Deep Roots Energy
Deep Roots Energy
Solar Services
Solar Services
Harness the sun’s energy to power your home. At Deep Roots Energy, we are dedicated to providing homeowners in Saskatchewan with first-rate solar installation services. With a solar energy system, you’ll enjoy lower electricity costs, gain energy independence, and reduce your carbon footprint.
We design, install, and maintain your solar energy system so all you have to worry about is increasing your savings. However, like any big home investment, it is important to gain an understanding of the system and how well it works for you. Below is a brief introduction to solar energy and installation methods. If there are further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
What Is Solar Energy?
What Is Solar Energy?
How It Works
How It Works
Solar power works by converting sunlight into electricity, which can then be used in your home or exported to the grid when it’s not needed. The conversion process occurs within your solar panels which are either mounted on your roof or on the ground. Electricity is then converted from the DC current from the panels to an AC current using one or more inverters. This electricity is used in your home or sent to the utility grid.
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics
The science of turning sunlight directly into electricity is known as photovoltaics (PV). Within each solar panel is a number of solar cells which are commonly composed of layers of silicon. When photons of light enter the cell, they excite the silicon electrons, causing them to flow and create an electric current. Connecting a electrical circuit to this system allows you to harness this energy.
Inverters
Inverters
All PV systems include one or more inverters which convert the solar-generated DC power to AC power, which can be used in the home or sent back to the grid (utility power is also AC). Modern inverters also monitor and optimize the solar arrays power output, automatically adjusting the system for top-notch efficiency. There are two main types of inverters, string inverters and microinverters, each with their own advantages.
String Inverters
String Inverters
These are relatively larger units that can be mounted indoors, typically in garages. Depending on the size of your system, most homes will need one or two inverters. Solar panels are connected in strings (or groups) and attached to the inverter. Unless DC optimizers were installed, energy monitoring is less precise with string inverters as they work on a group level instead of an individual module level.
Microinverters
Microinverters
These are small units usually connected directly underneath the solar panel, with each solar panel having its own microinverter. Microinverters convert DC power to AC power at the solar array so all of the wiring that runs down to the ground carries AC electricity.
Grid-Tied Systems
Grid-Tied Systems
Grid-tied systems are the most common type of PV systems that connect to the electric utility grid and uses it for both electricity storage and backup. When more power than needed is created, the excess is fed back into the grid, which turns the utility meter backward. SaskPower currently credits excess energy at 7.5 cents/kWh towards future energy bills. When the house needs more energy then the solar array provides, power is automatically taken from the grid.
Off-Grid System
Off-Grid System
The ultimate system for self-sufficiency, off-grid systems have no connection to the utility grid and are therefore the best system for homes in remote areas. In this case, solar panels feed electricity into a DC power battery bank located in the home. This process is monitored by a device called a charge controller. Electricity is then converted to AC power using an inverter before being used by the home.
Benefits of Solar Energy
Benefits of Solar Energy
Security Against Rising Power Costs
Solar savings based on a 9000kW system installed in Saskatchewan, using an annual energy increase of 1.5% and an annual solar system degradation of 0.08%.
Modern solar panels are increasingly impact-, wind-, and temperature-resistant. Depending on the type of solar panels installed on your property, you can expect product warranties anywhere from 25 to 40 years. Using the latest technology, we can regularly monitor your solar system and do maintenance at any signs of trouble.
Environmentally Friendly
Incentives and Payment
Incentives and Payment
Federal: Climate Action Incentive Fund (CAIF)
This program provides up to 25% funding for small business projects that decrease energy usage, save money, and reduce carbon pollution. Solar energy is eligible for this incentive.
Provincial: Walk-Through Assessment Program
Provincial: Walk-Through Assessment Program
This program offers Saskatchewan businesses an energy efficiency assessment to help identify a variety of ways to save power. SaskPower pays 90% of the cost of the assessment. Businesses receive recommendations to help save money and learn from an expert in commercial power efficiency.
Payment Plans
Pay a 30% initial downpayment then have your monthly payment after be the difference in your new geothermal heating bill and your old only gas heating bill. This essentially allows your current monthly heating bills to remain the same as it was before installing a new geothermal system. At Deep Roots Energy we are also very flexible with our payment options and can easily design one to fit your specific lifestyle.