Getting free energy from the sun is great. Getting help covering the installation cost is even better.
The Greener Homes Grant program will do just that, giving homeowners up to $10,000 – half of which can be put toward the cost of installing a solar system on their principal residence, with or without a battery backup.
“It’s a great program, and that $5,000 grant makes solar power an even more sensible option,” says Francois Byrne, owner of Hybrid Power Solutions, which makes and installs solar power and battery backup systems.
There are a few hoops to jump through in order to get the funds, but the Hybrid Power team can help. “The process to apply for the grant is fairly lengthy, and you need to start it before any of the work is done, but we can help with that,” he says. “Our team will walk you through the process, and connect with a local home inspector, which is the first step to get the ball rolling.”
Even without the funding, a solar system makes financial sense. The typical payback time on a system is 8 to 10 years, Francois says, after which homeowners will essentially enjoy free electricity for years.
Storing the power
Many people choose to couple solar panels with a battery backup system. Others find that the battery backup makes sense even if they have no intention to install solar panels.
Hybrid Power Solutions makes systems that range from suitcase-sized portable units all the way up to wall-mounted batteries that can power an entire house.
“We have clients who are entirely off-grid – their solar panels charge the batteries during the day, and then they have power available at night,” says Francois.
An even more popular option, he adds, is to use batteries in place of a generator. “You don’t need to have solar panels – we can just install a battery backup so you have power whenever the hydro grid goes down.”
Silent energy
Unlike a generator, batteries are silent and require no maintenance. When the electricity goes off, the battery simply supplies whatever power the home needs.
The systems are modular, so they can be upgraded over time as well. “You may start out with a battery system that just runs essential items, and then upgrade to a full-home system at a later date,” says Francois. “You can also install solar panels now and then install a battery system down the road.”
“The system is completely flexible, and the solutions are customized for every home.”
TEXT A. WAGNER-CHAZALON | PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
