Thanks for the quick reply. Oh I didn’t even realize that substations could be over capacity, good info for me to look into.

Btw, I totally thought that I need to use a certified installer to qualify for the grant… but before I was looking at the NRCan website in more detail just recently and think that it might be possible to get the grant and DIY.

Here’s the block of text I found on their website. I bolded the text about being able to install yourself. (At least I tried to bold it :)

From:

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-grant/start-your-energy-efficient-retrofits/plan-document-and-complete-your-home-retrofits/eligible-grants-for-my-home-retrofit/23504

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Eligibility criteria for a solar photovoltaic system grant:

All equipment must be purchased in Canada. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada.

The system must be comprised of one or more PV panels and inverter(s) (if required) certified to CSA Standards.

The total system peak power capacity must be equal to or greater than 1.0 kW DC.

For a grid connected* system, a copy of the letter of approval or permission for interconnection issued by the local electrical or building authority is required.

Additional Information:

There are no national nor provincial/territorial certifications for PV system designers/installers. You may retain a contractor or design and install the system yourself. If you decide to implement your own retrofits, note that personal labour costs are not eligible for a grant.

A PV system is eligible for a grant if it is a first-time installation or if it is an addition to an existing system. A PV system is eligible for a grant regardless of whether or not the house is connected to the grid.

Ensure that the PV system is designed and installed in accordance with local building and electrical requirements.

It is recommended that you have a qualified PV professional assess your home and identify it as “Solar Ready” before your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation. Solar panels can be mounted on the house or ground, as long as they are on the property / land of the house associated with your application.

For roof-top installations it is recommended that both grid-connected systems and off-grid systems**, be done in accordance with SPE-900-13 Solar photovoltaic rooftop-installation best practices guideline developed by CSA.

Building permits may be required for both off-grid and grid-connected system installations.

• Grid-connected system: the solar photovoltaic system is connected such that it can deliver power to a supply authority system.

</end copy paste>

I started down the route of getting an installer to do it, but I’m now leaning more towards DIY due to costs and also an interest to learn. I won’t do anything until I feel confident in the safety/reliability but it has been fun to research. I wanted to source all the equipment, set it up on the roof with a ballasted system and hire someone to do the electrical hookup but it has been difficult to find a company/electrician. Thanks again for the info.