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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we recieve about Nova Scotia Solar power.

Stanton Solar Power Inc. is the highest rated solar installer in Nova Scotia. We are an organization driven by our mission to deliver a 5 star experience and guided by the principle of “People First”. 

At Stanton Solar Power Inc., we bring years of industry experience and a team of certified professionals dedicated to delivering top-notch solar installations. We are leaders in providing individually customized solar solutions tailored to the unique needs/wants of our clients.

From the initial consultation to post-installation support, our team is committed to providing a seamless and transparent experience.  

With Stanton Solar, you’re not just investing in solar power—you’re partnering with a company that values your trust and works diligently to exceed your expectations.

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Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows you to receive credit for the excess electricity your solar panels generate and send back to the utility grid. Essentially, it enables your electric meter to run backward when you’re producing more power than you’re using, offsetting your electricity costs.


How Does Net Metering Work?

  • Solar Generation: During the day, your solar panels may produce more electricity than your home consumes.
  • Feeding the Grid: The surplus energy is sent back to the utility grid, and your meter records this excess production.
  • Earning Credits: Your utility company credits your account for the excess energy, often at the same rate you pay for electricity.
  • Drawing from the Grid: When your panels aren’t producing enough energy (like at night or on cloudy days), you draw electricity from the grid as usual.

Net Usage: Electricity is used in the home first. At the end of the billing cycle, your utility only meters the electricity that was sent onto the grid.

In Summary:
Net metering makes going solar even more advantageous by allowing you to earn credits for the extra energy you produce. It’s a win-win situation — you save money while contributing to a greener environment. If you’re interested in learning more about how net metering can work for you, feel free to reach out! With our no-pressure approach, we’re here to help you explore your options.

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Many folks who initially thought solar wouldn’t work for them are pleasantly surprised by the results. With our no-pressure approach, it never hurts to find out what’s possible. You’ll never have to deal with pushy salespeople. We listen to what you need and then show you what your options are. We’ll tell you how the entire process works and you let us when you’re ready to move forward.

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There are many factors that play into the cost of a solar system. Almost every system unique. The largest determining factor is the size of the system. The bigger the system, the bigger the cost. After that there are variables such as your current electrical service size, roof steepness, number of array needed or the profile of a metal roof.

Each system size is customizable and can be scaled up or down to fit within a budget.

For a personalized estimate, it’s recommended to consult with us, as we can assess your specific situation.

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Yes, there are! There are rebates and incentives available from both the federal and provincial governments. We do as much of the application process as we are allowed and we walk you through anything that you have to do. We make it all very easy.

In addition to various provincial programs, There are there is the “Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy,” a program available to businesses.

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Yes absolutely. We have an amazing reputation for taking care of people. We’re always a call or email away. We value your experience with us and strive to ensure you have the support you need at every step.

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Stanton solar panels harness energy from the sun through photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells, typically made of semiconductor materials, convert sunlight into electricity. When sunlight strikes the PV cells, it creates an electric field, allowing the movement of electrons and generating direct current (DC) electricity.

Our solar panels are designed to capture sunlight efficiently, even in low-light conditions. The generated DC electricity is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it compatible with your home’s electrical system. This clean and renewable energy can power your household or business, reduce reliance on the grid, and contribute to a more sustainable future. If you have more questions or need detailed information, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Our solar system comprises several essential components working together seamlessly to harness and convert solar energy.

The primary components include solar panels, which capture sunlight and convert it into electricity through photovoltaic cells. An inverter transforms the generated direct current (DC) into usable alternating current (AC) for your home. Racking and mounting structures ensure the secure installation of solar panels on your roof or property.

Additionally, monitoring systems allow you to track your energy production and efficiency. Our comprehensive solar systems are designed for reliability, efficiency, and long-term sustainability, providing a robust and environmentally friendly energy solution.

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Understanding the differences between Net Metering, grid-tie and hybrid solar systems can help you choose the best option for your needs

  • Credit Structure: With net metering, you receive credits on your electricity bill for the excess electricity your solar panels with the account reconciling once per year.
  • No Battery Storage Needed: They don’t require batteries because any excess energy is credited to your account, effectively storing it in the grid for later use.
  • Connected to the Utility Grid: Net metering systems are connected through your electrical panel to your local utility grid, allowing for seamless energy exchange.

Grid-Tie Solar Systems

  • Connected to the Utility Grid: Grid-tie systems are linked directly to your local utility grid.
  • No Battery Storage Needed: They don’t require batteries because any excess energy your panels produce is sent back to the grid.
  • Net Metering Benefits: You can receive credits on your electricity bill for the surplus energy you supply.
  • Lower Initial Cost: Without the need for batteries, these systems are generally less expensive to install.
  • Ideal For: Homes in areas with reliable grid electricity that want to reduce their energy bills.

Off-Grid Solar Systems

  • Completely Independent: Off-grid systems are not connected to the utility grid at all.
  • Requires Battery Storage: They rely on batteries to store energy for use when the sun isn’t shining.
  • Self-Sufficiency: You’ll generate and use your own power exclusively.
  • Higher Initial Cost: The addition of batteries and other equipment increases the upfront investment.
  • Ideal For: Remote locations without grid access or those seeking complete energy independence.

Hybrid Solar Systems

  • Combination of Both: Hybrid systems are connected to the grid and also have battery storage.
  • Flexible Energy Use: You can store excess energy for use during outages or peak demand times.
  • Energy Management: Allows for greater control over your energy consumption and costs.
  • Moderate Initial Cost: More expensive than grid-tie but can offer savings in the long run.
  • Ideal For: Homes wanting the reliability of the grid with the backup and savings benefits of battery storage.

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Estimating savings from a solar energy system is a complex process that involves detailed analysis and modeling. At Stanton Solar, we leverage advanced tools like Aurora Solar to create precise models of your potential solar installation. Here’s an in-depth look at how we estimate your savings:

 

  1. System Modeling with Aurora Solar

Aurora Solar is a cutting-edge software platform that allows us to design and simulate solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with high accuracy. Here’s how we use it:

  • Accurate Site Modeling: We input your property’s address into Aurora, which utilizes high-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR data to create a 3D model of your roof and surrounding environment. This helps us determine the optimal placement of solar panels by considering roof angles, azimuth, and potential shading obstacles.
  • Shading Analysis: Aurora performs detailed shading analyses by simulating the sun’s path throughout the year. It identifies any obstructions like trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings that might cast shadows on your panels, affecting their performance.
  • Performance Simulations: The software simulates how your solar system will perform over time, taking into account panel specifications, inverter efficiency, and degradation rates. It helps us predict the energy production on an hourly, daily, and annual basis.
  1. Utilization of Local and Historical Data
  • Meteorological Data: Aurora incorporates local weather data, including historical sunlight availability, temperature, and weather patterns. This information is crucial for accurate energy production estimates.
  • Electrical Consumption Patterns: We analyze your past electricity bills to understand your energy usage patterns. This helps us size the solar system appropriately to meet your specific needs.
  • Utility Rates and Policies: The software includes up-to-date information on local utility rates, time-of-use pricing, and net metering policies. This ensures that our financial models reflect your actual savings accurately.

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YES – even though Nova Scotia can sometimes be cloudy, solar power is still a great solution! Solar PV (PhotoVoltaics) will work all winter long. However, December, January, and February produce very little. March is the first month of sound energy output. On an annual basis, the energy you create and bank through March to November carries those winter months. 

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Savings from any solar system depends on many factors; each home is unique. Systems are limited by energy consumption, roof space, electrical service size, etc.

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The government sets a price per ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted. This price is added to the cost of fossil fuels based on their carbon content.
Implementation:

The tax can be applied at various points in the supply chain, such as production, distribution, or consumption. Companies burning fossil fuels pay the tax, which may be passed on to consumers through higher prices.

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Nothing.

Solar production from December through February is next to nothing. March through November are your production months. Winter production is a small fraction of your annual production, and the week or 2 of snow on the panels amounts to a tiny fraction of the already small fraction. It is not worth breaking your neck trying to clear it or spending money to try to remove it.

Just relax and wait for the spring.

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  • Week 1-2: Schedule and complete the Home Energy Audit and Enrollment Program.
  • Week 3-8: Submit GHL application and await approval while we obtain permits and approvals.
  • Week 9-10: Receive GHL approval and schedule installation dates.
  • Week 11-14: Complete installation phases and activate your solar system.
  • Week 15: Conduct out inspection with Sustainable Housing.
  • Week 16: Finalize loan details and make the final payment.

You get paid 1:1 whenever you are putting power onto the grid. So during the day when rates are high, you will receive credits at that rate. But on the weekends it’s off peak.

An important thing to note is that we are unable to predict individual consumption patterns for customers with TOU. Savings can vary to a degree depending on when power is consumed from the grid. TOU could work out advantageously or could be a disadvantage depending on the person. However we have always heard good reports back.

Stanton can only ensure that a solar system produces the yearly estimated production.

Imagine we’re using a 10kW inverter for this example.

If you have exactly 10kW worth of solar panels hooked up to that 10kW inverter, you might think, “Great! Perfect match, right?” Well, not quite, because your solar panels often don’t produce their full rated power. They’re tested under ideal lab conditions that don’t always match real life. Outside, real-world conditions like the angle of the sun, cloud cover, and temperature all affect the power output, meaning your panels might only hit 100% of their rated capacity for short periods, like on the sunniest, clearest days around noon.

Now, if we leave the system as-is, our 10kW inverter won’t be running at its full capacity most of the time, since the panels are often producing less than their maximum output. This is where the concept of “oversizing” comes in. By adding more than 10kW of panels—let’s say 12kW, for example—we give the system a better chance to keep the inverter working closer to its 100% capacity throughout the day. Even if the panels aren’t producing at full capacity, there’s enough total power coming in to keep the inverter closer to its max output more of the time. This setup allows you to get more energy out of the system over the course of the year.

Of course, on those rare days when the sun is perfect, and all the panels are hitting their full power, the inverter can’t handle more than 10kW, so it “clips” the extra power it can’t use. But this only happens occasionally and for short periods, and it’s a worthwhile trade-off for the boost in efficiency you get the rest of the time. Finally, there’s a science to oversizing—it depends on things like the tilt of your roof, the direction it faces, and the average weather. All of these factors help us figure out the ideal amount of oversizing to keep the inverter running efficiently and make the most of your solar power.

The short answer is No

Here’s a detailed explanation of monitoring:

Difference Between Tigo and Solis Cloud Apps:

The Tigo app monitors power output from the optimizers located under each solar panel. The Solis app, on the other hand, monitors power output from the inverter itself. While both apps provide valuable information, neither can show the energy consumption of your home or how much energy is sent to the grid. They only display the amount of electricity produced by your solar system.

Tracking Energy Sent to the Grid vs. Energy Consumed:

To monitor the balance between energy produced and energy consumed by your home, you would need an energy monitor installed at the electrical panel level. A device such as a Sense monitor would be required. These devices can give you real-time data on household energy usage and production, helping you see the exact amount of energy being sent to the grid.

For further details, you may refer to online resources. Here is a video that provides a brief overview of how these energy monitors work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ_j5b9_8pY.

That’s a great question, though the answer involves some variables.

The time it takes for your system to pay for itself depends on factors like inflation and the rate at which electricity prices increase. Between 2002 and 2024, electricity rates in Nova Scotia rose by an average of 4.07% per year, so our payback estimates are based on a 4% annual escalation rate. Given this rate, typical payback periods range between 9 to 12 years.

However, energy costs can vary significantly. For example, Nova Scotia Power almost implemented a 20% rate increase in 2025 (link to article: Federal Loan Shields NSP Customers from Rate Hike). If such a hike had occurred, the payback period for your system would likely be much shorter. It’s also important to consider carbon taxes, which were largely absent between 2002 and 2024. Going forward, these costs could increase and impact electricity rates, potentially accelerating the payback timeline.

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