Canada
Solar Market Outlook in Canada
The forecast is bright for the future of the solar energy sector in Canada. In particular, the year 2020 was a promising one for the Canadian solar energy market and it has built a solid foundation for more solar growth in 2021.
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association released a statement citing that the renewable energy market in Canada – not just solar – saw significant expansion in 2020 and it is looking to build on that momentum for 2021 moving forward. This was impressive considering the challenges that faced them in 2020 given the pandemic. For 2020, the total solar capacity reached 2,000 MW, giving Canada sufficient energy storage.
The consistent growth in the solar market is fueled by the increased corporate demand and the policies put in place by the government. Even with the disruptions of 2020, Canada was able to generate 70 MW of solar PV capacity. The three levels of government in Canada will work together to reduce carbon emissions and to facilitate growth in solar PV capacity.
Wind and solar combine to form the largest share in Canada’s renewable energy sector in terms of power generation.
Solar Energy Equipment Supply Capacity in Canada
Canada is one of the leaders in the manufacture of solar equipment. However, there are more available global and online suppliers to cope with the demand for solar components and accessories.
Top Major Seaports & Logistics in Canada
There are more than 500 seaport facilities in Canada. However, the major seaports serving trade and logistics activity include
- Port of Vancouver,
- Port of Halifax,
- Port of Montreal,
- Port of Prince Rupert,
- Port of St. John.
Ballasted Mounting Solar System
Ballasted Mounting Solar System
You may assume that installing a solar panel system is easy as some commercial ads say it is. But in reality, solar installers conduct a roof inspection beforehand to check if your roof is safe to install solar panels to avoid future conflict in the installation process. Note that, not all roofs can pass the test, as there are requirements to follow.
In today’s article, we will be discussing one of the ways to install your solar panel system on your roof.
What is Ballasted Mounting Solar System?
There are few ways to install a solar panel system on your house roof, the traditional way is directly attaching them to your home’s rafters. This common way needs cutting and putting holes into the roof to place the solar panels. Although most installers care to seal all those holes to avoid water leakage, it will eventually turn into trouble, as those sealers can break down sooner. That’s a real problem to be considered especially if you have a flat roof. It is one of the reasons why some homeowners choose ballasted mounting solar system installation.
Whereas, Ballasted mounting is a way of installing your solar panels on your roof without needing to place bolts on it to fix the panels. The ballast is usually heavy holding itself in place. Its weight distribution sometimes can be used as the ballast itself, but other installers use trays to receive concrete blocks. If you’re concern about those roof holes, this mounting system is ideal for you.
How to Install Ballasted Mounting Solar System?
Unlike the traditional one, Ballasted mounting does not require any holes to fix the solar panels on your roof. A ballasted mounting system offers various benefits of installing solar panels without causing damage to your home’s rafters. Generally, solar ballasts are not directly attached to roof rafters the way traditional solar panel installation works. Instead, concrete blocks or a solar racking system are used as based where the solar panels are placed directly on top and cemented to the surface.
Typically, after your installers inspect your roof, they will suggest the best way to install your solar panels so it is best to follow what your installers recommend than what you like.
What Kind of Roof Structure is Best for a Ballasted Mounting System?
Most architects design houses with low-slopped and flat roofs, particularly with a complex drainage system. However, this type of roof structure usually brings water leakage problems if small holes start to appear due to rust.
If you plan to install a solar power system with this type of roof structure, solar installers often suggest choosing the ballast mounting system as it can prevent damage to your roofs. With ballasted mounting, your roof will be free from expansion bolts or chemical bolts that usually damage your roof. To make it simpler, ballasted systems are preferable for homes with flat and low-slopped roofs.
Conclusion: Should You Install Ballast-Mounted Solar Panels?
Choosing the Ballasted mounting solar system is indeed a good way to install your solar panels. They are relatively easy to install, most importantly, they cannot damage your roof, retaining its great shape. However, you should pick this mounting system if your installers advised you because they surely know what’s best for your roof. Remember it is much suited to low-slopped and flat roofs than those high-slopped ones.
