OUR SOLAR PRODUCTS
With the growing rise of Solar Energy, there are many ever changing products and ways to build the perfect system. Through our constant research and communication with suppliers, we choose the best products for your unique situation and guarantee the results. No two jobs are the same, and what may be good for one home may not be for yours. Talk to our team and ask questions about all the unique products available today.
Solar Panels
Choosing the right solar panel for your home involves finding a balance between performance, cost, and efficiency. Okanagan Solar only supplies Tier 1 panels, which are the highest class of module worldwide. We choose our panels based on efficiency, production, warranty, and aesthetic. We believe that residential rooftops work best with residential sized panels. These can often be in an All Black format to match a homes aesthetic, and fit better with modern roof design.
Our Partners - Solar Panels
We offer brands from top manufacturers such as Longi, JA, Canadian Solar, Trina, and Hanwha.
Inverters
Solar inverters play a crucial role in converting the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used to power your home or fed into the grid. There are several varieties of solar inverters, each with its own features, benefits, and applications. View below to read about some of the most common types.
Choosing the right inverter for your home can depend on several factors. Do you have one large piece of roof for solar panels, or will your system be broken up in to many separate roofs? Do you want monitoring of each individual panel, or are you fine with just knowing total production? Do you think you may want a battery backup system in the future, or are you happy with a grid tie only system? All of these factors play a part in the choice of inverter, and we are happy to guide you to the right choice.
- String Inverters (Central Inverters):These are the most traditional types of solar inverters. They are installed at a centralized location and connect to multiple solar panels arranged in strings. String inverters are known for their cost-effectiveness and proven reliability. However, they have limitations in terms of shading, panel orientation and individual panel monitoring. If you have a simple roof with only one or two slopes, and want a cost effective and reliable system, a string inverter will be the right option for you. Simple, and reliable. String inverters have become less popular over the years with the development of individual panel monitoring offered by Microinverters and Optimizers. But if you're ok with forgoing this panel monitoring feature, you get the most reliable product on the market today. Low lifetime service costs make this the ideal option for someone that wants to “Set it, and forget it”, as there is no electronics on the roof to service (solar panels very rarely fail).
- Optimized String Inverters: A more complicated system then both Microinverters and String Inverters, but offering unique advantages with integrated all in one battery solutions that pair EV chargers and home backup in one product range. This product has a higher cost, but is a great solution pairing many things under one long standing warranty package.
- Microinverters: Microinverters are installed directly behind each individual solar panel. This design allows each panel to operate independently, optimizing energy production even if some panels are shaded or experiencing different levels of sunlight. Microinverters can provide higher efficiency and enhanced system monitoring, then a string inverter, but may require maintenance or service throughout their life.
- Power Optimizers: power optimizers are similar to microinverters in that they optimize the performance of individual panels (work with shade). However, unlike microinverters, power optimizers are connected to each panel and work in conjunction with a central string inverter. This allows for some of the benefits of microinverters while gaining some of the benefits of a string inverter.
- Hybrid Inverters:Hybrid inverters are designed to work with both solar panels and energy storage systems, such as batteries and generators. They allow you to store excess solar energy for use during times when the sun isn't shining, such as at night or during power outages. Hybrid inverters are suitable for homeowners looking to take advantage of battery backup systems, and provide a reliable source of energy whether the power is on or off.
Our Partners - Inverters
- String Inverters:we prefer SMA and Solis for string inverters.
- Optimized String InvertersSolaredgeis the leader in residential solar inverters worldwide. They pioneered a technology called ‘Optimization’ that uses proven string inverter technology that makes each panel ‘smart’ with their roof mounted optimizers.
- Microinverters:
- APsystems microinverters offer the best price for quality of any microinverter. They have a robust individual panel monitoring system, and come standard with a 10 year warranty. This is our most popular product for a reason.
- Enphase is the world leader in microinverter sales and technology. They offer a standard 25 year warranty on their product that has integration with home battery backup systems, and proprietary EV chargers. This product comes at a premium in cost, but offers premium product additions such as battery backup and home energy montoring.
Racking
Solar racking, also known as solar mounting, serves as the supportive backbone upon which solar panels are mounted, maximizing energy capture while ensuring durability and structural integrity. From residential rooftops to expansive solar farms, various types of solar racking systems have emerged to accommodate diverse environments and project requirements.
Roof-Mounted Solar Racking:
- Standard Anchored Flush Mount: These are the most common type of racking for residential solar installations. They attach directly to the roof's rafters and decking, providing a strong platform for the solar panels to mount to. If you have a shingled or low slope torch down roof, this is the best product for you.
- Rail-Less Mounting: Rail-less systems eliminate the need for horizontal rails by directly attaching panels to specially designed mounts. This design reduces material and installation costs and can provide a sleeker appearance.
- Ballasted Mounts: Suitable for flat roofs, ballasted mounts use concrete blocks or ballasts to secure solar panels without penetrating the roof's surface. They are the most popular choice for commercial and flat roof installations.
Ground-Mounted Solar Racking:
- Fixed-Tilt Ground Mounts: These racking systems hold solar panels at a fixed angle, optimized for the site's latitude. They are the most cost effective ground mounting option and can be fitted to many different ground types through concrete pads, posts and helical ground screws.
- Single-Axis Tilt: Single-axis racking can be adjusted the to increase or decrease the tilt of a solar array depending on the time of year. The sun angle plays a crucial part in the output of a system, so changing the panels tilt several time per year can greatly increase annual production of a system.
Carport and Canopy Mounts:
- Solar Carports: Carports with integrated solar panels provide shade for parked vehicles while simultaneously generating clean energy. They are commonly installed in parking lots of commercial and public spaces.
- Solar Canopies: Similar to carports, solar canopies are structures with solar panels mounted on top. They can be used to provide shaded outdoor areas such as pergolas or Gazebos while producing electricity.