Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Solar Installation | Electrical | Kingston
Imagine powering your Kingston home or business with clean sunshine while trimming your energy bills every month. HEP’s team of licensed electricians and NABCEP-certified designers handles everything—from the first roof inspection to the final panel connection—so you get a seamless solar installation experience without the paperwork headaches. We size each system for maximum efficiency, integrate battery storage when you want extra resilience, and back it all with transparent warranties and 24/7 monitoring support.
Choosing HEP means choosing local expertise rooted in energy-efficiency know-how. Our crews respect your property, finish on schedule, and leave you with a rooftop (or ground mount) that turns every ray into reliable kilowatts for decades. Whether you’re chasing net-zero goals, looking to boost property value, or simply craving freedom from rising utility rates, our Kingston solar installation solutions light the way to a brighter, cleaner future.
FAQs
Is Kingston sunny enough for a solar PV system to make sense?
Yes. Kingston receives roughly 1,900–2,000 kWh of solar irradiation per square metre each year—one of the highest totals in Ontario. A well-oriented 10 kW residential array will typically generate 11,000–12,000 kWh of electricity annually, covering 90-100 % of the average home’s consumption. Even with winter snow cover, systems here still achieve 92-95 % of their modeled yearly output.
What incentives or rebates are currently available for solar installations in Kingston?
Homeowners can apply for several programs: • Canada Greener Homes Grant – Up to $5,000 toward solar PV and $600 for a pre/post-audit. • Canada Greener Homes Loan – Interest-free loans of $5,000–40,000 for 10 years to finance the balance of the project. • IESO “Save on Energy” retrofit incentives for select commercial systems. • HST rebate – New residential builds may recover a portion of HST paid on the solar portion. • Net Metering – Ontario allows you to export excess energy to the grid and receive full kWh credits that roll forward for 12 months, effectively offsetting your hydro bill. Program rules change, so we confirm current eligibility and handle all paperwork as part of our service.
What is the step-by-step process to get solar panels installed on my property?
1. Free site assessment: We evaluate roof age, orientation, shading, and electrical service. 2. Detailed proposal: You receive a 3-D layout, production estimate, cost breakdown, and ROI calculation. 3. Contract & financing: Choose cash, loan, or Greener Homes financing; we lock in material pricing. 4. Permitting & utility approval: Our engineers prepare stamped drawings and submit ESA, building permit, and Hydro One net-metering applications. 5. Installation: A typical 10 kW system takes 1–2 days on-site; commercial arrays scale accordingly. 6. Inspection & commissioning: ESA inspector signs off, the utility swaps the meter, and we walk you through the monitoring app. From signed contract to energization normally takes 6–10 weeks, depending on utility timelines.
Will my solar array work during power outages and through Kingston winters?
Grid-tied systems must shut down during an outage for line-worker safety. If backup power is required, we can add a battery or hybrid inverter that automatically islands your home. In winter, panels produce less due to shorter days, but cold temperatures improve efficiency and reflection off snow adds a small output boost. Light, powdery snow usually slides off within a day or two; production losses from snow are already factored into our annual estimates.
How long does it take to break even on a solar investment in Kingston?
Payback depends on system size, roof tilt, and future hydro rate escalation. A typical 7–10 kW residential array installed at $2.50–$2.80 per watt (after the Greener Homes Grant) costs $17,500–$23,500 net. With yearly bill savings of $1,800–$2,200 and 2 % inflation, simple payback is 8–11 years. Because panels carry 25-year power warranties and inverters 10–12 years, the internal rate of return (IRR) is 6–9 %, outperforming a GIC while increasing home resale value.
What maintenance is required, and how long will the equipment last?
Solar PV has no moving parts, so maintenance is minimal: • Visual inspection and monitoring-app checks—monthly by the owner. • Inverter firmware updates—remotely performed by our team. • Optional spring rinse if heavy pollen or bird droppings accumulate (standard garden hose, no pressure washer). Modules are warrantied for 25 years to at least 84 % of original output; expected life is 30-plus years. String inverters usually last 12–15 years, while micro-inverters and optimizers carry 25-year warranties. We offer affordable extended service plans to cover inverter replacement down the road.