Residential Solar PV Installation: A Step-by-step Guide For Ontario Homeowners

Solar PV installation under the Ontario Feed In Tariff program is actually a pretty big venture. It may take well over 3 months and involve coordination between numerous parties. Here is your step-by-step tutorial for how to get this done smoothly:

Request approval for you project from OPA. According to program procedures, you have to submit an application to the Ontario Power Authority for approval. You can send this application yourself or your PV installer can help with this. While you await the approval of your submission (in autumn 2009, the processing time for applications was more than 2 months, but this period has now been reduced) you or your PV contractor can contact your local utility to understand how you will be connected and understand costs associated with this connection.

Find a photovoltaic installer. Do your groundwork. Research installers websites. Narrow down your list (hints for how to find an appropriate installer have been outlined in the previous article). Request quotes from 3-4 installers from your shortlist. Weigh all factors again (including price) and make an informed decision.

Receive approval from OPA. Now, you and your installer are prepared for the active phase of the project.

Put together and submit an application for a municipal building permit. In Ontario, PV panels measuring 5 sq. meters and more are considered "designated structures" and require a building permit. There are 3 alternatives: you can prepare the application yourself, your PV contractor can do this, or your PV installer can put together the application and you submit it. The third alternative is the most cost effective if you are not ready to dive deeply into drawing and building codes. Municipalities typically process applications within 2-3 weeks.

Receive a building permit. Now you can plan all final steps of the project: installation, ESA inspection, connection to utility.

Install PV system. For a 3-5kW residential rooftop system it will typically take 2 days.

ESA inspection. Your PV installer should schedule and pass an Electrical Safety Authority inspection.

Connect to Utility. Utility's technician will come to install a designated meter and connect your system to the grid.

Sign contract with utility. This is actually the final step; after this, you are in production and produce energy for North-Eastern America.

It may have taken you more than 3 months but you have finished this big undertaking. Congratulations! Now you not only help the environment, but collect hefty cheques for doing so.