Thinking about going solar? You've probably got questions—and that's exactly why we're here.
At Stellr Solar, we believe customers should understand their solar investment before making a decision.
We've put together answers to the questions we hear most often about solar panels, electricity savings, installation, warranties, financing and long-term ownership.
Solar Panels, Performance & Weather
1. What About Hail?
Modern solar panels are designed for outdoor use and undergo environmental testing, including hail-impact tests.
Quality solar panels use durable glass and are engineered to withstand a range of normal weather conditions.
However, unusually severe hail, falling branches or flying debris can still damage panels.
We recommend checking with your home or commercial property insurer to confirm the extent of your coverage.
If you suspect storm damage, contact Stellr Solar before attempting to inspect or touch any affected equipment.
2. How Long Will My Solar Panels Last?
Modern solar panels are designed to generate electricity for decades.
Many reputable manufacturers provide product warranties of approximately 25 years, along with performance warranties that may extend to 25 or 30 years, depending on the model.
Performance warranties typically guarantee a minimum level of panel output over time.
Solar panels experience gradual performance degradation as they age, but they may continue producing electricity beyond their warranty period.
The exact warranty terms are provided with your selected equipment.
3. How Does Winter Affect Solar Panels?
Solar panels continue producing electricity during winter whenever sunlight reaches them.
Cold temperatures themselves do not prevent panels from generating power.
However, Nova Scotia's winter conditions generally result in lower solar production because of shorter daylight hours, lower sun angles, cloud cover and occasional snow accumulation.
Solar energy systems are designed based on estimated annual generation rather than expecting equal production every month.
Under eligible utility crediting programs, surplus electricity generated during sunnier periods can help offset qualifying consumption at other times of the year.
4. Do Solar Panels Work on Cloudy Days?
Yes.
Solar panels can generate electricity using both direct sunlight and diffuse sunlight passing through clouds.
Production is generally lower on overcast days, but the system can still contribute electricity.
A well-designed solar system accounts for the area's normal weather patterns throughout the year.
5. Will My Solar Panels Produce Electricity at Night?
No.
Solar panels require sunlight to generate meaningful electricity.
At night, a grid-connected property normally draws electricity from the utility unless it has another suitable energy source.
If your system includes compatible battery storage, some electricity generated earlier may be available for use after sunset.
6. Can Solar Panels Be Damaged by Snow or Strong Winds?
Professionally installed solar systems use mounting equipment selected to meet applicable structural and environmental requirements.
Designs take into account local wind and snow conditions.
However, if you notice loose mounting components, broken glass or other visible damage, contact a qualified professional rather than attempting repairs yourself.
Electricity Savings & Net Metering
7. What Happens With the Extra Electricity I Produce?
When your solar system produces more electricity than your property is using, eligible surplus energy can be exported to the utility grid.
For qualifying Nova Scotia Power self-generation and net-metering customers, surplus energy credits are banked and can offset eligible grid electricity consumption.
Unused credits are subject to annual reconciliation, and the utility does not purchase unlimited surplus production beyond eligible annual consumption.
This is why Stellr Solar designs systems around a customer's expected electricity needs.
Battery storage can also allow compatible systems to store some surplus electricity for later use.
8. How Much Can I Save by Going Solar?
Solar savings vary from property to property.
Important factors include:
- Annual electricity consumption.
- Solar system size.
- Expected electricity production.
- Roof orientation and shading.
- Utility electricity rates.
- Net-metering arrangements.
- Future consumption changes.
- Financing costs, where applicable.
Stellr Solar prepares customized proposals showing estimated annual production, energy savings and long-term financial performance.
These forecasts are based on reasonable modeling assumptions and are not guarantees of future savings or electricity prices.
9. What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is a utility arrangement that allows eligible customers to receive credits for qualifying surplus electricity exported to the grid.
During sunny periods, your solar system can power your property and may export excess electricity.
During lower-production periods, you can continue drawing electricity from the grid.
Available credits help offset qualifying electricity purchases according to your utility program.
Net-metering rules vary by province, utility and program.
10. Will Electricity Rate Increases Improve My Solar Savings?
When electricity rates increase, the value of qualifying solar electricity savings can also increase.
Producing some of your own electricity can reduce your exposure to future changes in electricity prices.
11. Can I Use Solar to Power My Heat Pump or Electric Vehicle?
Yes.
Solar energy can help offset electricity used by heat pumps, electric vehicles, water heaters, air conditioning and other electric appliances.
If you plan to add an electric vehicle or switch to electric heating, tell us during the solar design stage.
We can review your expected future electricity consumption when recommending a system size.
Installation, Equipment & Upgrades
12. What Kind of Maintenance Am I Required to Do on the System?
Solar panels require relatively little routine maintenance.
We recommend occasionally checking your monitoring app and visually observing the system from a safe location.
Rainfall generally helps remove ordinary surface dust.
Professional cleaning or inspection may be appropriate if the panels become heavily soiled or a problem is suspected.
Never climb onto your roof or open electrical equipment to perform maintenance yourself.
13. Do I Have the Ability to Increase the Size of My System Over Time?
Often, yes.
Many solar installations can be expanded if suitable roof or ground space is available.
Expansion may involve adding panels, inverters, batteries or related electrical equipment.
Feasibility depends on existing equipment, electrical capacity, utility requirements and the system design.
Compatible microinverter installations can offer useful expansion flexibility, but future additions may still require permits, engineering and utility review.
14. Can Solar Panels Be Installed on a Metal Roof?
Yes.
Many metal roofs are suitable for solar panels.
The mounting method depends on the roof profile and construction.
Some standing-seam roofs can use compatible clamp systems, while other metal roof types require different attachment hardware.
Our team evaluates the roof and selects appropriate mounting equipment for the design.
15. What If My Roof Needs Replacement in the Future?
If your roof eventually requires replacement, some or all of the solar array may need to be removed temporarily.
Removal and reinstallation should be coordinated by qualified professionals.
These services may involve additional costs unless covered under a specific contractual or warranty obligation.
If your roof is already near the end of its useful life, it may be more practical to complete roofing work before installing solar.
16. Can I Install Solar Panels on the Ground Instead?
Yes.
Ground-mounted solar can be a good alternative when a roof has limited usable area, significant shading or structural restrictions.
Ground mounting may provide more flexibility with panel positioning.
However, ground-mounted systems can require additional land, engineered foundations, trenching and site approvals.
Stellr Solar can assess rooftop and ground-mounted designs.
17. How Long Does It Take to Install Solar?
The physical installation typically takes considerably less time than the entire project.
The complete process includes system design, permits, utility reviews, procurement, scheduling, installation and inspections.
Our general planning ranges are:
- Residential projects: Approximately 2–3 months.
- Commercial projects: Approximately 4–8 months.
Actual timelines depend on project size, equipment availability, site conditions and regulatory approvals.
Batteries, Backup & Monitoring
18. What Happens to My Solar System During a Power Outage?
A standard grid-connected solar system without approved backup equipment normally shuts down when utility power fails.
This is an important safety requirement. To provide backup power, the system generally needs compatible batteries, control equipment and an approved electrical configuration.
19. Can I Add Battery Storage to My Solar System Later?
In many cases, yes.
Battery storage may be added to an existing solar system using compatible equipment and an appropriate electrical design.
The options depend on your current inverter equipment, backup requirements, available electrical capacity and selected battery technology.
If battery storage is part of your long-term plan, we recommend discussing it during the initial solar consultation.
20. Can a Battery Power My Entire Home?
Possibly, depending on the battery system and electrical design.
Some systems are configured to back up selected essential circuits, while others can support more extensive loads.
Backup duration depends on battery capacity, available stored energy and how much electricity is being used.
Large loads such as electric heating, EV charging and other high-power equipment may significantly reduce backup duration.
21. How Do I Monitor My Solar Panels?
Most modern systems use a manufacturer-supported monitoring platform.
Depending on the installed equipment, you may be able to view solar generation, historical production, inverter performance, energy consumption and battery information.
Stellr Solar helps customers get started with the monitoring platform associated with their installation.
22. What If My Monitoring App Stops Working?
A monitoring outage does not always mean the solar system has stopped producing electricity.
Common causes include internet interruptions, router changes and monitoring gateway communication issues.
If the problem persists, contact us with a screenshot of the message you're seeing.
Avoid opening electrical equipment or attempting unauthorized repairs.
Ownership, Financing & Warranties
23. What If We Don't Plan to Stay in Our Home or Business Forever?
You don't necessarily need to stay in the same property for decades to benefit from solar.
While you own the property, solar may help lower eligible electricity costs.
When selling a property, an installed solar system may be attractive to buyers interested in energy efficiency and lower utility expenses.
However, any effect on resale value depends on local market conditions, system ownership, age, performance and buyer preferences.
If the system is financed, you'll also need to consider the terms of the financing agreement.
Keep your equipment documents, warranty information and production records for future owners.
24. What Is the Workmanship Warranty on Installation?
Stellr Solar provides a 10-year workmanship warranty on qualifying installation workmanship, subject to your agreement.
This coverage is separate from the product and performance warranties offered by equipment manufacturers.
Your proposal and warranty documentation identify the coverage associated with your installation.
25. What Financing Options Are Available?
Financing options vary by customer, province, municipality and project type.
Depending on eligibility, customers may be able to explore municipal financing programs, third-party loans, lines of credit or other arrangements.
For commercial projects, specialized energy financing may also be available.
Stellr Solar can help customers understand available options, but financing approval and terms are determined by the relevant provider.
26. Can I Cancel My Agreement After Signing?
Stellr Solar's standard agreement includes a 10-business-day cancellation period without penalty.
Please review your signed agreement and any applicable consumer protection requirements for the terms governing your project.
If you wish to discuss cancellation or a project change, contact our team as soon as possible.
27. Why Choose Stellr Solar?
At Stellr Solar, we focus on more than installing solar panels.
Our team provides customized solar design, professional installation, project coordination and long-term customer support.
We work with residential and commercial customers on solar energy, battery storage, EV charging and related energy solutions.
We believe quality equipment, dependable workmanship and clear communication are essential to a positive solar experience.
With our 10-year workmanship warranty and commitment to customer service, we're here to support you throughout your solar journey.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Our team is here to support you throughout your solar journey.
Stellr Solar Customer Support
Email: info@stellrsolar.ca
Phone: 1-800-971-1295
Website: www.stellrsolar.ca
Explore our other guides in the Stellr Solar Learning & Support Centre for more information about installation, monitoring, maintenance, and energy savings.