Solar Summit Installers Workshop Overview

Highlights from the Solar Summit’s morning session:

Workshop panel from L-R: Jennifer Stephenson (Jenergy Technologies), David Kelly (Sedmek), Scott Fleenor (Terratek Energy Systems)

The morning workshop at the BC Solar Summit was extremely well attended, according to workshop moderator and Project Manager of SolarBC, Liz Kelly. "Generally, it seemed to go very well," she said. "The audience was interested in hearing about the experience from existing contractors and many of them expressed a keen interest in getting involved with the program."

For those who didn’t have the chance to attend, you can view Liz's power point presentation here. As well, these are some of the questions that were asked:

Q) What’s the hardest part of an install?
A) The mounting work on the roof and setting the lines through the house, especially in a retrofit.

Q) Typical cost of a system?
A) $6,700.

Q) At what point is a plumber needed?
A) To tie into the potable water system.

Q) How is a system sized?
A) This is determined by the number of people in the home, 1 panel for every 2 people. The evacuated tube systems a different, they work out at about 10 tubes per person.

Q) What maintenance is required?
A) Glycol needs changing every 3 – 5 years, good to have a service plan with customers, half hour visit every 3 – 5 years.

Q) Do the collectors need cleaning from debris?
A) No.

Q) How long does an installation take?
A) 2 people, 2 – 3 days.

Q) What’s the difference between Retrofit vs. New construction?
A) The line set is easier in new construction because the walls are open.

Q) What are typical labour rates?
A) They vary dramatically from $45 - $90.

Q) What’s the most important part of the installation?
A) The placement of the solar collectors. Solar Path Finders are really useful tools.

Q) Are there any roof systems that don’t work?
A) No, collectors can be mounted on any type of roof – rubber, metal, shingle, tiled.