Best time to install solar panels
While summer is commonly perceived as the peak season for solar adoption and assumed as the best time to install solar panels, it might not actually be the best time to initiate your solar journey. While summer is certainly an ideal period to reap the benefits of solar power, the process of designing, obtaining permits, and installing solar systems takes time. Curiously, the best times to purchase and install solar systems are during the late winter or early spring months.
Understanding Two Key Factors:
To make an informed decision about when to go solar, it’s essential to consider three crucial factors that influence the effectiveness of your solar energy system: Installation timelines, and Net Metering.
When aiming to maximize your solar investment, timing plays a pivotal role. Observe this solar production graph in relation to your energy consumption. Note the summer overproduction and the winter shortfall:
Net metering
Net metering is a system that enables excess solar power to be fed back into the grid and credited to your account, thereby offsetting electricity consumption during times of low solar production. This surplus energy not only enhances the return on investment for solar panels and reduces electricity bills, but it also allows you to accumulate production credits during the summer to offset winter deficits. As a result, your summer bills could reach $0, with accumulated credits covering winter expenses.
Installation Timelines:
But what if you opt for a winter installation? Despite potential slowdowns in permitting, initiating the installation process (keep in mind this process can take 3 months from proposal to installation) in winter allows for timely operation by summer.
Looking at Ontario’s sunlight hours graph below, you can see that a spring installation, let’s say April, could lead to $0 electric bills from April to November, accumulating credits for winter. Thus, next December, the client could expect $0 bills, only paying the $169 loan. Imagine the relief of an extra $142/month post-holiday season! This makes the optimal time to get a proposal in the Fall and the Installation in the Spring to maximize use and gain credits to carry you through the winter months.
While summer is ideal for enjoying the fruits of solar energy, the winter and early spring months are optimal for initiating the solar process. By understanding Peak Sun Hours, Installation timelines, and Net Metering, you can strategically plan your solar journey to ensure efficient energy production and long-term benefits. Regardless of the season you begin, the credit system will eventually balance out, making the decision to go solar a smart one. If you’re curious about the solar process, refer to our detailed 7 Steps of Solar article for more information.
To discover your homes potential, speak with one of our solar advisors today. It takes 10-15 minutes and a recent energy bill to understand your recent usage. Curious about the cost? Read this blog on the Cost of Going Solar and Understanding Solar Incentives and Rebates in Ontario.
We handle the warranty, permits, inspection, grid connection and installation. We only provide the best in equipment ensuring you a better long-term performing system.
Learn more on the investment of going solar here.
“Significantly reduce your reliance on the grid, and keep your money where it belongs, in your pocket.”
– CMI Solar
