Solar Basics.

You've probably heard a few of these terms about solar before, find out which one is best for you!

Grid-Connected

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 ​A grid-connected system is ideal for anyone living in rural or urban areas with a utility connection, as they are simple and fast to get up and running.  A grid-connected system is connected in parallel with the utility and is capable of supplying energy to the house loads and exporting excess energy to the utility.  There is no energy storage in this basic system so the energy produced needs to be used or exported immediately.
 
The main components are the solar panels, inverter(s), system monitoring, typically roof mounted racking and required cabling.  There is minimal maintenance on this system type.

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Off-Grid

An off-grid system is ideal for areas that would otherwise require bringing utility power to site, which can add up quickly in costs.  Not only will it be expensive to bring the power to site but you will need to continue paying distribution and transmission fees. Those costs could alternatively be allocated to invest into an off-grid system with battery storage.  In this system, energy produced by the solar panels will be stored in a battery bank, then used when there are any load demands from the house.
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The main components are the solar panels, charge controller(s), inverter/charger(s), battery bank, racking structure (ground mount or roof mounted) backup generator, system monitoring, battery monitoring system, relays and required cabling.  As you can see, there are quite a few more components to an off-grid system which does increase cost & the maintenance requirements.  More time in the design stage is also required to ensure there is adequate solar energy to keep the batteries fully charged, and adequate battery storage to supply the needs of the building including a few days with no sunshine.

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 Bi-Modal / Grid Hybrid

This is a combination of the previous two system types.  This system setup is for situations where an uninterrupted power supply is highly valued.  The system is grid-connected and has the ability to use and sell energy to the grid, but it has the added bonus of a battery backup for when the grid does go down.  The main difference in components from the off-grid system is that there is a main transfer switch, either automatic or manual, that will disconnect the loads from the utility and connect them to the backup battery bank.

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Solar Project Overview

Free Estimate / Multiple Design Options

Permitting, Micro-Generation and Rebate Submissions

Installation

Commissioning and System Turnover

We will provide a preliminary proposal remotely using satellite imagery, if photos are available. To accurately estimate the system size and economics, we will require a copy of a recent electricity bill. During this process we will present a few different system options specific to your needs, showing the physical layout on your roof and the financial analysis.
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Once the final design is selected a NuSolar representative will visit your property to take site specific measurements ensuring the system is a good fit and is right for you.

After the project has been approved NuSolar's engineering team will finalize your system design. 

NuSolar will handle all the applicable permitting (electrical, building / development) and microgeneration submissions. 

​Also, NuSolar stays up to date with current rebate and funding availability and will handle the submissions so you don't miss out. 

After all the paperwork has been completed your project manager will contact you to schedule the installation. Our qualified team of an enthusiastic Electricians and Alternative Energy Technologists will complete the solar installation punctually and passionately at the agreed upon date & time.  

After the installation, we will schedule the system inspection and bi-directional meter install (if applicable).

After the inspection the system is ready to be turned on!  NuSolar will provide you with access to lifetime free online monitoring for your system, give you a detailed walk through of the entire system, and provide you with an operation and maintenance manual answering any questions you have.