about solar energy to your neighbours, family and friends. The more people that make the switch, the higher the impact on our planet (and don’t forget about the $400 referral bonus with Solar YYC). You can make many small changes in your household and everyday life to help the environment.  Local events in Calgary: April 19: Earth Day Clean-Up at Prince’s Island Park April 26: Earth Day Clean-Up in Kincora Community Let’s Make Every Day Earth Day—Starting With Your Roof Ready to make the switch? Sign the form on our website and one of our sales consultants will be in touch shortly. Or better yet, call us directly at 587-296-7375 for immediate help. Sources (20, February 20). What are the safest and cleanest sources of energy? Ourworldindata. https://ourworldindata.org/safest-sources-of-energy (2024, January 19). Solar explained. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/solar-energy-and-the-environment.php (2024, March 31). Why are solar panels good for the environment? MET Group Countries. https://group.met.com/en/media/energy-insight/why-are-solar-panels-good-for-the-environment

At Solar YYC, we’re more than just a solar company—we’re building a community that supports each other. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Solar Referral Program—a simple way for you to help your friends and family go solar while earning a $400 reward for yourself! Why Refer? Spread Savings in Our Community With economic uncertainty, solar can help families and neighbours save on energy costs and gain financial stability. Lower electricity bills and protection from rising energy rates make solar an investment that keeps on giving. Earn Extra Cash You can refer as many people as you like, so the rewards keep adding up! When you help someone make a significant investment, you get rewarded for it. Whether you use your referral bonuses for a special treat, home improvement, or savings, the extra cash is always a welcome bonus. Grow Our Solar Family Each referral means one more home benefiting from clean, renewable energy. By spreading the word, you help build a network of solar-powered homes in your community, contributing to a more sustainable future. How It Works Referring someone is easy! Here’s how you can start earning rewards: No Limits! The best part? There’s no limit to how many people you can refer! The more people you help switch to solar, the more rewards you earn. Case Study: A Street Powered by Solar Our referral program isn’t just theory—it’s already benefiting our customers! Here’s an example of how some of our clients took full advantage of it: On one street alone, seven homes have gone solar with Solar YYC. Five of these homes are side by side, with two more further down the same street. This shows how one person’s decision to go solar can inspire an entire neighbourhood to make the switch. Solar isn’t just an individual investment; it’s a community movement toward energy independence. Even more impressive, we currently have a referral chain that has extended to 10 people! One happy customer shared their experience with a friend, who then passed it along to another, creating a ripple effect of savings. Here is a photo of two neighbours that went solar together! Start Referring Today! Know someone who’s interested in solar? Send them our way and start earning your rewards. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us—we’d love to hear from you! Why Choose Solar YYC? At Solar YYC, we take pride in being Calgary’s trusted solar provider, with over 370 Google reviews and a 5-star rating. As a locally owned and operated business, we are committed to transparency and customer satisfaction from day one. We believe in clear communication and ensuring that every question, big or small, is answered with patience and care. Plus, with our 25-year installation warranty, you can know that your investment is protected in the long run. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our reviews and see why so many homeowners trust us with their solar journey. Let’s power a brighter future together. Ready to explore your solar options? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s build a system that works for you.

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!

Take Advantage of the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit for Commercial Buildings Alberta is increasingly becoming a hotspot for commercial solar installations, ranking as the sunniest province in Canada.  With businesses more focused than ever on reducing operating costs and minimizing environmental impact, now is the perfect time to consider adding solar panels to your building. Since June 2024, you can benefit from a substantial 30% tax break on commercial solar projects, thanks to the  Government of Canada’s Clean Technology  Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The 30% Tax Break: A Game-Changer for Commercial Solar The federal government’s new clean technology ITC is a significant incentive for businesses looking to install solar panels. This refundable tax credit covers 30% of the cost of eligible solar energy systems for commercial properties, making it easier to make the switch. Whether retrofitting an existing building or constructing a new facility, this tax break can significantly reduce your upfront investment. Here’s how the ITC works: Reasons to go Solar on your Commercial Building: Consumers, clients, and investors increasingly look for companies that prioritize environmental responsibility. Adding Solar to your commercial building sends a clear message: your business is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Solar energy helps cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, which aligns with Alberta’s broader goals of shifting towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Installing solar panels can also increase the value of your commercial property. Prospective buyers and tenants find solar power appealing for its cost savings and sustainability initiatives. Commercial properties with solar panels sell faster and at higher prices than comparable properties without. Why Choose Solar YYC? At Solar YYC, we understand the unique conditions of Alberta’s solar market, from local regulations to weather patterns. We’ve been at the forefront of Southern Alberta’s solar movement since 2016. Providing top-tier solar installation services to commercial, agricultural, and residential clients. From initial consultation and system design to installation and ongoing maintenance, we handle every aspect of your solar project.  Ready to Go Solar? If you’re ready to explore solar power for your commercial building, now is the perfect time. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to dramatically lower the installation cost. Start reaping the financial and environmental benefits almost immediately. At Solar YYC, we are here to guide you every step of the way, from the  initial consultation through installation and beyond.

Boost Your Solar Savings with CMHC’s Eco Improvement 25% Rebate! If you’re planning to install solar panels on your home, here’s some great news: CMHC’s Eco Improvement program offers a 25% rebate on your mortgage insurance premium when you complete $20,000 or more of energy efficiency upgrades to your home. And yes, solar systems installed by Solar YYC are eligible! What is CMHC Mortgage Insurance? Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) mortgage insurance is required for homebuyers who make a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. This insurance protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on their mortgage. CMHC insurance premiums can be substantial, often costing tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the mortgage. In southern Alberta, the average CMHC insurance premium ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Maximize Your Savings with Solar YYC and the Eco Improvement 25% Rebate That’s where Solar YYC can really make a difference. By choosing Solar YYC to install your solar system, you not only reduce your power bill but also position yourself to take advantage of CMHC’s Eco Improvement rebate. With rebates averaging between $3,750 and $6,250, you’ll save even more on your mortgage insurance! Why Go Solar with Solar YYC? At Solar YYC, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch solar installations that deliver long-term value. Solar systems don’t just cut your power bills—they represent a solid investment that pays off in multiple ways. With the added benefit of CMHC’s Eco Improvement rebate, you can significantly reduce your mortgage insurance premium on top of your energy savings. Here’s how it works: after closing on your mortgage, eligible borrowers have two years to submit a refund request through the Eco Improvement program. Simply visit CMHC’s Eco Products page for more details and instructions on how to apply. Solar YYC will guide you through the process and help you ensure your solar installation meets the eligibility requirements. How the Rebate Impacts Your Solar ROI with Solar YYC When you combine Solar YYC’s high-quality solar installations with CMHC’s Eco Improvement rebate, the return on your investment becomes even more attractive. The rebate, along with the energy savings from solar, can dramatically shorten your solar system’s payback period, putting more money in your pocket sooner. To learn more about how Solar YYC can help you maximize your savings and take full advantage of the CMHC Eco Improvement rebate, reach out to one of our solar consultants today! We’ll walk you through the rebate process and show you how going solar with Solar YYC can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency and your bottom line. Take advantage of this opportunity to lower both your energy bills and mortgage costs with Solar YYC! Don’t have a solar consultant? Let’s get in touch! Fill out our intake form and we’ll reach out to you shortly.

written by Kennedy Davies, Solar Consultant When considering solar power for your home or farm, you may have come across solar installation companies that promise over 100% offset in energy production. While it might be tempting to think bigger is better, that number can sometimes be deceiving. Often times, if you’re being promised over 100% in Calgary by your solar design (and that design has been approved by your wire provider) the end result is far less than that originally promised number.  At Solar YYC we never over promise when it comes to your solar system’s capacity. Sometimes this authenticity can lead to us losing a sale since our designs may not always have the highest offset percentages displayed. Even so, we prefer to operate being able to guarantee that our designs are 99.75% accurate (a stat we have worked hard to maintain since 2016).  But why can’t my Calgary home produce over 100% offset?  The short of it is that the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has set guidelines against it. This leads to another question… why would the AUC not want homes to generate more electricity than they require? The answer to this question is two fold:  At Solar YYC we have successfully navigated over 1,000 project approvals in Calgary alone, and work closely with Enmax to ensure that the designs we submit adhere to the Regulatory Approval processes they are governed by so that they never (or rarely) get denied. Overpromising could lead to project declines, unnecessary delays, and ultimately, customer dissatisfaction—something we’re committed to avoiding. A surefire way to get a permit denied is to promise well over your home’s consumption on a design (ie. over 100% offset).  Ok, sure that’s great, but my system design is well over 100% and still got approved by our Calgary wire provider… how do you explain that? In some cases, you may find that a system designed for 100%+ of your energy needs gets approved. How is this possible? It comes down to the system’s capacity to produce energy, which is ultimately limited by the AC inverters. To break it down, as an example, even if your solar panels are generating 500 watts of power, your inverters may only be able to convert 350 watts into AC current, depending on their capacity. This concept, known as “clipping,” is an industry best practice within 10-20%*,1 and your wire providers can see that in your system’s design. Some systems may have a much higer clipping percentage than is necessary, and therefore makes your system appear to be more capable than it is. You see 107% production on the top line, but (if your system has been approved) we can almost guarantee that the reality of your system and your inverters will result in an offset much closer to 100% than it appears.  Another reason why your 100%+ system may have been approved is because you’re looking to add a new appliance to your home. To get approval for a larger system, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase (POP) for these appliances. For an EV, you’ll also need to provide registration and insurance documentation. This way, the additional energy consumption is factored into your system design, ensuring it meets AUC guidelines. Great, so… now what? If you’ve received a quote from another vendor that seems too good to be true, it probably is. At Solar YYC, we’re always here to help you read through your quotes—even if they’re from another company. We believe in transparency and want to ensure you’re making an informed decision that meets your long-term energy needs, and, ultimately, we want you to get the best system possible for your home. Need some help looking through your designs? Shoot us a line and we will be more than happy to take you through any questions you may have.  Ready to explore your solar options? Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s build a system that works for you.

Here are 6 things to consider while shopping for your new solar system. Beware of pushy sales tactics. Solar is a big ticket renovation to your home, much like a new kitchen or bathroom. If you don’t hire the right team, the value and piece of mind it brings can turn into a headache overnight. Take your time when making such an important financial decision about your home. This might be one of the largest investments you make on your home, so make sure you never sign up “at the door”. Take your time and make sure you feel like you’ve had time to digest the information, ask any questions, and that you are fully comfortable with the next steps. We recommend that the best practice is to shop around – get a few quotes from reputable, local installers and move on from there. Industry standard does not require a deposit with a quote, so be wary of companies “locking you in” for a fee at the door, these are often predatory.  Check reviews! There will be a LOT of new solar sales and installation companies popping up in Calgary in the coming years as the industry grows. Take into account their reputation. How long have they been in the industry for? What are their customers saying about them? You can tell a lot about a company by their reviews. TIP: make sure to read through and ensure the reviews are genuine and from customers, not their staff! Do they subcontract out the install? There are two main ways that solar companies go about installation: through an in-house install team, or subcontracted out to a third-party installer. Although not always the case, there have been instances where the third-party installation company does a less-than-stellar job, and since the solar seller’s are not liable for the third-party installer’s practices, this leaves the home-owner high and dry with their problems. We recommend choosing a Solar Company that does both the solar sale and installation so all your warranties and customer service are in one place.  Do they follow safety standards? It only takes one OH&S violation to derail your entire project, or stop it completely! Feel free to ask your Solar Sales Rep about their company’s install safety practices. Great questions to ask: Do they space their panels with enough distance between to safely access the panels if maintenance is required? Do they require safety practices for the install team?  You can also tell a lot from the design: are the panels too close to or extended over the perimeter of your roof?  Is your quote accurate? Make sure what your solar sales rep is offering you is actually obtainable, and do your homework. Do they take into account the shade from the neighbour’s house or the large evergreen in your front yard? Cross reference quotes and ask your rep what the accuracy percentage is on their designs. If one company is offering you 103% offset with 8 panels, and another is offering you 98% with 12… the likely story is the 8-panel system is over-promising.  Do they offer a warranty? There is always a risk with any tech install that either the tech itself needs replacing, or the workmanship may need a re-do. Make sure both  your system and the work is under warranty. At the moment the best industry warranty that companies are offering is a 25 year workmanship warranty. –Written by Taylor Holbrook, Solar YYC