FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes! Solar panels are actually more efficient in cold temperatures. While shorter days mean less total production than summer, the "Albedo Effect" (sunlight reflecting off snow) significantly boosts generation. Alberta is one of the sunniest places in Canada year-round.

Our Tier 1 panels are rated for heavy snow loads and golf-ball sized hail. The dark glass surface also helps snow slide off faster than on regular shingles.

Most homeowners see a bill of $0 for their energy usage. However, you will still pay fixed transmission and administration fees to your utility provider (usually $20-$30/month) unless you go completely off-grid.

Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off for safety during an outage. To keep your lights on, you need a battery backup system, which we can install.

Our systems come with a 25-30 year performance warranty, but panels typically continue producing power at a high level for 30-40 years.

BC Hydro currently offers rebates up to $5,000 for solar panels and another $5,000 for battery storage systems. Plus, you save the 7% PST on all solar equipment.

In Alberta, you can switch energy retailers. The Solar Club offers a "High Export Rate" (e.g., 30 cents/kWh) in the summer when you produce excess power, and a low rate in the winter when you import. This maximizes your annual credits.

While the federal loan program has concluded, we work with various partners to offer financing solutions. In Alberta, the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) allows you to finance your system through your property taxes.

Absolutely. Studies show homes with solar panels sell 20% faster and for a 3-4% premium because buyers value the eliminated electricity liability.

With current incentives and energy rates, most residential systems pay for themselves in 6-9 years. After that, it's pure profit for the remaining 20+ years of the system's life.

We recommend your roof has at least 10-15 years of life left. If it needs replacing, it's best to do it before installing solar. We can coordinate with roofers to make this seamless.

The actual on-site installation typically takes 1-2 days. However, the permitting and approval process with the city and utility company can take 4-8 weeks prior to install.

Yes, E3 Solar handles 100% of the paperwork, including building permits, electrical permits, and the net metering application with your utility provider.

Yes, we use specialized ballasted racking systems for flat roofs that do not require penetrating the roof membrane, preserving your roof warranty.

Very little. Solar requires no moving parts or fuel. In our climate, rain and snow usually keep the panels clean enough. We recommend a visual inspection every few years.

We primarily use APsystems microinverters. Unlike old "string" inverters, microinverters optimize each panel individually, so shade on one panel doesn't drag down the whole system.

Yes! You get access to a smartphone app that shows real-time energy production, lifetime savings, and even per-panel performance data.

We offer a 25-year product warranty on panels, 25 years on inverters, and a comprehensive 2-year workmanship warranty on our installation labor.

Batteries are optional but becoming popular in BC due to the new rebate. We are certified installers for various leading storage solutions.

Yes. We specialize in "All-Black" tier 1 modules. This means black frames and black backsheets for a sleek, premium look that blends into your roof.