Need Help?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Our origin story traces back to our humble beginnings, where a group of individuals aspired to make a positive impact in the best way possible. During a time when rebates were absent, only a few companies engaged in solar initiatives in Nova Scotia. Since those early days, we have grown significantly, emerging as a prominent solar provider.

Yes, Stanton Solar provides installation services. As a fully integrated solar sales and installation company, we ensure that every installer is carefully selected and trained in the best practices that have generated our golden reputation.

Book a consultation with us to begin your solar power project, and we will be able to support you throughout the entire process from A to Z, ensuring your installation goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you are a residential or commercial customer, we also provide the guidance and resources you need to maximize your solar power investment.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

Stanton solar panels are versatile and can work in many locations. 

We recommend a site assessment by our experts to determine the feasibility of solar installation at your location.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

 

The cost of our solar panel installation depends on the size of the system,. For a personalized estimate, it’s recommended to consult with us, as we can assess your specific situation.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

Government incentives and rebates are often available to support solar installations. These can include federal programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant and the Investment Tax Credit for Renewable Energy. Additionally, provinces and territories often have various initiatives. These incentives can significantly offset the cost of installing solar panels. We recommend consulting with our team of experts to explore the specific programs available in your area and maximize your benefits.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

We are committed to excellent customer service. Our team is here to provide dedicated support and offer expert technical advice throughout your solar journey. Whether you have questions about the installation process, need assistance with system maintenance, or seek guidance on optimizing your solar setup, our professionals are just a call or email away. We value your experience with us and strive to ensure you have the support you need at every step.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

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.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

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.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

Determining the optimal location for mounting your Stanton solar panels is crucial for maximizing energy production. In general, panels should be installed on a south-facing roof with minimal shading to capture the maximum sunlight throughout the day. East and west-facing roofs can also be viable but may produce less energy. Our installation experts can also mount panels on the ground or structures like barns, using any open space with good sunlight visibility. The angle of the panels is set to match your location’s latitude for optimal efficiency. Our expert team conducts a thorough site assessment, considering roof orientation, shading, and local weather conditions, ensuring your solar panels are strategically placed for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

Grid-Tie, Off-Grid, and Hybrid solar systems differ in how they manage and utilize electricity. A grid tie system is connected to the local utility grid, allowing excess solar energy to be fed back into the grid, potentially earning credits or compensation. It provides energy independence while remaining connected to the grid for supplemental power when needed. On the other hand, an Off-Grid system operates independently of the grid, relying solely on stored solar energy in batteries.

This option suits remote locations where connecting to the grid is impractical. Hybrid solar systems combine elements of both, incorporating battery storage to store excess energy during periods of low sunlight while still attached to the grid. This versatility ensures a reliable power supply, reducing reliance on the grid while providing backup power when solar generation is insufficient. The choice among these systems depends on factors such as location, energy needs, and individual preferences, and our experts can guide you in selecting the most suitable option for your specific requirements.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

We use NREL SAM to model your solar system. It’s regarded as the best in the world. Initially created for the United States government to design power plants, it’s now publicly available for all solar projects.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

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. 

Get FREE Solar Assessment

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.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

A Carbon Tax is imposed on burning carbon-based fuels (coal, oil, gas). In Nova Scotia, we have a cap and trade system. More information can be found in our About Solar section.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

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.

Get FREE Solar Assessment

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.

Have a Question?

Didn't find what you're looking for?
Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you...