Frequently Ask Questions
How much does the typical installation of a Solar system cost?
Costs can vary widely, depending on the size of the installation, how much energy/hot water is required, and the location of your property. For the average 3 bedroom, 2,000 square foot home looking to heat their hot water and supply their forced air or radiant in floor heating system, the approximate cost is $15,000. For a commercial or industrial application, we can provide an accurate estimate combined with an overview of all of the grants and incentives available to you from the government and various utility and municipal programs.
How much would it take to make my home completely off the grid?
An ‘off grid’ home runs entirely off systems that do not require fossil fuels, including publicly provided electricity. A solar system can provide you with all of heating, hot water and electricity needs, including some forms of air conditioning. The price will vary depending on the size of your home and your energy usage, but the typical 2,000 square foot, 3 bedroom home, the costs are approximately $50,000. But you’ll never pay a utility bill again!
What happens to my solar system if I move?
Realistically, the average family moves every 5 years, yet your solar system is virtually repair and replacement free for up to 25 years. However, the installation of a solar system can significantly increase the value of your home, and you may be able to recuperate any installation costs upon resale. Alternatively, you can remove the panels, and install connection systems with your panels in your new home.
What happens to my solar system if I need my roof repaired?
Depending on the type and extent of repairs required for your roof (not related to the solar installation) required after the installation of your solar system, Trow Mechanical will provide a 50% discount of the removal and re-installation of the panels if your roof requires repair within 5 years of the solar installation. Your solar panels will likely need to be removed, stored, and re-installed in the event of a major repair or replacement of your roof. This will not affect the original installation of piping and indoor infrastructure for the solar system.
How durable is a solar system? What is the longevity of the system?
The average evacuated tube collector system or flat plate collector system lasts up to 25 years, and can withstand the impact of snow, rain, wind and typical hail conditions.
What happens if there is no sun for many days in a row?
You can elect to install storage tanks for your solar thermal heating system, and battery packs for a solar power system. These storage facilities allow you to store hot water or power for several days’ usage while the sun isn’t shining.
What happens to my solar system in the winter?
Your solar system will run just as efficiently in the winter as it does in the summer, although for a year round thermal heating system, storage tanks are recommended. Your heating system has it’s peak usage during the shortest days of the year, and the solar collectors have fewer hours in the day to collect sun rays. Storage tanks allow you to still have lots of hot water during increased demand versus decreased sun availability.
My house is already on the Hydro grid – can I still go Solar?
Absolutely. Solar installations are not limited to new homes, and can be installed in any home regardless of age, construction type or location.
Are there any miscellaneous charges from the government?
Although Trow Mechanical Inc. has no affiliation with the Government, at this time we have found that there are no additional taxes or tariffs in place for homes with solar systems. Clearly, we are unable to speak for what the government may do in future, but in the spirit of Going Green, it is unlikely that the government will charge homeowners extra for reducing their environmental footprint.
Is my solar system insured? What about repairs and replacement parts? Any licensed plumber can replace any individual part, or complete system.
What qualifies Trow Mechanical Inc. to install these systems?
Seeing that a solar system is a complex system requiring multiple levels of trade knowledge, Trow Mechanical Inc. carries all of the appropriate trades with the appropriate licenses to install a complete system, including service or repairs, in any type of location, usage or building type. For example, if a property owner elected to become entirely off-grid, meaning entirely solar dependant, Trow Mechanical Inc. can provide the electrician to connect power supplies, plumbers to connect water systems, gas fitters to connect furnaces, and project managers to oversee the entire project with integrity and quality assurance. Trow Mechanical Inc.’s Solar Division has a Management Team with expert knowledge of the solar industry and proven success in a variety of solar applications.
What can we do for you?
- Tankless Water Heaters
- Economizers
- Solar systems
- High Efficiency Furnaces
- Greywater re-use systems
- Water purification systems
- Smart Thermostats
- Ventilation and fresh air recirculation
- HRVs (heat recovery ventilators)
- Plumbing systems of any kind or size
- Heating systems of any kind or size
- Gas systems of any kind or size
- Fire systems
- Sewer systems
Planning on going solar?
We’ll provide all the answers you need to understand why Solar is better. Click here to find out why the smart decision for smart energy is with Trow Mechanical Inc.