FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A solar system is a significant investment, but there are several ways to make the transition more manageable.

Depending on your property and system, you may be eligible for rebates or other incentives that can help reduce the upfront cost. We can also help you understand the expected energy production, potential savings, and estimated payback period for your specific property.

The right solar system isn't simply the cheapest system—it’s one that is properly designed around your energy use, property, budget, and long-term goals.

We believe solar should complement your property, not detract from it.

Our systems are designed with the layout, rooflines, available space, and overall appearance of your home or building in mind. During the design process, we consider panel placement, orientation, equipment location, and how the finished installation will look.

The goal is a clean, professional installation that looks intentional and performs exceptionally well.

Yes.

Solar panels don't need direct sunshine to produce electricity. They continue generating power in cloudy and overcast conditions, although production will generally be lower than on a bright, sunny day.

Because solar system designs are based on expected production throughout the year—not just on the sunniest days—we account for seasonal changes, weather patterns, roof orientation, shading, and other site-specific factors when estimating your system's performance.

If your solar system is connected to the BC Hydro grid through the current self-generation program, electricity generated by your system is first used to meet your home's or business's electricity needs.

When your system produces more electricity than you are using, the excess can be sent to the BC Hydro grid. Under BC Hydro's current self-generation rate, eligible exported electricity is credited at $0.10 per kWh.

The rules changed on July 1, 2026, when BC Hydro closed its previous net-metering rate to new customers and introduced the new self-generation rate. Existing customers may have different arrangements depending on when they entered the program.

We’ll help you understand how the current program applies to your proposed system.

Solar is most valuable when your system is designed around your own energy consumption, rather than relying on exporting excess electricity to the grid.

BC Hydro's current self-generation program provides compensation for eligible electricity exported to the grid. However, program rules and rates can change over time.

That's why we design systems to prioritize the electricity you use at your property first. Battery storage can also help you use more of your own solar energy rather than sending excess production to the grid.

Our goal is to build a system that provides value for your property over the long term—not one that depends entirely on a single incentive or compensation program.

Not at all.

Solar panels have no moving parts and are designed to operate outdoors for decades. Routine maintenance is generally minimal.

Modern solar panels are built to withstand normal Canadian weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, and temperature changes.

Like any electrical equipment, however, a solar system should be professionally installed and periodically checked if an issue arises. Your system's monitoring platform can also help identify performance issues.

Solar technology continues to improve, but that doesn't mean today's systems suddenly become obsolete.

Quality solar panels and electrical equipment are designed for long-term operation, with manufacturers offering warranties that can extend for decades.

Technology will continue to evolve, just as it does with vehicles, appliances, and other equipment. The important thing is choosing reliable, proven equipment and having your system designed correctly from the beginning.

We focus on technology that offers a strong balance between performance, reliability, warranty support, and long-term value.

A properly designed and professionally installed solar system should not damage a sound roof.

Our installation process takes the existing roof condition, structure, mounting system, weatherproofing, and electrical requirements into consideration.

If your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, we may recommend addressing the roofing first rather than installing solar and then needing to remove the system later.

Solar should be installed as part of a long-term plan for your property.

The answer depends on your property, energy consumption, system size, electricity rates, available incentives, and how much electricity your system produces.

For some properties, solar can provide significant savings over time. For others, the financial return may be more gradual.

Rather than using a one-size-fits-all estimate, we evaluate your property's specific energy profile and system design to help you understand the expected investment, energy production, savings, and potential payback period.

Solar is also a long-term investment. A properly designed system can continue producing electricity for decades.

Solar panels do not produce electricity at night because there is no sunlight available.

Snow can also temporarily reduce or stop production if the panels are completely covered. However, panels are installed at an angle, and snow often slides or melts away naturally as conditions change.

Your system is designed using annual production estimates that account for seasonal changes, including shorter winter days and typical weather conditions.

If energy resilience is important to you, battery storage can provide another layer of flexibility by storing energy generated during the day for use when your solar system isn't producing.

Many different roof types can support a solar installation, but every property is different.

We assess factors such as:

• Roof orientation and pitch
• Available roof area
• Shading
• Roof condition
• Structural considerations
• Existing electrical infrastructure
• Panel placement
• Local requirements and permitting

If your roof isn't ideal for solar, we'll explain why and discuss whether another configuration or approach makes sense.

It depends.

Solar can add value by reducing ongoing electricity costs and improving a property's energy profile, but whether installation makes financial sense before a move depends on how long you expect to remain in the property and the economics of the project.

If you're considering selling in the near future, we can help you evaluate the numbers rather than simply assuming solar is or isn't worthwhile.

If you're planning to move but expect to stay for several years, solar may still provide meaningful savings during that time.

Solar panels are relatively lightweight, but the suitability of a roof depends on the complete installation—not simply the weight of the panels.

We consider the roof structure, mounting system, panel layout, local conditions, and applicable building and electrical requirements when designing an installation.

If structural concerns are identified during the design or installation process, they will need to be addressed before the system can safely proceed.

You don't need to be an electrician or engineer to understand solar.

At NetZero Solar, we believe our job is to make the process easy to understand. We'll explain how the system works, how much energy it is expected to produce, what equipment is being installed, how the system connects to the grid, and what you can expect from your investment.

Our goal isn't simply to sell you equipment. It's to help you make an informed decision about your energy future.

Solar panels are designed for long-term use and can continue producing electricity for decades.

At the end of their useful life, many of the materials used in solar panels—including glass, aluminium, and certain metals—can be recovered and recycled.

As the solar industry continues to grow, recycling and end-of-life management programs are also evolving.

Choosing quality equipment and maintaining your system properly can help maximize its useful life before replacement is necessary.

If your roof is approaching the end of its useful life, it's generally worth addressing the roof before installing solar.

Removing and reinstalling a solar system later can add unnecessary cost and disruption.

During the assessment process, we'll look at the condition of your roof and help you determine whether it makes sense to proceed with solar now or coordinate the project with upcoming roofing work.

A little planning upfront can save you significant expense later.

It doesn't have to be.

There are permits, utility applications, inspections, equipment requirements, and other steps involved in connecting a solar system to the grid.

That's why we manage the technical and administrative side of the installation process for you.

We'll coordinate the applicable permitting, utility requirements, inspections, and commissioning steps so you don't have to navigate the process on your own.

Our job is to make going solar as straightforward as possible.

Solar panels are designed to withstand normal outdoor conditions, but birds and other wildlife can occasionally create problems.

Birds may nest underneath panels, and animals can potentially damage wiring or other components.

Depending on the property and installation, preventative measures may be recommended to reduce the risk of wildlife-related damage.

If you experience an issue with your system, our team can help determine the cause and recommend an appropriate solution.

Solar panels naturally experience a gradual reduction in output over their lifetime, known as degradation.

Quality panels are designed to maintain a high percentage of their original performance for decades, and manufacturers typically provide long-term performance warranties.

The important distinction is that degradation is gradual—it doesn't mean your panels suddenly stop working after a certain number of years.

With proper equipment and installation, your system can continue generating meaningful amounts of clean electricity long into the future.

This is one of the most important questions you can ask.

Solar is an electrical system that needs to be designed, installed, inspected, and commissioned correctly.

Your installation should be completed by qualified professionals and in accordance with applicable British Columbia electrical, building, safety, utility, and permitting requirements.

At NetZero Solar, we take the technical side of your installation seriously. From system design through installation, inspection, and commissioning, our goal is to deliver a safe, reliable system that performs as intended.