So You've Purchased a Sunly Franchise... Now What?

You’ve decided you want to become a Sunly Franchise owner, what an exciting journey ahead! But now you have a lot to think about. You might even be feeling overwhelmed planning the next steps. One of the most important tools that will lead you to success is to understand your local market. From getting to know your local energy providers, the building requirements, permits, and rebates, it can be a little daunting diving into this new territory, but we are here to help. 

Getting to Know Your Energy Providers

At Sunly, we work closely with utility providers as they are an essential component to our service. Their net metering programs can be a huge incentive for clients to go solar, and their rates impact the savings clients find from going solar. Being knowledgeable about their rates and net metering is so important, as is maintaining a good working relationship with these providers.  Each province's utility rates and plans vary depending on the company.


Here are some links to find utility rates and net metering information:

2021 Utility Rates Across Canada:

https://www.energyhub.org/electricity-prices/#:~:text=Average%20Electricity%20Prices&text=Electricity%20costs%20in%20Canada%20have,if%20you%20exclude%20the%20territories.&text=Qu%C3%A9bec%20has%20the%20cheapest%20electricity,prices%20(%240.382%2FkWh).

Ontario Net Metering:

https://www.oeb.ca/consumer-information-and-protection/net-metering

BC Net Met Metering:

https://www.fortisbc.com/services/electricity-services/generating-your-own-electricity/net-metering

EPCOR (Alberta) Net Metering:

https://www.epcor.com/products-services/power/micro-generation/Pages/net-metering.aspx#/program_

Building Requirements

Along with knowing your energy providers, it is important to understand the building requirements. From ensuring the structure of the existing roof will be able to safely hold the weight load, to confirming the angle and orientation of the panels are optimal, there’s a lot to consider with the building aspect of solar installations.

Below is a PDF of Solar Ready Guidelines from National Research Canada:

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca/files/canmetenergy/files/pubs/SolarReadyGuidelines_en.pdf

This document is packed with helpful information, and page 6 dives into some building considerations for installing solar panels.

Permitting

As well as building requirements, each province requires special permits to complete solar installations. The province, and the work that needs to be completed to install the panels will dictate which permits are needed.

Below are some links to get an idea of what may be required:

Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/renewable-energy-project-approval-and-permit-requirements

Toronto: https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/9273-Building-Permit-Guide-WEB.pdf

BC: https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/solar-pv-permit-process.pdf

Rebates

Being knowledgeable about current rebates available to clients, and knowing how to apply for these rebates is another essential tool for Sunly. Most provinces offer rebates for people choosing to make their homes more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, and this can be a huge incentive for clients to go solar. The process to apply for these rebates can be quite complex, and it is our job to guide the client along.

Here are some resources on rebates to get you started:

Canada Greener Homes Grant - Canada Wide:
https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-grant/start-your-energy-efficient-retrofits/plan-document-and-complete-your-home-retrofits/eligible-grants-for-my-home-retrofit/23504#s6

Don’t Panic

We know there’s a lot to learn, but we’re here to help along every step of the way. Reach out to your given point of contact for any concerns or questions, or call our main line at 1-833-GO-SUNLY. That’s what we’re here for!

Jane Baugh