Frequently asked questions

Yes. Panels produce well in cold, clear weather, and a steeper tilt helps snow slide off. Output is lowest in December and January because the days are short, and highest from spring to early fall. We design for production over the full year rather than a winter peak.

It depends on the property, and we’ll tell you honestly. Manitoba’s electricity is cheap, and Hydro credits power you send back at a lower rate than it charges you, so payback takes longer here than in most provinces.

Solar tends to make the most sense when you use power during the day, want backup during outages, are off-grid or far from a line, or want to fix part of your energy costs for the long term. We’ll show you the numbers for your site, including when they don’t work.

Grid-tied systems connect to Manitoba Hydro through a bidirectional meter: you use your solar first, and surplus is credited. Hybrid systems add batteries so you can store your own power and keep essentials running in an outage. Off-grid systems have no utility connection and rely on panels, batteries and usually a generator.

As of October 2026, Efficiency Manitoba offers a residential solar rebate of $0.50 per DC watt up to $5,000, and a commercial rebate for pre-approved projects. The federal Greener Homes grant and loan are closed to new applicants. Programs change, so your quote lists only what’s open on the day.

Equipment, installation, wiring, permits and inspection, Hydro interconnection paperwork, monitoring set-up and taxes, in one price. If an incentive is counted, it’s one that’s open to you on the day.

Efficiency Manitoba has offered a commercial solar rebate, reported at $0.75 per DC watt since May 2025, for projects pre-approved before installation. Businesses may also qualify for the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit. We confirm current terms with you before you commit.

Because Hydro credits exports below retail, storing your own surplus can be worth more than exporting it. But batteries add cost, and with Manitoba’s low rates the main reason to buy one is usually backup and independence rather than savings. We’ll be clear about which applies to you.

We start from 12 months of Hydro bills (or your planned loads if you’re off-grid), then look at roof or ground space, shading and your goals. Power you export earns less than power you use, so we size to how you use energy rather than to the largest possible array.

Roof mounts cost less, use no yard space and avoid ground disturbance. Ground mounts can be set at the best angle, shed snow more easily, avoid roof penetrations and are easier to reach for cleaning. On acreages and farms a ground mount is often the better choice.

From your interval or monthly usage data and your operating hours. Businesses that use most of their power during the day get the most from solar, because power used on site is worth more than power exported under net billing.

Manitoba Hydro sets limits and requirements for customer-owned generation. We check your site against them early, before any design work is wasted.

Often, yes. It depends on your inverter and how the system was wired. We’ll look at what you have and tell you whether it’s a straightforward addition or needs a hybrid inverter.

It depends on the battery size and what you keep running. Most homes back up essential circuits, such as the furnace fan, fridge, well pump, lights and internet, rather than everything. We size the bank to the loads you choose.

Yes. Cold reduces capacity and can shorten battery life. We choose chemistries and locations, such as a heated utility room, that keep the bank within its working range.

Lithium costs the most but lasts longest and needs no maintenance. AGM is mid-cost and maintenance-free. Flooded lead-acid is cheapest but needs regular watering. The right choice depends on how often you cycle the battery, your budget and where it will live.

We list the appliances and equipment you use, how often, and in which seasons. That sets the battery bank, the array and whether you need a generator. An undersized off-grid system leaves you without power, so planning matters more here than anywhere else.

Not on its own. Solar electric systems can’t supply enough energy to heat a home through a Manitoba winter. We help you integrate other heat sources, such as a wood boiler, heat pump, solar thermal or gas, and size the electrical system around them.

For year-round use, usually yes, to cover long stretches of cloudy winter weather. We design the integration and can help you source and install a propane, natural gas or diesel generator sized to your loads.

Yes. We troubleshoot existing systems, replace failing components or whole systems, and design expansions. Many off-grid systems start small and grow, so we use products that make that straightforward.

Panels need very little: an occasional check, and clearing heavy snow or debris if production drops. Lithium and AGM batteries are maintenance-free; flooded batteries need regular water top-ups. Our workmanship carries a 3-year labour warranty, and panels, inverters and batteries carry their manufacturers’ warranties, which we register for you.

System software shows production and usage in real time, accessible from anywhere. It helps catch problems early, before they cost you a season of production.

Yes. Operations and maintenance are available for any solar system, whoever installed it.

Yes. We can design the system, produce the drawings and calculations, review your plan, or troubleshoot it once it’s built. Tell us where you’re at and what you need.

Yes. As an electrical company we handle design, service and panel work, disconnects, conduit and conductor sizing, inspection and Manitoba Hydro interconnection, so you deal with one contractor.

Adam Lethbridge, the owner and a Red Seal Journeyman Electrician. He designs the system and works on the installation with his crew.

Yes. Send a few details through the quote form or call, and Adam will follow up to talk through your property and goals.

Winnipeg and properties across Manitoba, including farms, acreages and cottage country. Tell us where your property is when you get in touch.