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

Whether it’s for backup power during an outage or to curb time-of-use (TOU) rates when energy is more expensive from the electrical grid, our energy storage systems offer a variety of configurations to meet your unique energy storage needs.

Paired with a solar PV system, our energy storage solutions come with a 10-year warranty or 6,000+ cycle counts and energy throughput. Utilizing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) — a safer battery technology — they provide an excellent source of stored energy that can be used daily or reserved for backup power during outages.

Control Your Energy

Solar battery storage is tailored to every homeowner. During the initial setup, you can choose which appliances and devices to back up in your home in case of a power outage. Can’t live without Wi-Fi? No problem! Select the essential items you want powered during rolling brownouts, blackouts, or other power interruptions.

You can also use an intuitive app to customize your settings, including selecting an operating mode that aligns with your clean energy needs and goals.

Maximize Your Savings

Solar storage can enhance your savings in multiple ways:

1. 30% Federal Tax Credit: Qualified businesses are eligible for up to a 30% federal tax credit for installing solar and solar battery storage.
2. Reduce Peak-Time Charges: In cost savings mode, your solar system is configured to store energy for use during peak hours when grid electricity is most expensive. This setup maximizes the benefits of solar + storage under the net metering program. Charge your energy storage when rates are low and use stored energy when rates are high.
3. Flexible Financing: We offer flexible financing options to make purchasing your solar plus energy storage more affordable.

Interested in learning how we can help you maximize your savings? Request a custom quote today!

Solar PV system lasts for long time, hence when evaluating photovoltaic (PV) proposals, it’s crucial to understand the warranties. There are two main types of warranties offered for solar PV systems.

1. Solar Product Warranties
2. Solar Workmanship Warranties

These warranties serve distinct purposes in safeguarding your solar investment.

Solar Product Warranties

Like warranties for consumer electronics, solar product warranties ensure that the manufacturer’s equipment is free from defects for a specified period. However, due to the durability of solar components, these warranties are typically more extensive:

• Panel Optimizers: Warranties range from 12 to 25 years, depending on the manufacturer. Product manufacturers provide replacement parts for the defective parts at no cost to the owner.
• Solar PV Panels: Standard warranties cover 25 years, with replacement panels for defective panels are provided free of charge by the manufacturer. Notably, many panels continue to function efficiently beyond this period, up to 40 years.

It’s important to note that all solar panels experience gradual degradation, typically around 0.5% annually. Consequently, manufacturers guarantee that panels will operate at 80% or higher efficiency after 25 years.

Solar Workmanship Warranties

While product warranties address equipment-related issues, workmanship warranties cover defects arising from the installation process. This includes:

• Design, assembly, and installation quality
• Rectification of any installation-related defects at no additional cost

The duration of workmanship warranties varies among installers, ranging from no coverage to few years. At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we provide a five-year continuous workmanship warranty.

It’s advisable to select contractors who offer both product and workmanship warranties to ensure comprehensive protection for your solar investment.

Integrating solar panels into your property is a strategic move toward reducing utility expenses and promoting environmental sustainability. However, certain factors can influence the extent of these savings, understanding these variables is crucial to optimizing your solar investment.

Increased Energy Consumption

Lifestyle changes can significantly impact your energy usage. For instance, transitioning to remote work, installing new appliances like a swimming pool, or accommodating additional family members can elevate electricity consumption. Seasonal variations also play a role; warmer months often lead to increased air conditioning use, thereby raising energy demands.

Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates

Many utility companies implemented Time-of-Use (TOU) rates, where electricity costs fluctuate based on demand at different times of the day. Consuming electricity during peak periods can result in higher charges. To mitigate this, consider operating high-energy appliances, such as dishwashers and laundry machines, during off-peak hours. Reviewing your utility bill or consulting with your local utility provider can provide clarity on your specific rate structure.

Life Events and Energy Usage

Significant life events, such as welcoming a new family member or purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), can lead to increased energy requirements. For example, a new baby may necessitate additional heating or cooling, while an EV requires regular charging. Scheduling these activities during off-peak times can help manage and reduce associated costs.

Utility Rate Adjustments

Utility companies periodically adjust their rates, often introducing seasonal changes or annual increases. Staying informed about these adjustments is essential, as they can affect your overall energy expenses. Regularly monitoring your utility statements will help you stay aware of any changes.

Enhancing Your Solar System with Energy Storage

Integrating energy storage solutions with your solar system can provide greater control over your energy usage. By storing excess energy generated during peak production times, you can utilize it during periods of high demand or when utility rates are elevated, thereby reducing reliance on the grid and enhancing energy resilience.

Consulting with New Dawn Energy Solutions

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we specialize in designing and installing customized solar systems tailored to your unique energy needs. Our team is equipped to assess potential changes in your energy consumption and recommend appropriate system sizes and configurations. We also offer insights into integrating energy storage solutions to accommodate future energy requirements.

Conclusion

While solar panels are an effective means to achieve stable and predictable energy costs, it’s important to consider factors such as increased energy consumption, TOU rates, life events, and utility rate adjustments. By proactively managing these elements and consulting with experts like New Dawn Energy Solutions, you can maximize the benefits of your solar investment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore how we can assist you in achieving your energy goals.

If you’re considering solar power for your home, it helps to understand the process of installation. So, what happens after you sign the contract?

Each project is unique, but generally, a project coordinator is appointed to guide you every step of the way. The project coordinator will serve as your advocate within New Dawn Energy Solutions, updating you regularly and ensuring there are no surprises.

While not every residential solar system is the same, here is an outline of our process for going solar we follow at New Dawn Energy Solutions.

• Utility Approval : Once your contract is signed, we’ll submit a preliminary net metering application to your utility to start the approval process.
• Assessment : After utility approval, we conduct a site survey of your home. A New Dawn Energy Solutions representative will visit to evaluate your property’s condition, take measurements with a drone, and capture photos of your roof, electrical panel, and relevant subpanels. This step usually takes about two hours.
• Design : Our engineering team then reviews the initial design against your site assessment to ensure no additional work is needed, such as electrical upgrades or structural adjustments. If required, you can either have New Dawn Energy Solutions do the work or have another company take care of it. You also have the option not to move forward with solar panels if the additional work is not in your budget. At this stage, you’ll receive a final design for approval.
• Permitting : Once the design is confirmed, we’ll apply for the necessary construction permits and submit the final net metering connection application. Permitting timelines vary widely, from a couple of weeks to over six, depending on your area.
• Installation : After permit approval, we schedule your installation. Installation typically takes 1–3 days. If your system includes backup energy storage, expect brief power outages lasting up to 3-4 hours.
• Inspection and Activation : After installation, we coordinate an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority and city inspectors. Your coordinator will notify you in advance of the inspection date, which generally requires a two-hour window. Once the inspection is complete, we’ll request your utility to install a bi-directional meter, allowing you to turn on your solar system. This final step can take 5-20 business days, depending on your utility provider.

Switching to solar is exciting but requires a bit of time. The full process, from contract signing to activation, may take two to six months, depending on your local utility and permitting processes.

The best part? New Dawn Energy Solutions will be with you every step of the way, managing the paperwork and guiding you through each phase. All we need is occasional access to your property for our team and inspectors.

We’re always here to answer questions about solar, energy storage, EV charging, heat pumps, and other energy-saving solutions. If you’re interested in exploring solar options in your area, reach out to one of our consultants for more details or visit us here!.

New Dawn Energy Solutions offer net metering solar power options made of high quality tier-one equipment – solar panels, inverters, energy storage – all of which are quality tested to provide the best energy solution for your home. These net metering options can also be combined with our EV charging and heat pump solutions.

Among the top questions people frequently ask about how residential solar power works are:

1. What happens when my solar panels generate more electricity than I use during daylight hours?
2. How do I power my home when the sun isn’t shining?

Simple grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) solar systems do not have to have batteries to store the electricity generated by their rooftop solar energy systems for later use. That means when your solar panels produce electricity, it goes first to powering the lights, appliances, and electronics in your home. If your solar power system produces less electricity than you need, the rest is automatically supplied from the utility grid.

If your solar power system produces more electricity than you need, the extra electricity gets delivered back to the utility grid. Then you get credited for the electricity you deliver back to the grid at the same retail price that you pay for the electricity you take from the grid.

So the most common answer to the first question about what happens when solar panels generate more electricity than the homeowner can use during the day is that, the excess electricity flows back to the grid to serve nearby neighbor’s needs while your meter essentially runs backwards and creates credits for you.

The answer to the second question about how to power a solar home at night is the homeowner uses electricity from the grid when the solar power system is not generating enough to power the home’s needs. But with net metering, the homeowner is only billed for the “net” energy used each month, that is, the difference between the energy produced by the solar power system and the energy consumed by the house over the monthly billing period.

The benefits of net metering

Net metering makes residential solar energy system ownership even more attractive and affordable for many families. Transmission, distributions and HST chargers are paid only for the electricity purchased and it can save homeowners hundreds more dollars per year on their utility bills. The federal government’s Greener Home Loan for solar make solar affordable with $40,000.00 Zero Interest loan for ten years.

The utilities also benefits from generating electricity near the point of use, which in turn reduces strain on the grid’s distribution infrastructure and minimizes energy loss from sending current over long distances.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, home charging solutions have grown in importance. Installing a Level II EV charger at home offers significant advantages over standard charging options, delivering convenience, cost savings, and enhanced performance for EV owners.

1. Faster Charging Speeds : One of the biggest benefits of a Level II charger is its superior charging speed. A Level II charger can provide 37-71 kilo meter of range per hour of charge, which is significantly faster than a standard Level I charger. This allows you to fully charge your EV overnight, making it ready for use the next day.

2. Cost Efficiency : Charging your EV at home with a Level II charger can help you save money, especially if you charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This, combined with lower energy costs compared to gasoline, makes home charging a more economical option.

3. Increased Convenience : Level II chargers allow for convenient overnight charging, ensuring your EV is ready whenever you need it. This eliminates the hassle of finding public charging stations and waiting for your vehicle to charge.

4. Improved Vehicle Performance : Regular and complete charging with a Level II charger can improve the overall performance and longevity of your EV battery. It also offers better energy efficiency than slower charging methods.

Home Level II charging offers faster speeds, greater convenience, and long-term cost savings, making it an essential investment for any EV owner.

New Dawn Energy Solutions helps businesses and homeowners install Level II and Level III EV chargers. To get your free quote, contact us at 416-885-9377, fill out the form by clicking here, or email us at info@newdawn-es.com.

Electricity costs are rising across Canada, which increases business operating expenses and makes future budgeting uncertain. Installing solar panels on commercial buildings can help cut energy costs significantly and support environmental sustainability.

With the growing impact of global warming, more consumers are choosing green products and services that help reduce this threat.

Going solar not only benefits the environment but can also enhance customer loyalty, attract skilled employees, and boost your brand’s reputation.

Available Incentives for Solar on Commercial Buildings

Currently, there are two major incentives that make solar panels more affordable for businesses, helping improve the return on investment and reduce the payback period.

Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits: Businesses can get a 30% tax credit for purchasing solar systems. This incentive may decrease in the future, so it’s wise to consider solar now.

Accelerated Depreciation for Commercial Solar Systems: The federal government allows businesses to claim 100% depreciation in the first year for commercial solar systems. This helps reduce the installation costs faster, providing quicker financial benefits. This depreciation lowers a company’s tax liability, making solar an even more attractive option. Be sure to consult your accountant to understand how this can benefit your business.

Benefits of Commercial Solar.

• Cost Savings: Reduce operating expenses by cutting energy bills.
• Environmental Impact: Lower your carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
• Use of Roof Space: Utilize roof areas that are usually unused for generating electricity and additional cash flow.
• Brand Image: Improve public relations and your brand’s green image.
• Energy Independence: Gain more control over your energy supply and costs.
• Financial Stability: Benefit from long-term savings and stable energy costs.
• Increased Property Value: Solar panels can potentially raise your building’s value.

Considerations

Upfront Costs: Solar panels require an initial investment, but the incentives available make it easier for businesses to integrate solar power into their business plans and achieve long-term
success. These advantages make solar panels a smart investment for commercial buildings, providing both financial and environmental benefits.

New Dawn Energy Solutions helps businesses and homeowners switch to solar with free solar proposals. If you’re interested in getting a free solar proposal, you can call us at 416-885-9377, fill out the form by clicking here, or email us at info@newdawn-es.com.

Solar energy adoption is surging worldwide, including in Canada. For residential, commercial, and institutional properties, the combination of solar power with energy storage offers unmatched benefits, making it a smart investment while significantly reducing the carbon footprint.

Why Choose Solar?

Cost Savings: Solar systems, paired with energy storage, can drastically cut electricity bills by harnessing sunlight and storing excess energy for later use. This ensures that energy is available even when the sun isn’t shining, maximizing savings and efficiency. With net metering, any surplus energy generated can be credited for future use, further increasing financial benefits.

Financial Stability: Solar energy with storage provides a reliable, stable power source for years, shielding you from fluctuating energy prices. These systems are low-maintenance and long-lasting, ensuring consistent energy production and enhanced financial predictability.

Energy Independence: With energy storage, properties can store solar energy for use during peak hours, power outages, or times when grid electricity is most expensive. This reduces dependence on the traditional power grid and provides greater energy security.

Environmental Benefits: Solar energy, especially when combined with storage, is a clean, renewable power source that dramatically reduces carbon footprints. Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or institution, adopting solar with storage demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability.

Government Incentives: Canadian government incentives, such as the Canada Greener Homes Loan for homeowners and the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for businesses, make solar installations with energy storage more affordable. These programs offer substantial financial benefits, making this advanced energy solution even more attractive.

Property Value: Solar panels with integrated energy storage can increase property value by boosting energy efficiency, reliability, and environmental appeal. This makes properties more attractive to buyers and tenants alike.

At New Dawn Energy Solutions, we’ve seen the transformative impact that solar energy with storage can have across all property types. Whether you’re aiming to save on energy costs, enhance energy independence, contribute to a greener future, or increase your property’s value, solar with energy storage is a wise choice. Contact us today to start your journey toward a clean, secure, and sustainable energy future.