We’re Going Solar – Part 2

This is the second part of our journey to installing solar panels on our roof in Collingwood, Ontario.  Read part 1 here.

After making the decision to proceed, we needed to hear back from OPA (Ontario Power Authority) to the application we had submitted.  It took 9 weeks at which point we were told we passed the first test of suitability.  The next step was to make application to our local service provider, in this case, COLLUS.  Before we could contact them, COLLUS automatically ent us a rather complicated application form.

We selected our solar contractor which is Sun Volts Unlimited.  I have to say that Matt, our contact person there, was the most patient, professional and helpful person I have dealt with in a very long time.  He answered our endless questions, never rolled his eyes at me, prepared a professional written quote, modified it as I added changes and, he responded in a timely and caring manner on every occasion. They assisted us in completing the forms which we submitted to COLLUS.  Within a week following, we got the final approval from OPA – a conditional offer to connect a system.

Things have happened quickly since then.  First we met with our bank to arrange a financing plan.  Next, we signed a contract with Sun Volts, paid a hefty deposit and arranged for the engineering report to be completed.  The contractor is looking after getting the permits and all the other technical details from this point forward.

Now we just wait for the permits, the panels and the installers.  We have a target date for installation in just a few weeks and we are as excited as kids in a candy store.  I’ll keep you posted on how this journey unfolds and in the meantime, let the sun shine!