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  • I’m totally new to this. Where do I start/what’s the first thing I should know?
    First thing you should know is that it is possible for you to harvest UV rays from the sunshine, at your own home, and use the sunshine to reduce or eliminate your power bill. You should also know that solar energy has been around for a very long time, with the first commercially available solar panel being available in 1954. We can use solar panels to power our homes and also spin our power meters backwards, collecting credits to be used in the future.
  • Why should I get solar panels?
    If you like saving money, being independent, and enjoy the feeling of freedom knowing that the power you are using comes directly from the sun; then you might want to consider learning about solar. Having solar on your roof also blocks the sun's rays from eating away at your roof covering as well, causing your roof to have a very long life.
  • What types of systems can I get for my home?
    Solar installations come in three different configurations. For the fastest return on your investment, Grid tied is recommended: The grid tied system collects energy from the panels and you use the energy first, and surplus is sent backwards through your power meter to the grid. No batteries are required to buy. However if the power goes out, you will have no means of storing it. This is the most cost-efficient system with the fastest return on your investment. Essentially you are using the grid as your battery. There is also Off Grid - this system doesn’t involve a grid connection at all. A battery is used to carry you through the night and on non-sunny days. No interaction with a power company is required at all. Hybrid System - this is a combination of the two systems listed above. You stay connected to the grid, but also have a battery that you can use when the power is out, allowing you to go in ‘off grid mode’ if there is an outage.
  • Can I just buy a few panels to start, and add more later?
    You sure can! Many clients choose to do this and add more panels later.
  • What does my solar estimate look like?
    Check out this video for a walk-through of what your estimate will look like.
  • Do I need to put money down/upfront to get solar installed?
    No you don't. If you qualify for the grants, there’s two that allow you to get up to $8000, and there is also a 10 year interest free loan from the federal government you can get as well. Some companies like ours offer bridge financing, so with good credit, we can offer you a 3 month interest-free loan that 'bridges' you to when the project is complete and you get your receipts submitted to the Greener Homes loan, you can pay off your bridge financing without penalty to roll into the interest free loan, so the answer is no, you don’t need to have money to put down up front. It makes a difference!
  • Am I taxed on the energy I produce?
    No. The energy that you produce can’t be taxed. The energy you send back to the grid, you do not get to collect tax on. The energy you get from the grid and consume is taxed. The unfortunate part about the NB Power Net Metering program is we are not allowed to get the tax back on any returned credits. Therefore if we are grid-tied and not using a battery, we will have to pay the tax on the power we use from the grid when the sun is not shining.
  • Do I have to buy batteries or other equipment?
    That depends on which installation system you choose. Solar installations come in three different configurations. Grid tied - This system collects energy from the panels and you use the energy first, and surplus is sent backwards through your power meter to the grid. No batteries are required. However if the power goes out, you will have no means of storing it. This system has the fastest return on your investment. Essentially you are using the grid as your battery. Off Grid - this system doesn’t involve a grid connection at all. A battery is used to carry you through the night and on non-sunny days. No interaction with a power company is required at all. Hybrid System - this is a combination of the two systems listed above. You stay connected to the grid, but also have a battery that you can use when the power is out, allowing you to go in ‘off grid mode’ if there is an outage.
  • What are my payment options?
    It is in most client’s best interest to utilize the available grants and loan that the government offers. Some customers however may wish to pay for their systems using their own dollars; perhaps if they have already utilized the grant/loan for other green energy projects, or they don’t qualify for them. (Second home / cottage / business, etc)
  • What if I don’t get accepted for the grant/loan?
    The criteria for the 10 year interest free loan is simple. In the case of bad credit / secondary home / etc. clients are absolutely able to use their own means of payment. Information around the loan are found here: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-initiative/canada-greener-homes-loan/24286
  • What if I don’t want to use a loan, can I buy the system outright?
    Absolutely. Many clients pay for their system without using the Greener Homes Loan. They are still able to take advantage of the grants available through Greener Homes as well as NB Power.
  • What if I don’t want to use a loan, can I buy the system outright?
    What if I don’t want to use a loan, can I buy the system outright? Absolutely. Many clients pay for their system without using the Greener Homes Loan. They are still able to take advantage of the grants available through Greener Homes as well as NB Power.
  • What are my payment options?
    It is in most client’s best interest to utilize the available grants and loan that the government offers. Some customers however may wish to pay for their systems using their own dollars; perhaps if they have already utilized the grant/loan for other green energy projects, or they don’t qualify for them. (Second home / cottage / business, etc)
  • Will NB power pay me for my electricity?
    Will NB power pay me for my electricity? No, NB Power will not give you a dollar; they will credit you for the electricity that you’ll use in the future. It's a credit system; If you generate $1000 of electricity in october, and you use 500 of it, then you should have a 500 dollar credit that you can use throughout the winter. NB power will allow you collect that to use that until the end of March. That’s why we don’t want you to generate more power than you’re going to use, because NB Power doesn’t pay you to generate electricity.
  • How many solar panels do I need on my roof to get rid of my power bill?
    Most home installations are using 20-30 solar panels. However, it depends on your power consumption. Everyone’s power bill is different and so are their power requirements. Depending on how you heat, size of home, if you have an electric car, etc. all plays a factor. In less than a minute, you can request a free estimate and you'll get a picture of your house with the amount and position of the panels we'd recommend for the power you currently produce, as well as a full breakdown of the cost here: https://www.eastcoastsun.ca/estimate
  • Can I charge my electric car from the sun, using my solar panels?
    Absolutely! Charging an electric car using electricity generated by your solar panels is great - you’re avoiding tax, gas, HST and other costs you would with a gas powered car, and it won’t cost you to plug in and charge at home. If you charge it when it’s sunny out, most likely you are pulling free energy straight from the sun and driving your car around with the sunshine. You can charge it at night too which is still cheaper than gas.
  • Are solar panels breakable?
    Yes, but after 15 years in the business and thousands of panels, Rudi has never broken a panel, even when dropping them. They will take a golf ball at 200 miles an hour. They've been walked on, dropped things on, etc. they are impressively tough!
  • Where is the equipment made?
    The solar panels are not actually produced in Canada. Most of them that you see are coming from Asian companies - even Canadian Solar, so no matter what you hear, the panels will be manufactured in Taiwan or China etc. But they are all high quality panels that must be CSA approved or they won’t pass inspection. The inverters we use, Fronius, come from Austria with great support. There are local materials too, such as the racking systems, so it’s a diverse assortment of countries that supply the materials used to install your solar energy system on your house.
  • Do solar panels make a sound?
    No! They are completely silent. The inverter has a quiet fan inside but it is not easy to hear.
  • What is a Dc optimizer and why might I need one?
    It optimizes the voltage at the panel level. You might need one if a tree is shading a panel part of the time, we would put a DC Optimizer on the backside of that panel to prevent the panel from pulling down the production level overall. If you don’t do that and the shading affects 20% of the array, it will actually have like a 70% reduction in production, the way a bad ball player that brings down the whole team.
  • How long do solar panels last? What is degradation?
    How long do solar panels last? What is degradation? They last forever. Degradation is what the manufacturers predict that they are going to degrade over time.
  • Is the power that’s created from solar different from the power I get from my outlets?
    Is the power that’s created from solar different from the power I get from my outlets? As far as you will be able to tell, yes. However if we want to get technical, the power coming from the sun is actually much ‘cleaner!’ Solar panels generate DC power which runs through a pure sine wave inverter to create a perfect waveform of AC power at the exact frequency that your devices need to run. In a grid power situation, the power coming from the grid is hardly ever as good. The massive water turbines and fossil fuel generators require synchronization and constant monitoring in order to deliver electricity to customers. The fact that grid customers are at long and varying distances from the power generator causes voltage fluctuations as well.
  • Can I switch between solar and NB power for my electricity whenever I want?
    Can I switch between solar and NB power for my electricity whenever I want? If you are connected to the grid and have solar, the inverter will automatically use the power you are generating, before using grid power. You aren’t able to make the choice. Surplus power is sent to the grid and at night you will be using power from the grid.
  • Will I be generating electricity while I sleep?
    If you sleep when it is dark and are talking about solar panels, then no. Everytime the sun is out, you will be making power. Unfortunately the moon doesn't reflect UV rays enough to make any power at night. Now if you were living in Nunavut in July, where the sun never goes down in the summer, that is a different story!
  • Is it possible to get a power surge? (on a super sunny day or during thunderstorm).
    Is it possible to get a power surge? (on a super sunny day or during thunderstorm). A solar panel can only generate so much power, no matter how much sun there is. The systems are designed with several safety features that ensure that only the maximum designed amount of power is allowed to enter through the system. A lightning strike that lights up the sky does actually emit UV rays (the type of ray that produces solar power). In short, your solar array won’t suffer from ‘welder’s flash.’
  • How long once the panels are installed will they start generating electricity?
    After the system is installed, there will be an electrical inspection carried out by the province. Following the inspection, NB Power will come and swap out your power meter with a “net meter” which spins both ways - so you can be credited for the power you generate rather than just charged for the power that you use from the grid.Video answer:https://youtu.be/-U-N_uIZMWoWill they start working right away and generate power immediately after they are installed? Or How long once the panels are installed will they start generating electricity? After the system is installed, there will be an electrical inspection carried out by the province. Following the inspection, NB Power will come and swap out your power meter with a “net meter” which spins both ways - so you can be credited for the power you generate rather than just charged for the power that you use from the grid.
  • What happens to the surplus/extra energy that I generate?
    What happens to the surplus/extra energy that I generate? Say it’s sunny out and you’re generating extra power and your meter is running backwards; the power is going out through your transformer and hitting your main lines, going up and down the road and never leaves your subdivision, so essentially you’re supplying power to the other homes around you, and you’ll be credited the electricity you created for others. The energy never actually goes back to NB Power to be sent out again to another house far away; it never leaves your street or area!
  • What is the purpose of a rapid shut down?
    What is the purpose of a rapid shut down? Its like a transfer switch for a generator. If you have solar on your roof, and the grid is producing power until suddenly it’s not; the grid is down, so the rapid shut down detects whether there’s power at your outlet, through your relay. Then it shuts off the connection from the solar panels to your inverter, and stops creating electricity. The reason for that is perhaps they don’t want to send power back out to the grid because they might be working on it. So the rapid shut down is a safety switch required by code which is on every single grid-tied system.
  • Does someone need to come out to my house to inspect/assess it?
    Does someone need to come out to my house to inspect/assess it? Generally we are able to use aerial photography to provide an overall assessment of your property and provide an estimate using that data. If it is a more complex project, we may wish to come and do a site visit.
  • What about solar panels in winter?
    What about solar panels in winter? Depending on the storm and solar array pitch, it is possible to get snow on the panels. Solar panels won’t produce power if they are covered. However, the winter months don’t create the power like the summer months do so if it takes an extra day for the sun to melt the snow off; this generally isn’t an issue. Once the hot sun starts hitting a corner of the panel, it doesn’t take long to melt enough to slide off the array. Fun fact: the colder it is, the more power you can generate!
  • Is it possible to get a power surge? (on a super sunny day or during thunderstorm).
    A solar panel can only generate so much power, no matter how much sun there is. The systems are designed with several safety features that ensure that only the maximum designed amount of power is allowed to enter through the system. A lightning strike that lights up the sky does actually emit UV rays (the type of ray that produces solar power). In short, your solar array won’t suffer from ‘welder’s flash.’
  • What if I don’t want the panels on my roof?
    What if I don’t want them on my roof? Sometimes a roof mounted solar array just doesn’t make sense. You don’t have southern exposure, it’s full of dormers and chimneys, or you just don’t like the look of them! Many clients choose to install their solar on a ground mounted structure elsewhere on their property. Typically these structures offer the ideal orientation and pitch for solar collection throughout the year, with some of them even tracking the sun.
  • Can I put solar panels on my garage instead of my house?
    Yes! If your garage is on a separate power meter, I would recommend if they are close together to tie them in together and save a monthly surcharge to be connected to the grid. If you are all on one meter and your garage is south facing, put the panels on your garage and you’ll have a better surface. You don’t want to generate more power on your garage than you need to unless it’s connected to your house. So if you have two meters and can combine them into one, feed your house And your garage.
  • What if I don’t want them on my roof?
    Sometimes a roof mounted solar array just doesn’t make sense. You don’t have southern exposure, it’s full of dormers and chimneys, or you just don’t like the look of them! Many clients choose to install their solar on a ground mounted structure elsewhere on their property. Typically these structures offer the ideal orientation and pitch for solar collection throughout the year, with some of them even tracking the sun.
  • What if I move? Can I take the panels with me?
    No moving parts, they have 30-year warranty, and they continue to produce the same amount every year.hat if I don’t like the look of them on my house? You can, its possible, but I would recommend you increase the value of your home if you sell it.
  • What’s a ground mound VS a roof mount?
    Roof mounted systems take advantage of a surface that you already have, whereas a ground mount is a solar mounting system that is stationed in your yard and away from the house. The advantage of a ground mount is they will be oriented perfectly however will cost more than a roof mount. A roof mount is great if you have a south facing roof but that is not always the case.
  • What types of systems can I get for my home?
    Do I have to buy batteries or other equipment? Solar installations come in three different configurations. Grid tied - This system collects energy from the panels and you use the energy first, and surplus is sent backwards through your power meter to the grid. No batteries are required. However if the power goes out, you will have no means of storing it. This system has the fastest return on your investment. Essentially you are using the grid as your battery. Off Grid - this system doesn’t involve a grid connection at all. A battery is used to carry you through the night and on non-sunny days. No interaction with a power company is required at all. Hybrid System - this is a combination of the two systems listed above. You stay connected to the grid, but also have a battery that you can use when the power is out, allowing you to go in ‘off grid mode’ if there is an outage.
  • Why should I get solar panels?
    If you like saving money, being independent, and enjoy the feeling of freedom knowing that the power you are using comes directly from the sun; then you might want to consider learning about solar. Having solar on your roof also blocks the sun's rays from eating away at your roof covering as well, causing your roof to have a very long life.

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  • Energy Monitors | East Coast Sun

    What is an Energy Monitor and why would you need one? An Energy Monitor is a device that connects to your home's electrical system and tells you exacty how much money you are spending on operate devices in your home. How much does your water heater cost you a month? How much per shower? Why is my power bill so high? Is NB Power charging me too much? All these answers can be had right from the comfort of your cell phone. Knowlege is power. Increase your energy literacy with an energy monitor. We will come to your home and install one in your electrical panel, coach you, and set up your app for you. If you are interested in having an Emporia Energy Monitor installed at your home, fill out the form below and we will contact you and arrange a visit with to install and educate you on it. -Rudi Fowler East Coast Sun Costs: 8 Circuit Monitor - $500 plus HST - Includes Monitoring of 8 circuits, installed, and education 16 Circuit Monitor - $600 plus HST - Includes Monitoring of 8 circuits, installation, and education Additional energy monitoring smart plugs: $50 plus HST First Name Last Name Email Phone Select an Address Comments (do you want any smart plugs?) How many Circuits do you want to monitor? 8 Circuits 16 Circuits Not Sure Submit Thanks for submitting!

  • Sample Power Bill | East Coast Sun
  • Home | East Coast Sun | Solar | New Brunswick

    Switch to Solar in New Brunswick Will the government actually pay for my installation? Will I really pay Less right away? And I can do this without any money up front?! Why doesn't everyone have solar?! If you're tired of high power bills and ready to have more freedom and more money to enjoy it, find out how to make the switch right here. Curious what solar looks like on your home? Fill out this form and we'll send you an estimate. Don't worry, we won't call and hassle you! We will only send you an estimate that looks like this See Sample Estimate First Name Last Name Email Phone Select an Address Annual kWH (found on power bill) Sample Bill Here Roof Pitch (if known) Comments Submit Thanks for submitting!

  • Get Estimate | East Coast Sun

    Curious what solar looks like on your home? Fill out this form and we'll send you an estimate. Don't worry, we won't call and hassle you! We will only send you an estimate that looks like this See Sample Estimate First Name Last Name Email Phone Select an Address Annual kWH (found on power bill) Sample Bill Here Roof Pitch (if known) Comments Submit Thanks for submitting!

  • About | East Coast Sun

    About Me I am Rudi Fowler. I have been in the solar industry for 14+ years now and have helped hundreds of people save money by installing solar panels. Last year my team and I installed more than 70% of New Brunswick's solar projects and have been doing so for the past 14 years. We've installed more than 2 MW of solar in total. ​ I have experience in both residential and commercial rooftop and ground mount systems, solar trackers, 3-phase projects, grid tied, off-grid, and hybrid systems. I have never paid a power bill in my life and have been living off-grid comfortably for the past 15 years. ​ It is my goal as a solar consultant to propel the industry forward through education, using the power of the internet to help those wanting more information, to have a better understanding of how solar all works. ​ ​ Industry Leading Expert Rudi Fowler stands as the unrivaled industry leading expert on solar energy in New Brunswick, Canada. Rudi has consistently showcased his unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the field. Rudi's innovative ideas, meticulous attention to detail, and passion for a greener future have not only revolutionized the solar industry in New Brunswick but have also inspired countless others to embrace renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint. His commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, coupled with his passion for promoting clean and renewable energy sources, has cemented Rudi Fowler's reputation as the go-to authority on solar energy in New Brunswick, making him a trusted advisor and invaluable resource for individuals, businesses, and the local community alike. Personalised Solutions Armed with the immense potential of solar power, Rudi has become a catalyst for helping others significantly reduce their bills. As a visionary in the field of renewable energy, Rudi understands the transformative impact that solar technology can have on individuals and businesses alike. By harnessing the abundant and clean energy from the sun, Rudi empowers his clients to generate their own electricity and break free from the shackles of soaring energy costs. Through meticulous planning, installation, and optimization of solar systems, Rudi ensures that every client experiences the full financial benefits of renewable energy. With his expertise, he customizes solar solutions tailored to each client's unique energy needs, enabling them to generate their own power and reduce their dependence on the traditional grid. Rudi Fowler's dedication to helping others reduce their bills through solar power has not only provided substantial cost savings but has also contributed to a sustainable future, empowering individuals and businesses to take control of their energy consumption and pave the way for a cleaner, more affordable future.

  • Why Go Solar | East Coast Sun

    Why should I have solar? Save Money - Reduce Bills How can I save money with solar? In New Brunswick we are able to send power back and forth to the grid at the same rate that we buy it for. If we make more power than we use, the power is sent back to grid and a credit is stored with NB Power. We can use that credit later when there is no sun. Energy produced from the sun will be consumed by the household loads first, then surplus is sent to the grid. Grants and Interest Free Loans By using NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program and the Greener Homes Grant homeowners can save as much $8000 towards their solar installation. The initiative also includes a 10 year interest free loan which can be paid for using savings from your new solar installation. How much does it cost? How much do I have to spend in order to save? Is it worth it? A typical system on a home starts as little as $10'000. The fun part is that up to $8000 in grants are available. As well as a 10 year interest free loan. With these benefits, it makes solar one of the best upgrades you can make to your home. ​ Some systems can pay for themselves in as little as 5 years. Grants and Interest Free Loans By using NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program and the Greener Homes Grant homeowners can save as much $8000 towards their solar installation. The initiative also includes a 10 year interest free loan which can be paid for using savings from your new solar installation. Reduce or Eliminate Power Bills Solar power offers significant long-term cost savings. Once installed, solar systems generate free electricity from sunlight, reducing or even eliminating monthly utility bills. With the potential for net metering or feeding excess energy back into the grid, customers can even earn credits or financial incentives. Independance Choosing solar power provides energy independence. It offers a reliable and decentralized energy solution, reducing reliance on the volatile prices and availability of traditional energy sources. ​ It hedges you from inflating rates from power companies, eliminates tax on self consumed power, and gives you the feeling of independance. Increased Home Value Homes equipped with solar panels are highly attractive to environmentally conscious buyers who prioritize sustainable features. The presence of solar power showcases your commitment to renewable energy and can set your home apart from others on the market. Moreover, solar-powered homes often have lower energy costs, making them more affordable to live in. Overall, solar power adds tangible and intangible value to your home, making it an attractive investment for prospective buyers. Sustainable Future Choosing solar power demonstrates a commitment to a sustainable future and sets a positive example for others, inspiring a broader shift towards renewable energy adoption. Overall, customers who choose solar power reap the benefits of cleaner energy, financial savings, energy independence, and a brighter, more sustainable future. How Solar Works? Solar power works by harnessing the energy from the sun and converting it into usable electricity. The process starts with solar panels, typically composed of photovoltaic (PV) cells made of semiconductor materials. When sunlight hits the solar panels, the PV cells absorb the photons, creating an electric field. This generates a flow of direct current (DC) electricity. To make the electricity compatible with home or grid use, an inverter is used to convert the DC electricity into alternating current (AC). AC electricity can then power appliances, lights, and other electrical devices in the home. Excess electricity generated by the solar panels can be stored in batteries for later use or fed back into the grid, often through a process called net metering, allowing homeowners to earn credits for the surplus energy. Overall, solar power relies on the conversion of sunlight into electricity, providing a clean and sustainable energy source for various applications. Site Eligibility Properties with ample exposure to direct sunlight throughout the day, without shading from trees, nearby buildings, or other obstructions, are ideal for solar installations. Also, the size and orientation of the roof or available space are crucial. A sufficient area with southern exposure orientation is needed to accommodate the solar panels. Other factors that can affect suitability include the structural integrity of the roof and local building codes and regulations. Permitting Net metering permits allow homeowners or businesses to connect their solar installations to the grid and benefit from the ability to sell excess energy back to the utility company. This permit ensures that the system meets all safety and technical requirements for interconnection. These permits help to guarantee the safe installation and operation of the solar system, protecting both the homeowner and NB Power. Utility Connection Read up on the Net Metering program from NB Power. It can be seen here: Net Metering Solar On! Ready to consider solar for your home? Fill out the form here to get the ball rolling and see if solar can work for you! Get Estimate

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