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Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information, please contact us at info@streamingsolar.com.

How reliable is the performance of solar panels once they’re installed?


On any given day, as soon as the panels start generating electricity, they keep going until the
sun goes down. Also, most panel manufacturers warrant their panels to perform at 90% of
rated power for 12 years, and 80% for 25 years, minimum. This warranty combined with our
ongoing operation and maintenance ensures a minimum level of power production over the
course of 20 years.


Is there really enough sunlight in Ontario to do this?


Of course! Remember, sunlight refers to “light”, not “heat” so a sunny day is a sunny day, no
matter what the temperature is outside; and, solar photovoltaic technology can also generate
electricity when it’s cloudy or overcast. Germany’s climate is similar to Ontario’s and in general,
it experiences gloomier skies throughout the year. In spite of this unpredictable weather,
Germany is regarded as the world leader in solar-generated electricity production.


How can you count on adequate sunshine when the weather is so unpredictable?


On the contrary, solar irradiation is highly predictable. For any given month we usually know
how much the sun is going to shine, plus or minus 10-15%. Of course, it’s most plentiful and
predictable in the summer (when we generate the most demand for electricity…think of hot
summer days when everyone cranks their air-conditioning); though less predictable in the winter
(when we use less electricity anyway, preferring to heat our homes and buildings with natural
gas instead).


In other words, solar power generation is well-suited to meet peak demand, on sunny days and
even on not-so sunny days.


What is the Green Energy Act?


The Green Energy Act (“GEA”) can be described as a new culture of energy awareness,
conservation, and the creation of a cleaner, greener and sustainable energy system for Ontario.
It is a bill that was passed into law by the Ontario government in May 2009 as part of Ontario’s
plan to become a leading sustainable economy in North America. It’s purpose is to spark
growth in clean and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and bio-fuel while
eliminating coal from the energy supply mix. “Coal-fired generation is the single largest source
of air pollution in Ontario and eliminating it from the supply mix will be the largest climate
change initiative in Canada.” (source: Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure)


How does the Green Energy Act support renewable energy initiatives and, in particular,
solar projects?


The GEA has:

 

  • Created a Feed-in Tariff (“FIT”) that guarantees specific rates for energy generated from renewable sources.
  • Established the right to connect to the electricity grid for renewable energy projects that meet technical, economic and other regulatory requirements.
  • Established a one-stop, streamlined approvals process, providing service guarantees for renewable energy projects that meet regulatory requirements.
  • Continued to implement a 21st century “smart” power grid to support the development of new renewable energy projects, and prepare Ontario for new technologies like electric cars (source: Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure).

Can you explain the Feed-in Tariff Program?


Ontario’s Feed-in Tariff (“FIT”) program is a guaranteed pricing structure for renewable
electricity production. Comprehensive details can be found on the Ontario Power Authority’s
website at:

http://fit.powerauthority.on.ca/Page.asp?PageID=1115&SiteNodeID=1052

What makes solar more attractive option compared to other renewable energies?


All renewable energy technologies play a part in combating climate change and sustaining
Ontario’s energy supply. Solar can be installed on large tracts of land as well as rooftops with
relatively little impact to the environment. Currently, there is over 2 billion square feet of unused
rooftop space in Ontario capable of generating 20,000 megawatts of electricity.


Solar rooftop is a space-appropriate, electricity generating technology that is rapidly deployed
because it does not face any transmission constraints; it requires no land on which to build; and
it has a relatively short permitting process.


What about the impact of weather?


The panels are not impacted by rain; in fact, the rain cleans off any dust that may have
accumulated. Similarly, wind is not an issue as the panels and non-penetrating mounting
systems are designed to sustain winds up to 120 miles per hour (almost 200 kilometres per
hour).


How long does the installation take?


A 250kW system can be installed in less than a week, but usually takes between three and four
weeks. A multi-megaWatt system can take three to six months to install.


Who is responsible for the installation or any ongoing maintenance costs?


Streaming Solar pays for the solar installation, as well as the ongoing maintenance costs. In
addition, we pay you rent for leasing your land or roof space.

Copyright 2015 Streaming Solar Inc.

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