While south was historically considered the best direction for solar panels in the Northern Hemisphere due to maximizing overall sunlight collection, the optimal direction is now more nuanced and depends on several factors:

Home Orientation and Obstacles: Not all homes have a perfect south-facing roof. Obstacles like trees or other buildings can also block sunlight, making a different orientation more effective. Even a less-than-optimal direction can still produce significant solar power, though it might require more panels.

Net Metering and Reimbursement: South-facing panels still have an advantage for net metering, as they produce the most energy around midday when household consumption is often lowest (people are at work/school). This maximizes the amount of excess power sent back to the grid for reimbursement.

Utility Rate Plans: This is a crucial new factor. Previously, net-metered homeowners were automatically on a tiered rate plan, meaning they were reimbursed at a flat rate for all power sent back to the grid. However, homeowners now have choices in their utility rate plans. This means that:

Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates: If a homeowner chooses a TOU rate plan, the optimal panel direction might shift. TOU rates charge different prices for electricity at different times of the day (e.g., higher prices during peak evening hours). In this scenario, orienting panels to produce more power during these higher-priced peak times, even if it means slightly less overall daily production, could lead to greater savings.

Strategic Savings: The “trick” is no longer just about collecting the most sunlight, but collecting it in a way that strategically helps the homeowner save on their electricity bills. This implies a more complex calculation involving electricity consumption patterns and utility rate structures.

Local Utility Rules and Regulations: These can significantly impact the feasibility and financial benefits of solar, including net metering rules, which can influence the best panel orientation.

In conclusion, while south remains a strong contender for maximizing overall energy production, the “best” direction for solar panels is no longer a one-size-fits-all answer. Homeowners now need to consider their specific home’s orientation, potential obstacles, their chosen utility rate plan, and local regulations to determine the most financially beneficial direction for their solar installation.

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we help you navigate these changes and make smart choices for your home and future. Let us help you point your family in the right direction.

Many solar panels manufacturers promise different results from lower prices to better aesthetics. But when selecting solar panels, key factors to consider include the panel efficiency, durability and warranty.

• Panel efficiency:

Efficiency refers to how well a solar panel converts sunlight into electricity. Higher efficiency panels are more valuable in areas with limited space.

Monocrystalline: Monocrystalline panels are known for their high efficiency and are often the preferred choice for residential installations. They are made from a single crystal of silicon, resulting in higher efficiency and a more uniform appearance.

Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline panels are made from multiple silicon crystals, making them less expensive than monocrystalline panels but also slightly less efficient.

Thin-film: Thin-film panels are flexible and lighter, making them suitable for various installations, but their efficiency is typically lower than monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels.

Panels with efficiency ratings above 20% are considered very efficient, ensuring you get the most value for your investment.

• Durability

In addition to efficiency, solar panels need to be created with durability in mind. This is incredibly important because solar panels sit on rooftops and are subject to harsh temperature and weather changes. Exposure to the elements causes all solar panels to degrade over time. But the rate of degradation can vary heavily from one solar panel provider to another.

Certifications can be an indication of the quality and durability of a solar panel. Look for certifications from organizations like the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Standard Association (CSA) or oither reputable international certification agencies to ensure the panels meet safety and performance standards.

• Warranty:

Look for panels with a linear power warranty, which specifies the maximum degradation you can expect over the panel’s lifespan (typically 25 years).

A strong warranty is a key indicator of a solar panel’s quality and longevity.

Other Considerations:

Temperature Coefficient: This indicates how much the panel’s power output changes with temperature.

For reliable, high-efficiency, and durable solar panel solutions, trust New Dawn Energy Solution. Email us at info@nedawnenergy.com, visit www.newdawn-es.com, or call +1 (416) 855-9377. Let us help you power your future sustainably and confidently.

What is Solar Monitoring and What Are Its Benefits?

Simply put, solar monitoring is the process of tracking the energy generation and overall health of your home solar system. But a robust system goes beyond just basic production numbers. It provides a comprehensive view, bringing together data on your solar panel output, battery storage (if applicable), and even your electricity usage – all in one convenient place.

Imagine being able to glance at your phone or computer and instantly see:

• Is your home currently powered by the clean energy from your solar panels?
• Are you drawing power from the grid, or are you sending excess energy back to the utility for potential credits?
• If you have battery storage, what’s the current charge level? How is your stored energy being used?

This unified view empowers you to make informed decisions. Want to maximize your savings? You can adjust your energy usage habits based on real-time production. Preparing for a potential power outage? You can strategically manage your battery charge. With holistic monitoring, you’re in control.

What Can You Learn From Solar Monitoring?

Beyond the real-time snapshot, enhanced solar monitoring unlocks a wealth of historical data and reveals the fascinating interplay of factors influencing your energy.

You can delve into trends, observing how your solar, grid, and storage usage fluctuates by the day, month, year, and even across the entire lifespan of your system.

For systems equipped with optimizers or microinverters, the level of detail becomes even more granular. You can actually monitor the performance of each individual solar panel in your array. This accessible panel-level data provides a clear understanding of how factors like weather, shading, or panel angle are impacting your system’s output. Time-lapsed playback can even visually demonstrate which panels are performing optimally and which might be affected by obstructions like leaves or shadows.

Why is Solar Monitoring So Important?

Solar monitoring offers more than just interesting data – it provides invaluable peace of mind. Knowing that you can keep a close eye on your entire home energy system, from your solar storage down to each individual panel, ensures everything is functioning as it should.

If you ever suspect an issue, the transparency of the monitoring system allows you to investigate further, right down to the individual panel level. Status indicators for each panel can quickly highlight potential problems, such as a panel not communicating correctly. This level of detail makes it significantly easier to pinpoint the source of an issue and work towards a swift resolution, ultimately reducing potential maintenance costs.

Think of proactive solar monitoring as an early warning system. By identifying potential issues before they significantly impact your energy bill, you can address them promptly and ensure your New Dawn Energy Solutions system continues to deliver optimal performance and savings for years to come.

When homeowners think about installing a new solar power system, they often focus solely on the solar panels themselves. But there’s more to a successful solar installation than just the panels. Did you know there are additional product enhancements that can boost your investment even further? These upgrades can add significant value — or, in some cases, just cost. Let’s explore three of the most popular enhancements and see how they can help you maximize the full potential of your home solar system.

1. Critter Guards: Protect Your System

Solar panels are typically mounted on your roof, creating a small gap underneath each panel that allows debris, such as rain and snow, to slide off. However, this space can also attract unwanted guests, like rodents or birds, looking for shelter.

Critter guards are a simple yet effective solution. These metal mesh strips are installed around the edges of your solar panels to create a barrier, preventing rodents like squirrels or rats from chewing on wires or nesting under your panels. They can also keep birds from building nests in hard-to-reach areas.

In some areas, animal-related disruptions might not be a concern right away, but they can occur over time. That’s why at New Dawn Energy Solutions, we include critter guards with all of our sloped roof solar PV systems to ensure long-term protection.

 

2. EV Chargers: Charge Up with Solar Power

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), having a home EV charger is a game-changer. Not only does it eliminate the need to search for public charging stations, but it also allows you to charge your car conveniently at home, often overnight, when energy demands are lower.

What’s more, pairing your solar power system with an EV charger is a sustainable and cost-effective way to power your car. Since EVs require a substantial amount of energy to charge, solar energy can help reduce your utility bills by supplying clean, renewable power right to your vehicle.

Since 2020, New Dawn Energy Solutions has been offering EV chargers alongside solar power installations, making it easier than ever for homeowners to access eco-friendly energy and enjoy a seamless installation process.

3. Solar Batteries: Backup Power When You Need It Most

In today’s world, power outages are an unfortunate reality. That’s where solar batteries come in — providing homeowners with backup power during blackouts. At New Dawn Energy Solutions, our backup systems are designed to power essential appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, computers, heating systems and even the whole home, keeping your home comfortable and functional even during unexpected outages.

But solar batteries do more than just provide peace of mind. They can also help you save on your utility bills. Depending on your system design, your backup battery can be used during peak demand times, when utility rates are higher, reducing your overall electricity costs.

With our intelligent solar power storage systems, New Dawn Energy Solutions offers homeowners a smart and efficient way to manage energy consumption while protecting against power interruptions.

Why These Enhancements Matter

Adding enhancements like critter guards, EV chargers, and solar batteries can significantly increase the value and efficiency of your solar power system. Not only do they protect your investment, but they can also help you save money and reduce reliance on the grid. The best part? Many of these options are affordable and easy to integrate into your existing setup.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to a New Dawn Energy Solutions today to explore these upgrades and find the perfect solution for your home.

As energy demands rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, our traditional electrical grid is feeling the pressure. More than ever, homeowners are looking for reliable, resilient energy solutions that not only keep their homes powered—but also give them peace of mind.

The Heat Is On—and the Grid Is Struggling

Summers are getting hotter, and during high-demand periods, utilities often ask customers to reduce electricity usage to avoid blackouts. Losing power during these moments isn’t just inconvenient; it can disrupt remote work, affect health and safety, and even strain your wallet. That’s why many are asking: in a world of growing demand, can distributed energy resources like rooftop solar help make the grid more stable?

Rooftop Solar: A Relief for the Grid

The answer is yes. Rooftop solar plays a powerful role in supporting grid reliability. By producing electricity right where it’s used, solar systems reduce the demand on the centralized grid—especially during peak hours. When your home generates its own energy, it draws less from the grid, helping prevent overloads and brownouts in your community.

Add Storage, and You Add Resilience

Pairing solar with battery storage takes this a step further. During grid outages or extreme weather events, a solar + storage system can continue powering your home independently. This not only keeps your lights on—it frees up electricity on the grid for others in your area.

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we offer solar systems with advanced storage capabilities that allow you to choose how your energy is used. Whether you want to send excess power back to the grid or save it for emergencies, you’re in control.

The Path to Energy Independence

Energy independence means having the freedom to manage your own comfort and costs. With solar + storage, you can use energy on your terms—keeping your home cool during heatwaves without worrying about rolling blackouts or high utility bills.

As more households adopt electric heating, EV chargers, and smart appliances, the grid will continue to face new challenges. A smarter, more resilient energy system is essential—and it starts with forward-thinking homeowners investing in clean, distributed energy solutions.

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we believe in empowering homeowners to take control of their energy future—while helping build a more stable, sustainable grid for everyone.

Home energy needs evolve over time. While your solar system was initially sized to meet your energy usage, many homeowners find that expanding their system helps further reduce utility bills. If you’re considering adding solar panels or battery storage to your existing setup, here are some key questions to keep in mind.

When Should I Add Solar Panels to My Existing System?

Significant lifestyle changes can increase your energy demand. If you’ve:

• Started working from home
• Purchased an electric vehicle (EV)
• Installed a heat pump or home addition

…then it might be time to expand your solar system.

Homeowners in newly built homes with pre-installed solar may also find they need more energy production after settling in and reviewing their usage. A good rule of thumb is to assess your system about a year after installation – this allows you to track performance across different seasons. If your energy consumption exceeds your solar production, adding more panels can help balance the gap.

How Do I Know How Many Panels to Add?

A New Dawn Energy Solutions consultant will review your solar monitoring data and electricity bills to assess your current usage. If you’re planning for future energy increases, such as an EV purchase, we’ll factor that in as well. We also consider:

• Available roof space for additional panels
• System aesthetics to ensure seamless integration
• Minimum size requirements for solar expansion

Our team will create a custom design that optimizes your solar system’s efficiency and appearance.

Will New Panels or Battery Storage Be Compatible?

Before expanding your system, we’ll evaluate your existing setup. New Dawn Energy Solutions designs solar systems to last decades, so full system replacement is rarely necessary. However, if your system is older, upgrading certain components might be beneficial.

Thanks to module-level optimizers, New Dawn Energy Solutions’ panels are ideal for modular expansion, meaning new panels can integrate smoothly with your existing system. If your current system is incompatible with your desired upgrades, you have the option to:

1. Upgrade specific components to support expansion
2. Run a separate system alongside your existing panels

Future-Proof Your Energy Investment

Most homeowners can’t predict their energy needs a decade from now. By choosing a system with the flexibility to expand, you ensure that your investment continues to serve you well into the future.

About New Dawn Energy Solutions

With 18+ years of experience, industry-leading high-efficiency solar panels, and a 25-year solar panel warranty, we’re committed to transforming how the world is powered.

Click the Get Started button to schedule a consultation and see how much you can save with our solar solutions!

What is Net-Zero Home?

Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume annually. To achieve this, you need to optimize your energy usage and maximize energy production at home. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

1. Get an Energy Audit:

• • Understand your home’s current energy flow and identify areas for improvement.
  • A trained professional will assess your home for weatherization opportunities, potentially saving you hundreds annually.
  • Take advantage of the Home Renovation Saving incentive offering up to $7,700.00 in rebates for weatherization (air sealing, insulation, window upgrades, etc.).

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances:

• • Maximize energy use with modern, efficient electric appliances, lights ect.
  • The Home Renovation Saving provides incentive heat pumps.

3. Install Solar Panels with Solar Battery Storage:

• • Generate your own clean energy with a well-designed solar system.
  • New Dawn Energy Solutions can help you determine the ideal solar panel system for your needs.
  • Pair your solar system with a solar battery to store excess energy for use at any time.
  • Enjoy a $5,000.00 each rebate for both solar systems and battery storage through the Home Renovation Saving program incentive.
  • Solar with batteries also will provide backup power during grid outages.

• • Any home can become net-zero!

Ready to take the next step?

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your net-zero goals. Contact us today to learn more about energy optimization, EV charging, solar and energy storage solutions. Let us help you create a more sustainable and comfortable home.

From wildfires to hurricanes, the past few years have been unpredictable for many Canadians. More homeowners are looking for reliable energy solutions to avoid unexpected power outages. That’s why interest in solar batteries is growing. And with advancements in technology, solar energy storage is now more affordable, accessible, and customizable than ever.

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, our energy storage systems work seamlessly with our solar solutions. This means you can generate and store your own electricity to use whenever you need it. Whether you want to reduce your reliance on the grid, save money by using stored power at night, or ensure backup power during outages, solar + storage is the answer.

Flexible Energy Storage Options

We’re excited to introduce new energy storage system sizes, giving homeowners more choices to match their energy needs and budget. Plus, with the Ontario Government’s Home Renovation Savings incentive, getting a home solar storage system has never been easier or more affordable.

Choosing the Right Solar Battery

Not all solar batteries are the same. To get the most value, you need a system that’s high-quality and flexible. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Managing Your Stored Energy
   New Dawn Energy Solutions’ storage system comes with both solar panels and a battery. You can use stored power for emergencies, schedule it for peak demand times to save on electricity costs, or rely on it during time-of-use pricing. It even detects power outages automatically, so you switch to battery backup effortlessly.
2. Battery Safety Matters
   Safety is crucial when selecting a solar battery. Some battery materials are safer than others. Our system uses Lithium Iron batteries, which are not only environmentally friendly but also more stable and safer for home use than traditional batteries.
3. Powering Your Home During an Outage
   Our energy storage system is powerful enough to keep your home running during blackouts. Depending on the size you choose, you can power essential appliances like refrigerators and lights or even non-essentials like charging an electric vehicle. With more charge cycles and higher power capacity than conventional systems, New Dawn’s solar batteries give you greater peace of mind.

A Warranty You Can Rely On

New Dawn Energy Solutions provides a 10-year warranty on our energy storage system, ensuring reliability and long-term performance.

Whether you want peace of mind for your family or want to strengthen the electrical grid in your community, a solar storage system can offer plenty of benefits, especially when you choose the right provider. Contact New Dawn Energy Solutions today to learn how you can take control of your power!