RESOURCES
Solar FAQs: Answers to Your Top Questions About Going Solar
Are you considering solar for your home but have questions about how it works, what it costs, or how to get started? You’re not alone!
At Collide Energy, we’ve helped countless homeowners install solar panels in Edmonton and beyond.
We know solar can feel like a big step, but we’re here to make the process simple, transparent, and tailored to your needs.
If there’s something we haven’t covered, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way!
Solar Energy Basics
Solar PV systems are built to last. At Collide Energy, our systems come with a 25-year comprehensive warranty, ensuring you receive long-term performance. While the panels themselves can last well beyond 25 years, inverters, which convert solar energy into usable electricity, typically require replacement after 20 years.
To provide an accurate and customized quote, we need the following information:
Your annual energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or monthly electricity bill.
The proposed installation location (roof or ground).
If roof-mounted, details about your roofing material, installation year, and pitch (e.g., 4/12).
Our team will guide you through the entire process, ensuring all your questions are answered. With a long-term ROI of 3–4 times your initial investment, solar is a sustainable choice that pays dividends.
Standard grid-tied solar systems don’t require batteries. Excess energy is sent to the grid via net metering, earning you credits for nighttime or winter electricity use.
However, batteries can be added to provide backup power during outages, but can make an installation significantly more expensive. Contact us for further information around solar battery installations.
We offer three layers of protection to guarantee your peace of mind:
Product Warranty: Covers manufacturing defects for a minimum of 10 years.
Performance Warranty: Ensures 90% of rated power after 10 years and 82% after 25 years.
Service Warranty: Covers any installation-related issues for three years.
Consider these questions:
Do I want to protect myself from rising electricity rates?
Would I prefer to pay for energy now rather than rent it for the next 30 years?
Do I want to invest in my property’s value?
Am I looking to reduce my carbon footprint?
If your answers are “yes,” solar might be the right solution for you.
Solar System Performance
Solar panels lose about 0.5% efficiency annually due to environmental factors. Even with this minimal loss, rising utility costs ensure growing savings over time. Our high-quality panels are guaranteed to produce at least 83% of their rated power after 25 years, safeguarding your investment.
Yes, shading can reduce production. During our design phase, we create a 3D model of your property to assess shading and recommend technologies like micro-inverters, which optimize energy production even in partially shaded areas.
Solar panels perform best when installed at a 25–45 degree angle facing south. However, solar is still viable for many orientations with proper system design and advanced technologies.
A bi-directional meter measures energy flowing to and from the grid. Any excess energy your system produces earns credits that appear on your electricity bill, offsetting future energy use.
Benefits of Going Solar
By generating your own electricity, you reduce dependence on grid power, lowering monthly bills. Over time, as electricity rates rise, your savings increase. Programs like net metering also allow you to earn credits for excess energy produced.
Switching to solar reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and helps combat climate change. By using a renewable energy source, you contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Homes with solar systems sell faster and for more money. On average, solar can increase property value by 4%, making it an attractive investment for environmentally conscious buyers.
Net metering enables you to earn credits for the surplus electricity your system produces. These credits reduce your electricity costs when your system isn’t generating power, such as during nighttime or winter.
Solar Panel Functionality
Grid-tied systems automatically shut off during blackouts to protect utility workers. However, with battery storage or an off-grid setup, your system can continue to power your home during outages.
Snow can filter sunlight, reducing production. However, sunlight is still able to penetrate snow. Also, solar panels are designed to shed snow as they absorb heat, allowing production to resume quickly.
Solar panels require minimal maintenance due to the lack of moving parts. Occasional cleaning and routine inspections ensure peak performance. Most warranties cover repairs for up to 25 years, keeping costs low.
Solar Financing and Incentives
The cost of residential solar systems ranges from $16,000 to $25,000, depending on system size and complexity. Federal tax credits, provincial rebates, and local incentives can significantly reduce these costs.
Collide Energy offers guidance on incentives, including:
0% financing options for qualifying customers
$40,000 Greener Homes Loan
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) for commercial installations
Local rebates and programs
Yes, we do. Through our trusted partner FinanceIt, we can offer you 0% down for your solar installation.
Preparing for Solar Install
Ideal roofs have good sun exposure, minimal shading, and sufficient structural integrity. South-facing roofs are preferred, but east- and west-facing roofs can also work.
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, we recommend replacing it first to avoid additional costs later. Contact us and we can give you a custom answer on this.
Homes with solar systems are more appealing to buyers, offering lower utility bills and increased energy efficiency. If you own the system outright, it’s a strong selling point.
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More Questions on Solar? Contact Collide Energy Today
Contact Collide Energy today for a free consultation and custom quote.
Ask about our 0% financing options to make solar more accessible than ever.