Why install solar panels on your home? The following is based on material available from TD Canada Trust. Here are five good reasons according to TD Canada Trust, one of the big five banks in Canada:

1. You can increase the value of your home. A home that costs less to run may be worth more.
2. They're low-maintenance. Solar panels require little maintenance and typically last more than 25 years.
3. You can reduce your energy footprint and impact on the environment. Solar power is a renewable, natural energy source that is non-polluting.
4. You'll be diversifying our energy supply. To meet increasing energy demands, Canadians need to diversify our energy supplies beyond conventional sources such as oil, coal and gas.
5. You can save money. By installing solar panels you will reduce the energy that you use from the electrical grid, which means you don't have to buy as much (this is not the case with the Ontario FIT and MicroFIT programs...they simply pay for every kilowatt you produce at a high premium). In some provinces you can even sell your solar-produced power to your utility provider, earning money for the energy you produce (this is the case for the Ontario FIT and MicroFIT programs).

Getting started

1. Review information provided in your electricity bill or contact your local utility provider to determine your yearly household electricity usage in kilowatt hours.
2. Ask a qualified contractor to provide an assessment of the suitability of your home for solar energy generation. The contractor can assess your roofs solar potential, determine the amount of energy that can be produced, identify suitable products, and provide a quote for installation.
3. To find a qualified contractor, contact your local utility provider or visit the Canadian Solar Industries Association at www.cansia.ca.
4. Research provincial and municipal environmental incentive programs.
5. Compare how much electricity you currently use against how much electricity your solar panels will produce to assess your potential for savings.
6. Contact your local utility provider to discuss what approvals and permits you require. Some utilities will also require specific insurance for the system.
7. Contact your municipality to determine what permits are required  if any.

1. Hire a qualified contractor to install your equipment and complete an electrical safety inspection of your project.Ask for references and make sure the contractor is licensed.
2. Review your contract carefully so that you clearly understand the responsibilities and terms.

1. Work with your contractor and utility provider to connect your system and understand how to operate and maintain it.
2. Make sure that all permits and inspections are complete.
3. Confirm any administrative details required to receive environmental incentives or link into utility programs.

1. Take pride in the fact that you are reducing your energy footprint and impact on the environment, enhancing the value of your home, and helping to diversify our electricity supply.

Glossary of terms