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The Process

How Does Solar Work for Home Owners?

Switching to solar shouldn’t be complicated — and with HFX Solar, it isn’t. From your first quote to your first day of clean energy, our team handles everything with clarity, care, and local expertise. We take the time to understand your home, your goals, and your budget, then design a solar solution that fits perfectly. From paperwork and permits to installation and final inspection, we make the process simple, seamless, and stress-free — so you can start saving sooner and enjoy the power of Nova Scotia sunshine for decades to come.

Initial Assessment and Consultation

Energy Audit:

 

We recommend that you arrange for an energy audit of your home by a registered energy advisor. This helps determine your current energy consumption and identify areas where energy efficiency improvements could be made. There are several energy advisory companies that conduct EnerGuide Assessments.  These are also called Home Energy Assessments.  Once you have the Home Energy Assessment you can apply for government loans and rebates. We can suggest reputable Energy Audit Companies.  If you choose not to take advantage of government loans or rebates you do not require a Home Energy Assessment.

Site Assessment:

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We require a recent power bill so we can see what your electrical usage has been for the last 12 months. Once we know your electrical consumption, an HFX Solar professional will visit your home to assess your home's suitability for solar panels.

 

We consider factors like:

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  • Sun Exposure: Shading from trees, other buildings, or roof obstructions.

  • Roof Orientation and Pitch: South-facing roofs are generally ideal for maximizing sunlight.

  • Roof Condition and Size: Ensuring the roof can support the weight of the panels and has enough space.

  • Suitability for a ground array.

Energy Needs & System Sizing:

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Based on your energy consumption and the site assessment, we will recommend a solar system size (measured in kilowatts, kW DC) that can meet your electricity needs.

Financial Feasibility & Incentives:​

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Our proposal (quote) will detail the costs involved, potential savings, and any available provincial or federal incentives and rebates that can help offset the upfront cost (e.g., Canada Greener Homes Grant, provincial programs if available).

Design & Permitting

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  • We always conduct a pre-installation site visit to ensure that our design is perfect for your home.

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  • System Design: Once you agree to proceed, HFX Solar will finalize the design of the solar system.

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  • Permitting: HFX Solar will handle the necessary permits from your local municipality and Nova Scotia Power (NS Power), the provincial utility. This process ensures the installation meets local building codes and utility requirements.

Installation

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  • Rough-in, Mounting System: Racks are installed on your roof (or ground) to secure the solar panels and inverters are installed. Panel wiring and cabling will be installed.

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  • Panel Installation & wiring: The solar panels are mounted onto the racking system. The panels are wired together, and electrical connections are made to the inverter. The inverter converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what your home uses.

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  • Net Metering Connection: A new meter (if a smart meter isn't installed) will be installed by NS Power to enable net metering. This allows you to send excess electricity generated by your solar panels back to the grid and receive credits on your electricity bill.

Inspection & Activation

  • Electrical Inspection: A NSP electrical inspector will examine the system to ensure it meets all electrical codes and safety standards.

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  • Utility Interconnection: Once the electrical inspection passes, HFX Solar will perform their final interconnection work, connecting your solar system to the grid and activating the monitoring software.

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  • System Monitoring: Our solar systems come with monitoring capabilities, allowing you to track your energy production and consumption through an app or online portal.

Key Considerations in Nova Scotia

Net Metering: Nova Scotia has a net metering program, which is crucial for making solar economically viable. You earn credits for excess electricity sent to the grid, which can be used to offset your electricity consumption when your panels aren't producing enough (in the colder months).

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Weather: While Nova Scotia experiences varied weather, solar panels are designed to perform well even in colder temperatures. Snow can reduce production, but panels are typically installed at an angle that allows snow to slide off.

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Qualified Installers: It's essential to choose a reputable and experienced solar installer. Look for companies with certifications and good reviews. We are an approved Solar Homes installer for the province of Nova Scotia.

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Incentives: We always research the latest federal and provincial incentives available. These programs can significantly reduce the payback period for your solar investment.  We know how it all works in Nova Scotia.

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By following these steps, Nova Scotian homeowners can successfully transition to clean, renewable solar energy with HFX Solar.

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