FAQs

General

1. What is Next Energy Solar's turnkey solution?
Our turnkey solution is providing our clients with the full package of necessary products and services to ensure a hassle-free experience when they are installing a solar panel system for their home.
2. What is microFIT program?
The microFIT program is a renewable energy initiative launched by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to increase the generation of renewable energy in Ontario. This program allows home owners to sell solar energy generated by their homes to the IESO.
3. Why sell electricity when you can use it?
Currently you are paying average $0.129/kWh to your electric company at peak. Under the microFIT program, the IESO will purchase your electricity at $0.384/kWh, which is more than 3 times of what you are paying during peak hours and this rate is guaranteed for 20 years by Ontario government.
4. What is Next Energy Solar's relation to the microFIT program?
We are an IESO compliant vendor, which means we know exactly what it takes to get you on board with the microFIT program.
5. What is the next step if I am interested?
If I am interested, what is the next step? Just provide us with your name and property address, or contact us via email: sales@nextenergysolar.ca or call us at: 1-800-958-9601 to get your FREE consultation.
6. How long will it take to have the system installed?
If you decide to participate in the micro-FIT program, simply provide us with all the information we need, and a small deposit. Then we’ll apply on your behalf to participate in the microFIT project. Once approved, we’ll schedule for measurements and installation. The whole process will take about 9-13 weeks.
7. How long will the solar panels last?
Our solar panels are guaranteed to last for the duration of the 20 year contract and will continue to run after the contracted deal at above 80% efficiency rate for extra 20 to 25 years.
8. What if the government cancels and/or lowers the tariff?
The 20 year contract you sign with the government is guaranteed to remain the same throughout the contract so even if there are changes, it does not affect your revenue.

Financial

1. What is the return on investment?
You are guaranteed a 10% ROI based on the cumulative average from the first 5 years cumulative average. But based on historical data, the ROI can be as high as 15%, which means up to $100,000 of return in 20 years.
2. How long will it take to break even?
It will typically take less than 7 years to break even. More importantly, you would have saved 185 tons of CO2 (carbon dioxide) or over 4,700 trees by the end of the program. Don’t forget, after the 20 years, the system is still at 80% full capacity, which means you’ll continue to help the environment for a long while!
3. Is the income taxable?
Yes, but the initial investment can be claimed as an expense, which means you will not need to pay tax on the income generated by your solar energy system for the first 6-7 years.
4. What if the house is sold?
The IESO contract is transferrable to the new owner. Also, according to National Renewable Energy Lab, homes with solar panels sold 20% faster at 3-4% higher than the asking price.
5. Is the solar energy system very expensive?
The price of the solar system varies, depending on the size of the system. Please contact us for a more accurate estimation!
6. How come Next Energy Solar offers a free system?
Purchasing a solar system may not fit every household’s financial budget, Next Energy Solar offers you the opportunity to enjoy the government’s incentive without paying a single dollar! You will have a solar system installed on your roof for free, receive a guaranteed upfront payment of up to $4,000 plus annual rebates through our FREE Solar Program!
7. Is using a line of credit a wise option?
If you are using a line of credit to purchase the system, you will enjoy an excellent return on investment! For example, it is possible to arrange for a 15 year mortgage on the solar system. Then you would only need to pay $2,000 up front, to enjoy more than $1,000 each year for 15 years and enjoy full income for the last 5 years to a total return of $40,000 (based on historical projection on 6.49% interest rate).
8. How do I earn money with my solar system?
The Government’s new microFIT program allows you to generate solar energy on your rooftop while then selling it to the government for profit.
9. What does the insurance cover?
You will get a 25-years manufactures warranty for your solar panel system. Besides, coverage during installation and post installation on equipment. We carry a minimum limit of liability of $2,000,000.

Terminology

1. What is solar PV?
Solar PV stands for Solar Photovoltaics, a technology that converts sunlight into electricity. A rooftop solar PV system is a system that consists of solar panels that are installed on the roof to convert sunlight into electricity.
2. What is IESO?
IESO stands for Independent Electricity System Operator which was established in 2004 by the Ontario government.
3. What is LDC?
LDC stands for Local Distribution Company. This is the company to which you pay your electricity bill.
3. What is ROI?
ROI stands for Return On Investment. For example, if you invest $100 and get interest of $3 every year, then the ROI is 3%.

Maintenance

1. Do we have to remove snow or leaves?
No, we do enough of that on the ground already. The system is built for all seasons. No day-to-day maintenance is required.
2. What is the cost of maintenance?
The system comes with a 3 year labour warranty. The solar panels come with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty and a 25 year performance warranty. Other major components of the solar panel system also have their own individual manufacturer’s warranty as well. These warranties are what make Next Energy Solar’s solar panel system a worry-free investment. If that is not enough, extended labour warranty is also available to cover the life of the contract. Please contact us for more information!
3. Can I replace the shingles after the system is installed?
Yes. But the panels need to be taken down first, and put back on after the shingles have been replaced. Since the solar panels are built on top of the shingles, they naturally form an extra protection for anything underneath. If your shingles are near the end of their lifespan, it is recommended to replace the shingles before installing the solar system. Installing a rooftop solar system will protect and increase the lifespan of the shingles underneath.
4. Will the solar system affect or harm my roof in any way?
No, in fact they do the opposite. Our solar panels offer an added layer of protection and increase the lifespan of your shingles.