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System size, installation and maintenance

Energy use differs from one home to the next. Home solar power systems are designed to meet these unique energy needs.​​​​​​​

 

Installation

It typically takes 6 to 12 weeks from customer approval to final energization of the system.

Solar power system installation includes:

  • Preliminary assessment
  • Detailed design and quotation
  • Customer approval
  • Permitting and procurement (2 to 6 weeks)
  • Installation (typically 1 to 2 days)
  • Inspections
  • Bi-directional meter replacement (typically 1 to 4 weeks post inspections)
  • System walkthrough and energization

Different communities may have guidelines or specific permits related to solar installations.
Qualified solar installers will typically manage the permitting process.

 

Care and maintenance

A roof should be in good condition prior to a solar power system installation. Properly installed, solar modules typically last 30 to 40 years when checked periodically. All installations come with a digital monitoring application to watch for system status and energy production levels over time. 

Qualified solar installers will typically offer a warranty on labour and installation for new equipment. Manufacturer warranties are included with the modules and other equipment.

 

Hail and snow

Solar modules are extremely durable and hail damage is uncommon. Most modules are installed in a way that reduces the likelihood of a direct perpendicular hit from hail.

A light snow will quickly melt off the modules as they generate a small amount of heat. The angle of the modules also helps to clear snow due to gravity. In case of a large snowfall, modules may be obstructed for a period, but this usually occurs during the months with the least direct sunlight, so impact to the overall power generation of the modules is generally low.

 

Measuring solar power and system sizes

Annual energy consumption, available roof space and the amount of direct sunlight a home receives, are all factors in determining the size and capacity of a home solar power system.

Learn about solar system size

System size, installation an​d maintenance Q&A​

  • Are special permits required to install a solar power system?

    ​Different communities may have guidelines or specific permits related to solar installations.

    Qualified solar installers will typically manage the permitting process for solar installation in your area. ​

  • How long do solar modules (panels) last?

    Properly installed, solar modules typically last 30 to 40 years when checked periodically.

    ​​
  • What are my solar options for a new-build home?

    ​Solar modules can be installed on new-build homes. Among other considerations, sizing of a solar array is typically estimated based on the size of the home, number of residents, the need for electrical vehicle charging and the projected electrical consumption of larger appliances such as air conditioning, hot tub, etc. Discussions with a developer/builder about modifying construction schedules to add solar modules to a new-build home are the responsibility of the homeowner.

    ​​ ​

Ready to add solar to your home?

The below resources can help if you’re ready to take the next step.

Am I a candidate
for solar?

Review our FAQs

Check available solar grants and
​ inc​​entives

Looking for ways to help offset the cost of adding solar to your home?​


See available solar grants

Connect with a verified solar provider

Check the Alberta solar directory for a solar provider in your area that meets your needs.​​

Visit SolarAlberta.ca​​​​​​​​

Solar contacts

General solar system, micro-generation credit and billing questions:

Phone: 310-2010 or 1-877-571-7111 (Outside Alberta)

Current ENMAX solar lease customers:

solarsupport@enmax.com

ENMAX Power micro-​generation applications:

DERConnect@enmax.com

ENMAX Power meter exchanges or general metering inquiries:

TRAC@enmax.com


For solar installers looking to work with ENMAX Power, visit our Distributed Generation page​​​​

Customers are free to purchase natural gas services or electricity services from a retailer of their choice. For a list of retailers, visit ucahelps.alberta.ca or call 310-4822 (toll free in Alberta).

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