Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Enfinity install solar panels on my house?
Enfinity does not handle residential solar energy projects. We only deal with commercial or municipal rooftops.

How heavy are the panels? Is my roof strong enough to support their weight?
A solar array weighs less than three pounds per square foot which most buildings have adequate excess load capacity to sustain. Regardless, licensed structural engineers analyze each candidate building to determine the building suitability. Enfinity will not proceed with an installation on a rooftop that does not meet our strict structural requirements.

What about the snow buildup on my roof?
Enfinity has developed hundreds of rooftop installations in countries with comparable snowfall accumulation to Ontario. Enfinity’s installations have been extensively tested and are certified not to increase snow load or snow distribution on your roof.

If the panels are simply sitting on my roof, will they blow away in high winds?
All Enfinity solutions are wind tested to Ontario Building Code standards. The design and strategic placement of the panels ensures they will remain in place.

Will the property taxes of my building increase as a result of the solar installation?
No. Section 3(1), paragraph 18 of the Property Tax Assessment Act exempts from taxation machinery and equipment used to produce electricity. The exemption under Section 3(1), paragraph 18 of the Assessment Act applies to the following: All machinery and equipment including the foundations on which they rest to the extent and in the proportion used for producing electric power but not including any buildings, structures, structural facilities or fixtures used in connection therewith.

Will the heat from the panels affect my roof and building?
Panels generate no more heat than any other dark coloured surface. The heat comes directly from the sun, and would otherwise be heating your roof directly. The solar panels increase the shade on the roof, reducing air conditioning costs and increasing the lifetime of the roof membrane.

How often will Enfinity require access to the building? (Relevant to Rooftop Lease)
For maintenance purposes, access will be required twice yearly for inspection and possible cleaning. This work would be completed on a predetermined and mutually agreed schedule. The performance of the array will be monitored remotely and emergency access (24-hour notice, during business hours) will be needed in the case of equipment failure or malfunction. Enfinity makes every effort to be an unobtrusive tenant on your rooftop.

What happens to my existing roof warranty? (Relevant to Rooftop Lease)
Enfinity works with a large roofing contractor to maintain your current roof warranty with the addition of the solar array. In the case of newer roofs, often the roof warranty is extended past the lease contract term. In the case of older roofs, the roof is either replaced or repaired at our expense, or the solar array is removed one time for a roof replacement during the 20-year lease term. In the case of large repairs or replacement, lease payments may be reduced.

Will Enfinity transfer or sell ownership of the rooftop lease agreement? (Relevant to Rooftop Lease)
No. Your partnership with Enfinity will be a continuous one. Enfinity will own and manage the solar installation on your property for the duration of our 20-year commercial lease agreement. We recognize and respect that customers assume a long-term commitment to Enfinity for the use of their valuable property assets – we will never transfer ownership of your installation.

Contact us with any questions you may have about solar energy, Enfinity Canada or our solar partnership options.

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