Solar Energy Kelowna

Let Onyx Design and Install your Solar System so you can Start Saving on Energy Bills.

Install Solar Panels and Save Money on Energy Costs

At the heart of Solar Panel Installations with Onyx, the root of our service lies in a commitment to innovation, excellence, and adaptability. We deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to your Energy needs. With Onyx, you can trust that your transition to Renewable Energy is handled with integrity, precision, and dedication to keeping you informed at every stage.

From Small Residential Grid Tied Systems to Large Scale Commercial Projects and everything in between, Onyx has the Team and Software to design accurate feasibility studies and models on the future performance of your Solar System so that you can make an educated decision.

Available Rebates & Incentives:

Grid Tied Solar Systems

A Grid-Tied Solar System is a Solar Energy setup that works in harmony with the Power Grid. In British Columbia, this type of system allows you to reduce your electricity bills while staying connected to BC Hydro’s grid for a reliable power supply. Here’s how it works:

Key Features of a Grid-Tied Solar System:

Solar Panels: These capture sunlight and turn it into electricity to power your home.
Inverter: Converts the Solar Panels Electricity (DC) into the type of electricity your Home uses (AC).
Connection to the Grid: If your Solar Panels produce more Electricity than you’re using, the extra energy is sent back to the BC Hydro Grid. This earns you Energy Credits through a program called Net Metering.
Using Grid Power: When your Solar Panels aren’t producing enough Energy (like at night or during cloudy weather), you automatically use Electricity from the Grid.

Benefits in BC:

Save on Electricity Bills: By generating your own energy, you reduce how much you buy from BC Hydro.
Net Metering Program: BC Hydro and Fortis BC Credits you for the extra Solar Energy you send to the grid, which offsets your future Electricity costs.
Eco-Friendly: Solar Energy reduces your carbon footprint by cutting down on the need for Fossil-Fuel-Generated Power.

Important to Note:

A Grid-Tied System doesn’t work during a power outage unless you add a Battery Backup system. This is because it’s designed to shut down for safety when the Grid goes offline.

Why Choose Grid-Tied Solar in BC?

It’s an affordable and efficient way to use Solar Energy while still relying on the Grid when needed. You save money, help the environment, and enjoy a seamless power supply.

Off Grid Solar Systems

An Off-Grid Solar System is a setup that works completely independently of the Electricity Grid. It provides all the power you need, even in remote areas, by relying entirely on Solar Energy. Here’s how it works:

Solar Panels: Capture sunlight and convert it into Electricity.
Battery Storage: Stores the Energy you generate during the day to use at night or when the sun isn’t shining.
Inverter: Converts the Electricity from the Solar Panels (DC) into usable Electricity for your appliances (AC).
Backup Generator (Optional): Acts as a Backup for extra power in case your Battery runs out during extended cloudy days.

Key Point:

You’re not connected to the Grid, so you’re entirely self-sufficient.
It’s ideal for remote areas or people who want full energy independence.

Hybrid Solar Systems

A Hybrid Solar System combines the best of two worlds: Solar Energy and Backup Power. Here’s how it works in simple terms:

Solar Panels: These capture sunlight and turn it into Electricity.
Inverter: This device changes the Electricity from the Solar Panels (DC) into the type you use in your Home (AC).
Battery Storage: A Hybrid system has a Battery to store excess energy produced during the day. This stored power can be used at night, during cloudy days, or when the power goes out.
Grid Connection: It’s still connected to the Electricity Grid. If your Solar Panels and Battery don’t supply enough Energy, you can use power from the Grid. On the other hand, if you produce more energy than you need, you can often send it back to the grid for a credit.

Why is it “Hybrid”?

Because it combines:

Solar Power: To reduce your electricity bills.
Battery Backup: For energy independence and reliability.
Grid Power: As a safety net when needed.

It’s a flexible and efficient way to use Solar Energy while ensuring you always have power when you need it.

Solar FAQ's

How much will Solar cost to Install on my Home?

The average installation cost for a Residential Solar System is $15,000-$30,000. This varies depending on Roof space availability, Orientation of the Solar Panels and Energy Consumption of your Home.

Can Solar Panels produce Electricity in the Winter months?

Solar Panels still do produce throughout the Winter months at a lower capacity. However, during Summer months your Solar Panels will produce enough Energy to offset the decrease in production throughout the Winter.

What rebates and grants are available for putting Solar on my Home?

Currently, there is a 10 Year Interest Free Loan through the Federal Government of Canada. If you are a BC Hydro customer, you can apply for up to a $10,000 Grant for the Installation of Solar Panels and Batteries, $5000 for Solar Panels and $5000 for Batteries.

My roof is 5-15 years old. What should I do with the roof before putting Solar on my Home?

Most Shingle Roof Manufacturers expect their shingles to last for 15-30 Years, therefore if your roof is within that time frame we recommend consulting a Roofing expert prior to the installation of Solar on your Home. Solar Panels can protect your Roof from exposure of the Sun and other weather conditions and can prolong life.

How long do the Solar Panels produce Electricity for?

The Production life span of most big name Solar Panel manufacturers are 25-30 Years. Like many things, Solar Panels do have a degradation factor which is on average 2% for the first year and 0.55% for the remaining 29 years.

What warranties come with the Products being installed on my Home?

Our top of the line products which include Racking, Solar Panels and Inverters come with varying Warranties. Our Inverters come with a 10 Year Warranty which is extendable to 20 Years, the Solar Panels we use come with a 25 Year Production Warranty and the Racking products we Install come with a 25 Year Warranty.

How does Net Metering actually work, and how does it get applied to my billing?

When your Solar Panels produce more Energy than your Home needs, you feed the excess Energy back into the Grid and build up Generation credits for the future months when you are consuming more than you are producing.

Do my Solar Panels still produce Electricity when the Power goes out?

No, Solar Panels do not continue to produce Energy when the power goes out. There is a safety feature built into the Inverter system that inhibits the flow of Electricity to protect Power Line technicians working in the field.

What sort of maintenance is required on my Solar Panels?

Solar Panels are virtually maintenance free. Solar Panels come with a protective film on the surface of the glass from the Manufacturer; typically rain will take care of the excess debris build up.

How do I monitor the production of my Solar Array?

All Inverter manufacturers come with an End User monitoring system and app for you to look at production and equipment. We also monitor your Solar System on the back end and get notified of any equipment issues, if these issues were to arise, we will contact you in a timely manner.

Achieve new heights in energy savings by going Solar.

We are very fortunate to live in the Okanagan that benefits from an average of 1950 hours per year of sun. That combined with the high price of electricity are all factors that go into the decision to go solar.

Some Recent Solar Installations