Legend
- 1. Utility Grid
- 2. Transformer
- 3. Electricity Meter
- 4. Inverter
- 5. Disconnect Switch
- 6. Electrical Panel
- 7. Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
- 8. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
- 9. Plug-in Solar
- 10. Solar Panels
- 11. EV Charging
- 12. Heat Pumps
Solar PV Systems
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems use the sun’s energy to generate electricity. Flat PV panels, which can be attached to rooftops or mounted on ground-mounted structures, absorb sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC) power. This DC power is then fed into an inverter to produce alternating current (AC), the type of current used in our buildings.
BIPV Systems
Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are also increasingly popular. This is where the roofing shingles, building cladding, balcony guardrails, etc., have integrated solar PV technology. Balcony or plug-in solar panels are not yet permitted in Canada, but they offer an exciting future opportunity for small-scale power production on apartment balconies and in many other applications without the need for new wiring or permits.
Grid-Tied Systems
Today, the majority of solar PV and battery energy storage systems installed across Canada are grid-tied, meaning electricity flows to the building’s electrical panel, where it powers the home or business. In most applications, surplus electricity is exported back to the electrical grid.
A typical grid-tied solar PV system is made up of the solar panels themselves, racking equipment to affix them to a roof or a ground mount, one or more inverters to convert the electricity into its more usable AC form, and any other piece of electrical equipment necessary to connect an approved system to the home and/or the grid.
Solar Plus Storage Systems
For those aiming to go off-grid, or home and business owners wanting to ensure they will still have some power during a power outage, incorporating battery storage alongside a solar PV system is becoming an increasingly popular option.
Some jurisdictions are also moving forward with changes to Time of Use electricity billing and more advanced virtual power plant opportunities that could make battery storage more financially attractive.
While battery storage is by no means a necessary component of a home solar PV system, solar panels themselves will not power the building during a power outage unless there is energy storage attached.
Residential Net Metering
Net metering allows you to sell excess power generation beyond your consumption back to the utility company at the same rate per kWh that you buy from them, on a 1:1 basis.
Under a “net billing” system, you are compensated for surplus generation at a different per-kWh rate than what you pay for electricity you consume from the grid.
Program rules vary across jurisdictions. A qualified installer will be able to explain the options in your region.
Commercial and Industrial Building Connections
Businesses may be eligible for net metering. Often, larger facilities have additional options for connecting to the grid. An electricity utility may require additional investments to evaluate and connect large, behind-the-meter solar and energy storage systems. Finding the right partner who understands local requirements is important for any business looking to go solar and connect to storage.