Solar Directory

Definitions

Building Types

Single-Family Residential: includes single-detached, semi-detached and row houses.

Multi-Unit Residential: includes low-rise and high-rise multi-unit residential buildings.

Commercial: includes big box stores, malls, retail stores, etc.

Industrial: includes warehouses, manufacturing facilities, etc.

Institutional: includes government, schools, etc.

Service Offering

Manufacturer: includes organizations that either manufacture a product from raw materials or assemble a final product from a variety of manufactured components or sub-components.

Professional Services: include services that require a professional designation or certification such as engineers, who work primarily in the sector and also includes consultants, financial services, research, marketing and communications.

Retail: includes organizations that sell solar equipment to the end user/building owner. The equipment can include individual components or complete systems (but does not include installation).

Installer: includes companies that provide specific services such as design, installation, repair and maintenance of solar equipment. This also includes retailers who install the equipment.

Wholesaler: includes companies that buy equipment in bulk directly from manufacturers and are either distributors or resellers. A distributor usually sells equipment to installers. A reseller may also sell to installers but in addition, may sell equipment directly to consumers looking to go solar.

Product Offering

Solar PV (Grid Connected): Solar panels tied to the local utility’s electricity grid.

Solar PV (Off Grid): Solar panels not connected to the local utility’s grid.

Solar Canopies: Elevated structures that host solar panels and provide shade, such as solar panel awnings and patio covers.

Solar Carports: A solar canopy that covers parking areas.

BIPV Systems: Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar power generating systems integrated into the building envelope, such as façades and roofs.

Energy Storage: Batteries that store energy, including solar energy, for later use.

Solar Air Heating: Active solar heating systems use solar collectors to heat air and then transfer the solar heat to an interior space or a storage system for later use.

Solar Water Heating: Active solar heating systems use solar collectors to heat a liquid and then transfer the solar heat to an interior space or a storage system for later use.

Solar Pool Heating: Pool water is pumped through a filter to remove debris, then passed through a solar collector, which heats the water before it is returned to the pool.

EV Chargers: EV chargers can be paired with solar systems to maximize efficiency and cost savings.

How to Choose an Installer

Getting quotes from solar installers

The installers should provide an assessment of the solar potential of your property based on your information (satellite photos of your property, your electricity bills, etc.). An in-person site visit is strongly recommended.

Important requests and questions to ask:

• How long has the installation company been in business?
• How many systems have they installed?
• What certification does the company have? The installer or their subcontractor should have an electrical license.
• What warranty does the company provide on their products and workmanship?
• Request two to three references from previous projects with similar scope; be sure to check references.
• Review independent online customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, HomeStars etc.
• Request proof of insurance for personal liability, Worker’s Compensation and property damage coverage.

Reviewing & comparing the quotes

Ask about system size (measured in kW), annual or monthly energy production (measured in kWh) and how these were determined:

• Aside from the physical characteristics of your roof, the solar installer should analyze your electricity bills to estimate your annual energy consumption in order to properly size the system and estimate your savings.
• Your contractor must ensure that your system does not produce more electricity than the property consumes.

Ask for the cost per watt ($/W) of the solar system:

• Cost per watt is calculated by dividing the total system cost by the number of watts in the system. The cost per watt is the most useful metric to compare quotes. It allows you to make an apples-to-apples comparison of quotes that may differ in solar panel brand, total wattage, etc.

Ask about their financial calculations:

• The project cost estimate should include a breakdown including:
  • Solar equipment: solar modules, racking, wiring, inverter, etc.
  • Installation (labour)
  • Permitting fees (building permit) and grid connection fee
  • Design engineering and other services
• What is the payback period and how did they calculate it?
• How did they calculate the energy bill savings from installing solar?
• In their calculations, what per cent increase in electricity rate did they assume over the life of the solar system?
• Do they provide any financing options?

Questions for your installer

• What is the ideal location & orientation for the solar panels on your property? The contractor should provide a diagram showing the layout of the solar installation that shows the location of the panels, the inverter and how the wiring will be connected to your electrical panel. The layout should also account for:
  • Obstructions on your roof such as vents, chimney, etc.
  • The angle and orientation of your roof
  • Potential shading from nearby trees and buildings
• Has the solar installer verified that Toronto Hydro has the grid capacity to connect the solar installation?
  • Net metered solar projects feed excess electricity into the grid, so if the grid infrastructure is constrained in your area, Toronto Hydro may not be able to connect your project to the grid. If there is no grid capacity, Toronto Hydro will either instruct you to install a smaller system or to check back at a later date.
  • If the installer requires an upfront deposit at contract signing, make sure it is refundable or payable only after Toronto Hydro confirms that there is capacity to connect your system.
• Does the roof require replacement or structural reinforcement to support the solar panels?
• Can your electrical service panel handle the added load of the solar system or does it require an upgrade?
• How can you monitor performance of the system and ensure it matches your expected energy generation and payback period? Inquire about the cost of monitoring equipment.
• Confirm that installer will file all required permit applications including the Building Permit, Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit and the utility interconnection permit for Net Metering as well as the timeline of these permits.
• If you are planning any changes that will affect your electricity use, such as buying an electric vehicle (EV), planning an addition to your home, or investing in energy efficiency upgrades, discuss it with your installer in advance so they can factor it in the design of the solar system.
• If interested, inquire about upgrades such as battery storage and an electric vehicle (EV) charger to accommodate for a future EV purchase. If you decide to postpone the purchase of battery storage, ask your installer to make your installation ‘battery ready’.

Reviewing your contract

When reviewing your contract, note the following:

• Project timeline.
• Which companies (including sub-contractors) will be doing the work?
• Specification sheets on the system components being installed.
• Amount of energy generation expected annually.
• Warranties for the system and installation.
• Contractor will file all required permit applications.
• Payment schedule.
• Process for amending the contract.
• Resolution process.

Disclaimer

​The City of Toronto (the “City”) assumes no liability on/with/of the firms included in the Solar Services Directory. This directory is not to be considered a complete listing of all companies and organizations operating in the solar sector in the vicinity of the city of Toronto. While every effort is made to maintain accuracy, the City does not guarantee that the information contained in the directory is always correct or accurate. The City does not warrant or make any representations as to the quality, content, accuracy or completeness of the information. The City makes no warranties, expressed or implied as to the fitness of the information for any purpose, or to results obtained by individuals using the information and is not responsible for any action taken in reliance on the information contained in the directory. The City does not guarantee the quality of work and/or services of the companies contained within the Solar Services Directory. The City is not responsible for or liable for any adverse impacts that may result from you relying on the directory.​ 

Additions or Revisions to the Directory

This Directory is dynamic and constantly developing. Please contact SolarTO@toronto.ca for any additions or edits to the Solar Directory.