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Grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on roof-tops or mounted on the ground convert the sun’s rays into electricity. Your home or business will use the electricity produced by your solar PV system, and when more energy is generated than you are using, it can be sold to us through net billing.

What to consider before installing solar

To eliminate the need for grid connection you would need to invest in a very efficient home, a larger PV system, a large battery storage capacity and/or a large backup generator (usually fuel-fired) which would be very costly. Retaining grid connection provides the lowest cost method of installing a solar PV system today.

Connection to the Manitoba Hydro grid ensures a reliable supply of electricity when your solar PV system does not generate enough for your needs. Grid-connected solar PV systems can significantly reduce the amount of electricity you buy during daylight hours. How much electricity you buy and sell will depend on several factors including:

  • PV system kW size and panel orientation;
  • season, time of day, and cloud cover and shading;
  • electrical loads currently operating.

Before installing a solar PV system, you should be aware of the time it takes to recover all costs of installation. Learn more on how to calculate a payback period for distributed energy resources like solar.

To understand how various types of solar installations perform and the overall effects of solar capacity on the Manitoba Hydro grid, read our solar PV research study (PDF, 1.8 MB).

Illustration shows how solar capacity usage changes throughout the day, showing that a surplus of electricity only occurs when the sun is at its peak.

Solar capacity and usage change throughout the day, a surplus of electricity only occurs when the sun is at its peak, and usage is relatively low.

Enlarge image: Illustration shows how solar capacity usage changes throughout the day, showing that a surplus of electricity only occurs when the sun is at its peak.

For example, on a sunny day a home with a 5-kW system would likely be selling electricity to us when only the lights and refrigerator are operating. However, on a sunny day when a 20-kW electric furnace or a 5-kW electric dryer are operating you would begin purchasing power until the furnace or dryer shuts off. Cloudy, rainy, or snowy days would also require you to purchase power from the grid.

Bar chart compares the daily kWh output in January versus June and shows solar output is greatly reduced during winter months.

Solar output in January versus June which shows solar generation capacity is dramatically reduced in winter months.

Enlarge image: Bar chart compares the daily kWh output in January versus June and shows solar output is greatly reduced during winter months.

Solar PV electricity production changes throughout the day and reduces dramatically from summer to winter. Electric heat customers need most of their energy in winter when solar PV production is at its lowest due to the short days and the low angle of the winter sun. When solar production is at its highest during long summer days your energy requirements are much lower, resulting in more excess energy being sold to Manitoba Hydro at the excess energy price.

Panel system options

Fixed panel systems facing due south at 40° to 50° inclination achieve better energy output. This is easier to do by using a ground system. A rooftop system is often limited to the direction the roof faces, which is not often due south, and the roof slope, which is generally lower than the ideal inclination. Most ground systems installed in Manitoba to date have been lower cost fixed rack systems.

Solar tracker racks are automated systems that move to track the sun. They can produce up to 25% more energy but cost much more to install and may have ongoing maintenance expenses due to the moving parts. Snow and ice getting into the drive mechanisms could be a challenge in Manitoba.

If you are thinking about installing a grid-connected solar PV system in Manitoba, remember:

  • generating your own electricity generally does not mean you will eliminate your electric bill;
  • the direction the solar panels face and their angle of inclination will impact performance;
  • shade from trees or buildings, snow cover, and dirt will reduce energy production;
  • fixed ground systems are generally easier to keep clean/clear of snow and maintain compared to rooftop systems due to better accessibility;
  • your system is required to shut down during power outages to ensure the safety of our crews working on power lines;
  • solar PV has a greater lifecycle carbon footprint (per unit of energy) than Manitoba’s hydroelectricity, which makes up 98% of Manitoba’s generation.

All solar panel installations need an electrical permit and usually a building permit from your municipality. All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor and meet the Manitoba Electrical Code.

Questions to ask your contractor

  • Does the estimate include taxes, permit costs, a bi-directional meter, electrical service upgrades, and ongoing maintenance?
  • What kinds of warranties are provided on labour and product?
  • What projected electricity rates are being assumed to calculate any potential payback, including the price paid for excess electricity?

Follow our tips for hiring a contractor to ensure you feel confident in finding a supplier that best fits your project’s needs.

Financing & rebates

Qualifying homeowners may be eligible for financing to assist with the cost of installation through our Home Energy Efficiency Loan.

Learn about Efficiency Manitoba’s solar PV rebate

Homeowners and businesses may qualify for an Efficiency Manitoba rebate when installing a solar PV system.

Learn about the Canada Greener Homes Grant

Homeowners may qualify for the Natural Resources Canada Greener Homes Grant when installing a solar PV system.

For more information about grid-connected solar PV systems, email us.