Frenquently Asked Questions

  • Q. How can I use solar thermal energy?
  • A. Some of the many uses for solar thermal energy include heating domestic water and space heating. There are many applications for large scale heat production for multiunit residential, commercial, and industrial and pool heating.
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  • Q. How much money can I save using solar energy?
  • A. The return on investment on average is 10%, many factors influence the savings associated with solar energy. See LINKS for sources of information.
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  • Q. Are there incentives for commercial and industrial uses?
  • A. . Commercial and institutional solar projects are very cost effective; most have significant return on investment. Currently Efficiency Nova Scotia administers several incentives programs for commercial applications. Canada Revenue Agency currently offers a (CCA) Capitol Cost Allowance of 50%; see Schedule 2 Class 43.1 and 43.2 of the Income Tax Regulations.
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  • Q. How do I choose a quality product?
  • A. Third party testing of absorbers and or complete system is available from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC) and the National Research Council (NRC). The efficiency rating of an absorber or system does not necessarily mean it is the most effective for your project. System sizing, placement of equipment, usage patterns, local climate conditions and asthetic considerations should considered when planning a project.
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  • Q. How do I find a qualified installer?
  • A. The Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) provides a certification process for solar installers, a listing of certified installers can be found on their web site. Some installers have been in the business for many years and do not have a certification. Referrences and visiting there installation locations will answer many questions you may have.
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  • Q. What is the difference between flat plate collectors and evacuated tubes?
  • A. Flat plate collectors use metal absorbers painted with a proprietary coating, the absorbers capture and transfer the suns energy into a heat transfer fluid. The absorbers of a flat panel are contained in an aluminum housing which is well insualted and has a tempered glass surface. Evacuated tube collectors use a double layer of glass with a vacuum drawn between them which provide the insulating layer. Inside the inner most glass tube an evacuated metallic tube contains water and proprietary fluids which boil at a very low temperature. The heat from the boiling process is released to a heat transfer fluid through condensation.
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  • Q. What is the appropriate collector technology for my project?
  • A. It is best to talk with several qualified installers and do some in dependent research. Some factors to consider include a proven record of performance, warranty, replacing parts, durability and effectiveness of the system combined with effeciency. No matter what technology is chosen the most important consideration is the installation.
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  • Q. What installation factors influence the performance of a solar system?
  • A. The most important factor full sun between 9 AM and 4PM; some installer’s claim their systems work in the shade. In fact all systems will produce some energy in the shade. Placing a panel in the shade is inappropriate no matter what the installer guarantees. Line runs should be as short as practical and well insulated with a commercial quality high temperature material, usually an Armaflex or K-flex material is used. Some manufactures have differing materials but all should be protected from UV degredation and removal by animals because it makes great nesting material. Other not so obvious factors include the frost and snow load on the panels. Panels should not be placed where there is a heavy snow load unless there is room below the panel for the snow accumulation. See the study conducted by the University of Denmark comparing flat panel an evacuated tubes systems conducted by the University of Denmark regarding the effects of frost on performance.
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Solar Pannel Comparison (pdf)