Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, despite BC's varied climate, solar power can be a strong investment — especially in the Okanagan and Similkameen, which enjoy some of the most sunshine in Canada. BC's net metering program through BC Hydro and FortisBC allows you to earn credits for surplus energy, making solar worthwhile even in less sunny months.

Costs vary based on system size and your specific requirements. Residential systems generally range from $15,000 to $35,000 before any incentives or rebates. Farm systems can be larger and vary more significantly. We provide a detailed, no-obligation quote based on your actual energy profile.

BC farms may qualify for IAFBC (Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC) grant funding specifically for renewable energy adoption. Federal programs through Natural Resources Canada may also apply. We stay current on all available programs and assess your eligibility as part of our free farm assessment.

Net metering lets you send excess electricity from your solar panels back to the grid in exchange for credits on your utility bill. In the South Okanagan, both BC Hydro and FortisBC offer net metering programs. We handle your application and ensure your system is configured to take full advantage of it.

It's possible depending on your system size and energy usage, but more commonly customers see a significant reduction — often 40–80%. The exact amount depends on your system's capacity, your consumption, and the amount of sunlight your location receives through the year.

Most systems are installed in 2–5 days, depending on the size and complexity of the system. Farm installations with ground-mounted arrays or larger configurations may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your quote process.

Solar panels work best on surfaces in good condition with minimal shading, ideally facing south, east, or west. For barns and farm buildings, we evaluate roof pitch, condition, and load-bearing capacity. Ground-mounted arrays are an excellent alternative if the roof isn't ideal — and are often preferred for larger farm systems.

Panels are installed at an angle so snow typically slides off on its own. Sunlight can also penetrate up to 2 inches of snow, so panels continue generating even when lightly covered. The heat panels produce during generation also helps melt snow faster. In short, you don't need to clear your panels — the productivity gain isn't worth the effort or risk.

Solar panels increase property value and are typically transferred as part of the sale. The new owner benefits from reduced electricity costs, which is a meaningful selling point — especially for farm buyers who understand energy operating costs.