Home Renovation Saving Program Incentive for Solar and Energy Storage

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The Ontario government launched the Home Renovation Saving Program on January 28, 2025. This program offers a $5,000 rebate for solar panels and another $5,000 for energy storage. Property owners in Ontario can qualify for these incentives if they join the Load Displacement Program, which uses solar and energy storage to reduce electricity demand. The Net Metering Program remains available; however, it does not include these new financial incentives.

So what is a Load Displacement System?

Load displacement means displacing electricity (load) normally bought from the utility grid with electricity generated on-site with your own solar panels, and energy storage to meet your electricity needs.

The primary objective is to offset a portion of the electricity demand from the grid by directly utilizing solar energy during peak consumption periods.

Unlike net metering where excess solar power is fed back to the grid for credit, load displacement focuses purely on using the generated electricity on-site.

Key Benefits of Load Displacement Solar PV Systems

  1. Reduced Energy Costs: By consuming solar energy directly, businesses and homeowners can significantly cut down their electricity bills by reducing the amount of power purchased from the grid.
  1. Enhanced Energy Independence: With a load displacement system, facilities become less reliant on the grid, mitigating the impact of fluctuating utility price changes and potential power outages.
  1. Optimized Self-Consumption: Unlike net metering systems that rely on exporting excess power to the grid, load displacement systems ensure that the generated solar power is used efficiently on-site, minimizing energy wastage.
  1. Lower Carbon Footprint: By integrating solar energy into daily operations, businesses and homeowners contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  1. Minimal Regulatory Barriers: In many jurisdictions, regulations surrounding grid exports and net metering can be complex and restrictive. Load displacement systems bypass these issues by focusing solely on internal energy consumption.

Conclusion

Load Displacement Solar PV Systems offer a practical and efficient way to harness solar energy for direct consumption, making them a viable solution to cut energy costs, improve sustainability, and gain energy independence. As solar technology continues to advance and energy policies evolve, utilities change their rates according to their demand patterns adopting to load displacement systems will be a smart investment in the future of energy management.

If you’re considering a Load Displacement Solar PV System, New Dawn Energy Solutions can help you design and implement a tailored solution that maximizes your energy savings. Contact us today to learn more!

Ontario Announce New Incentive Program for Residential and non-residential Customers

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Ontario’s population and economy are growing, and as the province moves away from fossil fuels for heating and transportation, electricity demand is expected to increase by 75% by 2050. To meet this rising demand, Ontario has committed $10.9 billion over 12 years to energy efficiency. This includes bringing back incentives for residential electricity customers that were previously cancelled.

Starting this month, a new three-year program cycle has increased funding to help residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional energy users save energy and money.

Home Renovation Savings Program

This program offers rebates for home improvements and energy-efficient upgrades. Here’s what you can get:

  • Up to $5,000 for rooftop solar panels
  • Up to $5,000 for battery storage systems
  • Up to $7,500 for a cold climate air-source heat pump
  • Up to $12,000 for a ground-source heat pump
  • $500 for a heat pump water heater
  • $600 for a home energy assessment
  • $100 per new window or door
  • Up to $8,900 for insulation
  • Up to $250 for air sealing
  • $75 for a smart thermostat

In 2025, the program will expand to include rebates for energy-efficient appliances, like refrigerators and freezers (rebate amounts will be announced later).

Support for Businesses and Institutions

For non-residential customers, new incentives are being introduced to support energy-saving initiatives, such as:

  • Solar energy systems for distributed energy resources (DER)
  • Energy management support for industrial facilities
  • Smart thermostats for small businesses
  • Cooling systems for data centers

Lead-acid vs lithium-ion battery Comparison

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The lead-acid battery has been around for over 100 years that costs less, requires regular maintenance to keep them working properly and doesn’t last as long.

Lithium-ion battery relatively newer technology with a longer lifespan, high power density, higher efficiency, does not require regular maintenance but costs more.

Both technologies are affected by discharge cycles, Lithium-ion has a significantly higher cycle life than lead-acid in deep discharge applications such as in solar. This disparity is further increased as ambient temperatures increase.

The cycle life of both chemistries can be increased by limiting the depth of discharge (DoD), discharge rate, and temperature, but lead-acid is generally much more sensitive to each of these factors.

In hot climates where the average temperature is 33°C, the disparity between lithium-ion and lead-acid is further increased. The cycle life for lead-acid (flooded and VRLA) drops to 50% of its moderate climate rating while lithium-ion will remain stable until temperatures routinely exceed 49°C.

Another critical consideration for lead-acid is how long the system will take to discharge. The shorter the discharge period, the less capacity is available from the lead-acid battery. A 200Ah lead-acid battery will only deliver 120Ah if discharged over a one hour period. In contrast, a 200Ah lithium-ion battery system will achieve over 184Ah. This condition makes lithium-ion very well suited for applications where full discharge occurs in less than eight hours.

  Flooded
lead-acid
VRLA
lead-acid
Lithium-ion (LiNCM)
Energy Density (Wh/L) 80 100 250
Specific Energy (Wh/kg) 30 40 150
Regular Maintenance Yes No No
Initial Cost ($/kWh) – prices are only a market average and estimate   65   120   600
Cycle Life 1,200 @ 50% 1,000 @ 50% DoD 1,900 @ 80% DoD
Typical state of charge window   50%   50%   80%
Temperature sensitivity Degrades significantly
above 25°C
Degrades significantly
above 25°C
Degrades significantly
above 45°C
Efficiency 100% @20-hr rate
80% @4-hr rate
60% @1-hr rate
100% @20-hr rate
80% @4-hr rate
60% @1-hr rate
100% @20-hr rate
99% @4-hr rate
92% @1-hr rate

New Incentives – Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF)

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The Government of Canada has launched the Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF), in support of small and medium-sized businesses in the renewable energy sector. It is a new incentive for businesses with fewer than 500 employees, who may be eligible for a refund up to $250,000 per project.
Solar building micro grid energy
For the province of Ontario, there are $102 million funds available. The CAIF incentive will help businesses be more productive while reducing energy costs and pollution. Application is being accepted from July 17, 2019 for 90 days, or until funding exhausted.

Eligible rebate amount
Up to 25% of the project’s total eligible costs
No less than $20,000 CAD and no more than $250,000 CAD per project and per recipient
A $250,000 CAD funding cap will apply to the group of applicant franchisees who operate under the same franchise trade name in each eligible province
Eligible project categories and sample activities

Electricity, energy or fuel production
Solar photovoltaic, wind energy, micro-hydro, stand-alone storage systems that are on-site and for own-use
Combined heat and power for own use
Low-emission fuel production for own-use
District energy (heating and/or cooling)

Agricultural retrofits
Changes to agricultural processes to improve energy efficiency
Fuel switching to lower-emitting energy sources in agricultural operations
Other energy efficiency measures in the agricultural sector

Building retrofits
Enhancements to building envelope (with direct energy savings), including energy-efficient windows/doors/skylights, increased insulation, weatherproofing, and glazing
Energy-efficient lighting system
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment/systems/controls
Water heating retrofits, including high efficiency condensing water heating
High-efficiency motors and controls
Energy management controls, including building automation systems
Fuel switching to lower-emitting energy sources in existing buildings

Industrial process improvements
Retrofitting and upgrading of existing equipment used for industrial processes
Fuel switching to lower-emitting energy sources
Process changes
Waste-heat recovery

Transportation retrofits
Heavy-duty vehicle retrofits, including energy efficiency and/or fuel switching to lower-emitting sources
Marine vehicle retrofits, including energy efficiency and/or fuel switching to lower-emitting sources

Waste
Energy efficiency measures in waste management

Contact us, we can help you apply now to reap the benefits for your business and improve the Bottomline!

Solar+Storage

ADDING ENERGY STORAGE TO YOUR EXISTING SOLAR POWER SYSTEM

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Adding a battery to your existing solar power system is not always an easy task. If your solar power system was installed storage-ready, adding the battery could be easy but with the rapid advancements of solar-plus-storage in the last few years, it is unlikely many old solar systems can easily accommodate battery connection. But that does not mean it is impossible; there are just a few important questions you must answer before starting a retrofit solar-plus-storage installation project.

What is your inverters make and model?

The inverter used on an existing solar panel system will dictate how a battery can be added to an existing solar power system. Solar-plus-storage systems are either AC-coupled or DC-coupled. AC-coupled systems require an additional, separate inverter to charge the batteries. DC-coupled systems use a charge controller to feed the power from the solar array to the batteries and then through an inverter for grid-tied use. For example, existing systems with microinverters which make the DC-AC conversion at the panel-level will need an AC-coupled system for storage, since the battery cannot be incorporated into the DC lines before AC-conversion.

To accommodate energy storage in an AC coupled system, existing grid-tie inverters must have frequency control capability. If the existing older inverters cannot frequency shift, they should be replaced to add batteries. Adding new inverter that can regulate charges is the only way to include storage on this type of existing solar PV system. Inverters are usually warrantied to 5 /10 years. If the inverter is approaching its warrantied lifespan, it’s a good idea to upgrade. It may be advantageous to replace the inverter with an inverter designed to accommodate storage to enable options to integrate storage immediately or in the future.

Why do you want to add storage?

Another question to answer – is your storage solution for emergency power? Or to store excess energy produced by solar during the day, so that it can be used in the evening when the sun goes down? Or in places with a TOU tariff, charge the batteries with solar or grid power when rates are cheap and discharge the batteries when power is most expensive. Depending on your objective, it is important to have an inverter that allows for your specific storage need and an appropriately sized battery bank to support your power needs.

Who owns the solar system?

Another question to answer – is your existing solar PV system owned by you or leased?  If you have full ownership adding storage is easy. If your existing solar panel system leased it may have restrictions on adding certain equipment. Typically leased solar power systems have a wide range of restrictions as to what changes can be made to the home or business and its electrical loads. Adding energy storage may be prohibited by lease terms.

If you are thinking of adding energy storage to your existing solar PV system and much it would cost to have peace of mind with a solar plus battery power system complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website or give us a call at 416-855-9377.

We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide solar plus storage hybrid energy solutions across Ontario including Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Caledon, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Milton, Georgetown, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

FROM A NOISY GENERATOR TO SOLAR BATTERY BACKUP POWER SYSTEM

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As the power outages and utility rates increase, it becomes necessary for businesses and homeowners to have a backup system to meet these emergencies.

Currently, many who need backup opt for a generator to meet their needs created by the unexpected power outages. But a generator introduces many expenses and undesirable environment.

With generator backup, many suffer badly from the noise and smelly gases exhausted by the generators. Exhausted gases are not only smelly but also harmful to the environment and create health hazards. Generators also need to be operated monthly basis even when there is no power outage to ensure their proper operation and serviced by a generator company approved service person to maintain the generator warranty.

With the reduction in solar and storage prices solar battery storage energy systems are becoming popular as backup power systems for providing electricity for many applications.

Solar+Storage

With solar battery backup system, the excess energy generated by solar during daylight hours can either be stored in the batteries for later use or sold back to the grid.  Both the grid and the solar array can charge the battery of a solar battery power system.

A generator backup is used only when there is a power outage, in contrast, a solar battery backup power system is used on a daily basis for smart energy management. Solar battery power system allows the user to choose how much solar generation goes into the battery and how much goes back to the grid as well as at what time it is sold back.

The utility rates are different depending on the time of day which means that energy can be bought from the grid during low-cost hours stored in the battery and used during high-cost hours.  Unlike generators, solar battery power system does all these without making any noise or releasing any harmful gases. Many of our customers are thrilled with how well the system performs and how quite their house compare to running a generator.

If you are wondering how much a solar installation would cost to offset the electricity bill, and have peace of mind with a solar battery power system complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website e or give us a call at 416-855-9377. We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide solar plus storage hybrid energy solutions across Ontario including Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Caledon, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Milton, Georgetown, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEM

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A hybrid energy system usually consists of two or more energy sources used together to provide increased system efficiency as well as greater availability of energy supply. The intensity of solar radiation and wind can change randomly, and electricity generated from these resources will also change randomly without any notice. With the increased amount of power generation from solar and wind, energy storage is becoming increasingly important for reasons including the availability of power, grid stability, energy management as well as demand reduction.

There are many different energy storage technologies – mechanical, pumped storage, thermal – molten salt, and chemical-batteries. Each type of storage has unique characteristics that differentiate them from others, as well as the types of power sources with which they can be integrated.

Chemical storage systems are generally battery-based systems that use chemical reactions to store and convert energy. Battery-based storage systems had been widely in use in many small to midsize day to day applications. Now Lithium ion batteries based storage systems have become the choice for large scale day to day applications.

With regularly rising and tiered utility rates more and more people are choosing to invest in hybrid solar energy systems which provide them with both stable power and energy savings. In areas where the utility grids are not stable, hybrid solar energy systems are the ideal solution currently on the market. Acting as a backup when the grid is down, and allowing owners to send excess power back to the grid when there is excess energy.

With a solar hybrid system with battery backup, the excess energy generated during daylight hours can either stored in the batteries for later use or send back to the grid. Hybrid inverters have smart electronics on board that allow the user to choose how much solar generation goes into the battery and how much goes back to the grid as well as at what times. Smart hybrid inverters also enable the customers to buy from the grid during low-cost hours and send back to the grid during high-cost hours. Solar alone cannot do this; the battery in the hybrid system is what makes this possible to do all these.

In the case of the hybrid solar PV system, both the grid and the solar array can charge the battery. The hybrid inverter allows the user to choose how much of either one will flow into the battery. Some hybrid inverter systems can connect to 3 different power sources, the grid, the solar array, and a generator. They are each controlled by the hybrid inverter and are utilized based on the user’s settings during commissioning.

We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide solar plus storage hybrid energy solutions across Ontario including Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Caledon, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Milton, Georgetown, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KWH AND KW

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KWvsKWHRPeople looking for solar options often puzzled with terms kilowatt and kilowatt-hours. Electricity used is measured by kilowatt hour and the solar power systems are sized in kilowatts. This is where questions often come about kilowatts and kilowatt-hours.

So what exactly does a kWh mean and how does it differ from a kilowatt (kW)?

A kilowatt is a measure of how much power (capacity) a device can provide; kilowatt-hours define the amount of work performed in one hour of time or amount of energy used to do that work. A 1.5 kilowatt (1500 W capacity) kettle will boil the same amount of water faster than a 1 kilowatt (1000 watt capacity) kettle. Regardless of the power of the kettles, energy needed to boil the same amount of water is the same. In this case, energy is provided by electricity and the amount of electricity used by both kettles to boil the water is the same.

Energy use and kWh in context

Say 1.5 kilowatt (1.5KW) kettle took 0.5 hours (30 minutes) to boil the water, electricity used = 1.5 X 0.5 = 0.75 kwhr; unit of measure for electricity (energy) is kwhr. We know smaller kettle takes longer to boil the water; how long? We know electricity (energy) used by both kettles are the same; 1 X T = 0.75, T = 0.75 hours (45 minutes), 1-kilowatt kettle will take 45 minutes to boil the same amount of water.

Why kWh matter when you’re going solar

The Net Metering program allows offsetting the electricity purchased from the utility company with solar electricity during twelve consecutive months. To do this as solar energy solutions providers we need to size the solar power system that is able to produce the amount of electricity a customer use in twelve consecutive months. Electricity bill report usage in kwhr, and when evaluating solar installation to offset this electricity we talk about the size of the solar power system needed in kW.

In the earlier example, we talked about how a 1,000-watt kettle will use 1 kilowatt-hour in one hour of use. When talking about solar, the process of converting power capacity (watts) into expected energy output (kWh) is not as simple due to a number of factors. One thing is certain: a kettle will consume power at a constant rate regardless of whether or not you live in Toronto or California, if it’s raining or if it’s placed on a certain type of countertop. Whereas solar panels output is greatly affected by the environment and circumstances it is installed.

Factors such as the angle and orientation of the roof and the amount of sunlight hours in the town solar panels are located will significantly impact how much electricity it will produce. So, for example, a solar panel on the north side of a roof will produce than the same panel on the south side of the roof because south facing roofs typically receive higher sunlight exposure.

Those wondering how much a solar installation would cost to offset the electricity bill, complete the Free solar Assessment request at our website e or give us a call at 416-855-9377.

We are one of the top solar energy companies providing solutions that are second to none. We provide energy solutions across Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton, Vaughan, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Caledon, Stouffville, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Milton, Georgetown, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

 

Is Your Solar Panel Installation Battery Storage Ready?

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Lithium-ion battery cost has fallen since 2010 and it highly benefits the electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets. Although Lithium-ion battery costs have fallen considerably, they are still not affordable for many home and business owners. Even if lithium-ion solar battery cost doesn’t fit in your current budget, planning for a solar system with energy storage will be a good idea for the future and save your money in the long run.

Solar+StorageWhy Install Batteries?
Grid-tied systems are required to shut down during blackouts, even when the sun is shining. This is a regulated safety design feature of grid-tied solar energy systems intended to prevent workers from getting electrocuted while performing repair work on power lines. Unless solar PV system has battery storage, solar system owners cannot use the solar power from the grid-tied solar PV system during power outages.

Installing batteries also enables the use of solar energy when the sun isn’t shining-night and cloudy days. Some utilities also charge higher rates during peak hours and for peak power consumption. Installing batteries allow customers to use stored solar energy instead of more costly grid power during peak hours and reduce peak power consumption. This option is becoming very popular in Hawaii and California, where cost of electricity associated with peak hours is very high.

If you are in the process of installing a solar panel system and want the option of battery storage in the future, it will be helpful to plan accordingly. If the solar system is designed considering storage option in mind, it will be relatively easy to add the batteries to the system in the future.

It is more difficult and more costly to add battery storage in the future if the solar system is not battery ready. Choosing a solar system with an inverter that has battery storage capabilities is one way to prepare for adding batteries in the future. This would enable the solar system to operate only as a grid-tied solar panel system until batteries are added. Therefore, it will be beneficial to consult a reputable solar PV system designer to avoid unnecessary expenses in the future. New Dawn Energy Solutions will work with you to design your storage ready solar PV system.

Thinking to install solar now and add storage later? Contact us for a free consultation at info@newdawn-es.com or 416-855-9377.

Phone: 416-855-9377