Still Skeptical About Solar?

Are you still skeptical about investing in solar energy? Craig O’Brien, Gordon Simmons and Mark Wolf from Certified Solar want to alleviate you concerns and help clear up any confusion you might have about solar energy projects.

Backed by the Ontario government’s Green Energy Act (2009) and the guaranteed Feed In Tariff (F.I.T) program, along with more than a half a century of weather data and equally time proven solar panel technology, Certified Solar can assure a profitable return on you solar energy investment, providing of course, the project meets all the requirements.

But what sets Certified Solar apart from the competition, making it not just the fastest growing solar business in Windsor/Essex but the leading solar company in all of Ontario is the management and efficiency of the business.

“What drives the solar business is software.” Says Craig. “Our own Pure Data Flow software enables us to organize and monitor the entire process from the customer’s initial telephone inquiry to the project’s completion, including bringing the new energy on line to the power grid.”

“This software allows us to do it all,” adds Gordon. “To control the entire process beginning with a full evaluation of the intended project to ensure the location is suitable for solar development. We can then use the data to determine both the potential and the profitability of any site. It is a very sophisticated program but it makes the process easier and more efficient. To use an automotive analogy, it is like an electronic assembly line where all the parts are put together in specific steps and stages. We can keep track and manage everything, automatically, with this technology.”

Of course such cutting edge technology is only as good as those who use it. While software drives the business, who “drives” the software?

At Certified Solar, the policy for hiring personnel is “the best of the best.” Sure a lot of companies make such claims when it comes to their people but here, it is no idle boast.

“We have a very stringent recruiting process.” Explains Gordon. “There is a test every applicant must take and most fail.”

“Almost everyone fails,” says Craig, “In fact 99% fail, leaving us with the top 1% and ensuring our operation is supported by the brightest minds in the business.”

Another key element that gives Certified Solar the edge over their competitors is their “custom design.”

Gordon explains, “To maximize the system’s efficiency and therefore generate the most electricity possible from a specific location, we custom design the system for that specific location and once again Pure Data Flow provides all the details, the variables, all the information our team requires to design each project, each solar configuration, on an individual basis. Our’s is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.”

Certified Solar will walk you through every step of the project. They will take care of all the applications, permits and registrations. They are solar specialists and their installation crews are fully certified.

As one of the first solar companies in Ontario and backed by sophisticated technology, brilliant employees and extensive product knowledge, Certified Solar provides a comprehensive service unequaled by their competition. But they are also passionate and dedicated people who view solar energy as much more than just a business.

“It is clean renewable energy and it benefits everyone.” Says Craig. ‘It’s a significant part in the overall plan set forth in Ontario’s Green Energy Act. In the near future, the government intends to shut down all coal fired generation and our existing electricity grid requires massive upgrades. The plan is to have alternative energy sources such as solar and wind designed into the upgrades and ultimately alternative energy will replace the energy that had been produced by coal, making a better environment for everyone.”

“And it is a benefit to us locally,” offered Gordon, “for our own community, for the people out in the county. It’s good for our local economy, it’s creating jobs (Certified Solar has created 150 new jobs); and solar energy is a very good investment.”

Ah, there it is. The part you have been waiting for, the investment part - the skeptical part!

“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” It is the most common lament from people speaking about the “guaranteed” return from an investment in solar energy,” says Gordon. “It’s difficult for people to believe that over 20 years they could receive almost $200,000 (or more) for a microFIT system guaranteed for essentially doing nothing. And with no out of pocket expenses!”

The guarantee is from the Ontario Power Authority. It is the Feed-In-Tariff program and simply put, it is a 20-year irrevocable contract with the province to produce solar (alternative) energy for the public grid. How it works and again simply put, you install a solar system on your property or roof, it produces electricity which is fed directly into the grid and then the government pays you a premium (currently much higher than market rates) and the Local Hydro Company (Enwin/Hydro-One/ELK etc) reads the meter and settles each month by depositing monthly directly into your account. Guaranteed!

Depending on location and size of a solar project the revenues generated will vary but Gordon says the expected annual rate of return is 10-14% however, he pointed out the Ontario government has completed its 2 year review and revised its pricing policies and rates have dropped slightly, however the manufacturing costs have also dropped. “People interested in investing in solar might want to move quickly to take advantage of the program while applications are being accepted.”

“What we need to stress,” offers Craig, “is that it is the Government of Ontario is guaranteeing the return on your investment. It is not a private company or corporation, it is the Province. The higher rates are paid to encourage more solar development by creating a positive cash flow to offset the costs. Again, this is all part of the Province’s overall energy strategies. Hopefully that should help alleviate some concerns.”

In regards to “no out of pocket expenses,” Gordon explains that Certified Solar works with major banks and there are a range of financing options available. “It is important to offer options, allowing people to choose the financial terms best suited for themselves. But even with no initial investment, people can still be entitled to a monthly revenue stream. There is no repayment until after the system is connected to the grid and at that point the revenues generated will exceed the debt service costs.”

But how can you guarantee the system will produce enough electricity to generate the projected revenue?

“We rely on 50 years of weather data,” Gordon says, “we use conservtive averages and make our calculations based on historical tendencies. We know, on average, how many sunny days there will be every year and can therefore predict how much energy can be produced during those conditions. It’s not guesswork, it’s science.” He said, adding, “and when it comes to the number of sunny days a year, Windsor/ Essex have the same as Miami Florida.”

Do solar system produce energy in overcast conditions?

“Yes,” Craig says. “Even on cloudy days UV rays can penetrate through the cover and the system can still generate up to 40 to 60 percent its capacity.”

Is a solar energy project suitable for everyone - anyone?

“The initial evaluation will answer that question,” says Gordon. “But there are obvious conditions that would not be suitable for development, like a heavily shaded property, or areas too small for even the micro-fit systems. There is a set criteria and all the requirements must be met to ensure the project’s viability. Once again our Pure Data Flow software speeds up this process and provides all the details for evaluation.”

Can I use the energy for personal use, for my own electricity needs?

“Yes, by why would you?” Gordon counters. “The Green Energy Act ensures a positive revenue flow with special considerations (for financing terms) for green energy projects. And why would you turn down an opportunity to earn a guaranteed 10-14% annual profit for 20 years? Besides in most cases an individual homeowner will produce far more energy than they need and still have to pay for the system without the monthly income.”

Can I cancel at any time?

“Again, the answer is yes,” Gordon says, “but again, you will be opting out of a guaranteed income producing program. It would not make sense.”

What happens in 20 years when the contract with the government expires?

“No one can say for certain, yet,” Gordon contends, “the existing contract could be renewed, or a new contract could be offered, or perhaps, the best option will be to just supply your own needs. The one thing that is certain though, 20 years from now, the need for electricity will be greater than ever!”

Will my insurance rates increase?

“Every customer receives a welcome package which includes a list of Solar friendly Ontario insurance companies. Certified Solar will provide all required information to your insurer. On average, customers who install a 10KW micro-FIT system will pay around $150 in annual insurance premiums.

If the system is damaged after installation, who covers the repair/replacement costs?

“The homeowners’ insurance will cover that,” says Gordon. “In most cases, it’s the homeowner’s property, like an automobile or camper policy.”

What if my roof leaks after installation?

“The Quick Mount system Certified Solar uses is the best in the industry,” Gordon promises, “and to date we have never had a leak or service call related to a leak.” He continues, “As part of the initial evaluation we do a very close roof inspection and will NOT install a system if the integrity of the roof is compromised. Certified Solar will however, offer to include any roof repair or replacement costs in the overall financing package. Certified Solar also guarantees against roof leaks relating to the Solar installation for 5 years after installation.”

Is the system connected to my home’s electrical service?

“No, it is a completely separate service,” says Gordon. “The solar system is wired directly into the public grid and has its own meter.”

How much money can I really make?

“Once the system is hooked up to the public grid, the program is designed to have a positive cash flow beginning the first month.” Gordon explains. “Financing terms and project size will vary the amount of revenue but on average, a 10KW micro-FIT system (which requires approximately 800 sq. feet of roof space) will generate $1000 a month ($400/month after debt service costs).”

What is the warranty?

“It is a 25 year Linear Performance Warrantee on the Solar Modules; 25 year warrantee on the Inverters; 10 years on Racking and the 5 year warrantee on installation.”

Another requirement of the Green Energy Act is the stipulation for solar manufacturers to adhere to Ontario content regulations. To ensure that the people of Ontario benefit in this long term energy metamorphosis. To this end Certified Solar complies with all the regulations which translates into new jobs for Ontarians.

How long does the process take?

“The FIT application process for projects larger than 10KW takes about 18 months from application to grid connection while the micro-FIT process takes about 6 months.”

What if I want to sell my house before the contact with the Province expires?

“There are different options,” begins Gordon. “ It can be part of the home’s selling price and the government contract assigned to the new property owner; it can be sold as a separate item; or you could negotiate to keep it where it is and keep the monthly revenues; it depends on what kind of deal you want to make with the new buyer. Certified can help with the transition with the Ontario Power Authority.”

What if, for any reason I wanted to get out of the program and say “get that damn thing off my roof!”

“A property owner who installs a Solar system is not contractually required to supply power to the Ontario grid. So a property owner could disconnect the system ‘for any reason’ without penalty. However removing the system entirely would be the owner’s responsibility and of course any financial obligations would remain.”

Gordon also points out that there are options available for different scenarios such as renting roof or ground space for development; working in partnership or retaining sole ownership. Overall, potential customers have a lot to consider but not much they have to actually do to go solar. Certified Solar will explain the entire process, all the options, all the benefits and costs and take care of all the details leaving the customer with nothing to do but cash the monthly revenue cheque.

So, are you still skeptical about solar? It might sound to good to be true but if you step back and view the big picture, you will see that alternative energy is not an overnight sensation or some fad that will soon fade. It is here to stay and the opportunity to profit from it is now!

For the sake of our future and future energy needs, we cannot rely on the ever diminishing supplies of fossil fuel - our only option is to continue to develop alternative energy. The Provincial government is trying to encourage this development by making it financially beneficial to those who participate in the program.

Many people lament missed opportunities and say they wish they had participated from the beginning. Well, knock, knock, knock. Your opportunity to invest in a green future is calling and Certified Solar can be a big part of that conversation.