FAQs

If my home is suitable, how long will it take to get solar power?

Once you have had your free home evaluation and signed the GENERATE CHOICE® Home Solar Lease Agreement, we will schedule your installation within two to four weeks. The installation process takes approximately one day.

How do I book a free home evaluation?

Click here or call 1-855-514-EASY (3279).

Is there a term to the lease?

Yes, the lease has a term of 15 years. Presently, ENMAX Energy is not selling solar photovoltaic systems outright. However, at the end of the 15 year lease term, you will have the option to purchase the equipment for $350 (plus applicable taxes), or to have the equipment removed for $950 (plus applicable taxes).

Who will install the solar photovoltaic system?

ENMAX Energy or its authorized representative will install your solar photovoltaic system.

How long will the install take?

Once the permitting is in place, the installation is typically done in a day.

Do I need to be home for the free home evaluation or installation?

Yes, you will need to be home for the free home evaluation, installation, meter replacement and electrical inspection.

Does your price include all the installation hardware?

Yes. However, there may be Other Charges that you have to pay for such items as materials or services related to development and building permits, additional wiring, conduits, addition of an electrical sub-panel, installation on roofs with clay tiles or wooden shingles, or any customer-requested materials or services.

An ENMAX Energy representative will give you a better idea of what other charges may apply to your installation at the time of our free home evaluation.

What kind of modifications will be made to my home for installing solar panels?

An ENMAX Energy representative will give you a better idea at the time of the free home evaluation. However, with that in mind, typically you can expect: holes drilled into your rooftop to mount the technology which will be sealed weather tight, hidden wires or pipes routed to your utility room or electrical panel (for example, through your attic or chimney chase) and an inverter or controller system.

How does my roof, such as roof type and age, impact my installation? What if I have a cedar shake roof?

Our stated prices are based on an installation on asphalt shingle roofs. Other roof types may have an extra cost associated with an installation depending on the roof type. We will be able to advise you of the costs once we have attended your home and examined your specific roofing conditions during the free home evaluation. As for the age of a roof, a relatively new roof is better suited for an installation. If you install our system and have to re-roof your house, ENMAX Energy will remove and reinstall the solar panels and reserves the right to charge you for all costs associated with the removal and reinstallation of the panels. You must provide us with written notice at least 30 days in advance of such renovations.

Do I require a different meter?

A bi-directional meter will be installed by your wires company at no cost to you. ENMAX Energy will handle the micro-generation application that notifies your wires company on your behalf. The application will be made following a successful solar installation. The wires company will automatically replace the meter with a bi-directional meter when they receive notification of the micro generation system on your property. They may contact you to arrange an appointment and advise you of the brief outage that is required to replace the meter.

Can you install the solar panels on the ground?

At this time, we are only doing rooftop installations. However, ground mounting our solar panels is an option we may explore in the future.

Who handles the maintenance and repair required?

Home solar photovoltaic systems generally require very little maintenance. ENMAX Energy offers maintenance, repair and replacement of your solar photovoltaic system for normal wear and tear deemed appropriate by us for 15 years. Additionally, we suggest that you keep an eye on trees that may shade your system and trimming them as required.

How does the weather affect my panels?

Solar panels help generate electricity when the sun is shining and, when it’s not, your energy provider will continue to supply the balance of your energy needs. Since the amount of power your solar photovoltaic system generates is a direct result of sunlight, it will produce less energy when the weather is cloudy. Your system will not produce any energy at night. Your ENMAX Energy solar photovoltaic system will be interconnected to your local utility grid – your solar power and utility power work together seamlessly, with no effort on your part.

Will snow have any impact on the production of a solar photovoltaic system?

The estimated output for solar photovoltaic systems includes an allowance for seasonal factors (i.e., snow). You should not attempt to remove snow yourself. The slight pitch also helps to keep snow from accumulating on the panels.

What if a hailstorm damages the system? Who is responsible for other damage to the solar photovoltaic system? Do I have to have to notify my insurance company about the system?

ENMAX Energy will repair or replace equipment damaged by hail.

Provided that you use the Equipment only as permitted in this Agreement, we will, at our sole discretion and expense, maintain, repair, or replace the Equipment during the Term to address inherent Equipment malfunction, normal wear and tear, and damage to the Equipment from hail, lightning, or other weather-related events beyond your control. Our maintenance and repair obligations do not extend to damage to the Equipment from vandalism, negligence, non weather-related accidents, or any other cause whatsoever. Also, our maintenance and repair obligations do not include shade prevention, trimming or pruning trees, snow removal, ice removal, or any other efforts or work associated with addressing the impacts or consequences of natural elements.

The GENERATE CHOICE Home Solar Lease Agreement requires you to notify your insurance company of the installation of your solar panels before the panels are installed.

Will I have power during a blackout?

No. For safety reasons, you will not have electricity from your panels during a blackout. The inverter used in our application has anti-islanding protection certified by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), so in the event of a blackout, the inverter will automatically shut down until power is restored to the grid.