Here are the recommended steps for microFIT!
- Have a site analysis done to determine feasibility, type, size of system, approximate cost and return on investment. We can also consider types of systems that a specific company may not familiar with, that would be best for your site. If you don't have an independant site assessment done in advance, installation companies will send someone to do an assessment before they will give you a quote. They typically charge you for the site assessment or if free, build it into the system price.
- If our site assessment indicates your site is suitable, then:
- Register yourself on the OPA's micro-FIT web site.
- Create an application for your micro-FIT project.
- We can provide the text for the "brief description of the project" that the OPA application requires.
- Apply to the local distribution company for a connection to the grid. This will confirm that they are able to connect you to the grid. Start this step as soon as you have applied to the OPA for a contract.
- We deliver a site assessment document to you in electronic format that you can send to several sales and installation companies, and they can use this information to provide quotations for the type of system that you require. Each company will be quoting an an identical requirement. AND, you don't have to pay each company for the labour to do a site assessment.
- If you wish, we can sell you a complete turnkey system. We do a financial analysis of the project, based on our quoted turnkey installed price.
- Obtain some quotes from other companies for the recommended type and size of system
- Decide if you wish to proceed. If so then:
- Wait for a conditional contract to be offered to you by the OPA.
- Wait for the LDC ( (Hydro One, Ottawa Hydro, etc) to issue a connection offer.
- Talk to the local distribution company, (Hydro One, Ottawa Hydro, etc) and discuss their requirements.
- Once you can be connected to the grid, and the OPA has offered you a contract, you can safely invest in the purchase of your system.
- Accept a contract with us or another an installation company for your system.
- The installation company (we) will obtain the necessary permits, on your behalf. They may also refund you the cost of the site analysis, since this is normally built into the price.
- The installation company installs the system except for wiring it to the meter base
- The installation company arranges for the ESA to inspect the work, and authorize it as ready for connection to the grid
- You inform the local distribution company that you wish to be connected to the grid and pay the fees
- Your installation company arranges for the power to be shut off, and then changes the meter base to a dual meter model, and installs a PV disconnect switch near the meter. This completes the wiring from the inverters to the new dual meter base.
- The ESA inspector arrives and inspects the new meter base and disconnect switch and authorizes a re-connection to the grid.
- The local distribution company arrives and installs the 2nd meter and hooks you up to the grid.
- Receive a contract offer from the OPA and accept it
Summary:
For most people, a turnkey installation is the best approach. We can provide consulting services assist you in reviewing the estimates, and selecting the best one for your site. We can also help you with the OPA application and applying to your local hydro. The sales and installation company does all the rest. You need to focus on picking the right type of system, and a solid company to do the installation.
If you would like to do some or all the work yourself, then click here for a DIY approach to save a lot of money.