Solar Project Process

Commercial solar is complex. We work closely with you throughout the entire process to simplify it for you – from initial design concept, through regulatory approval, construction, connection to the grid, and beyond!

Every project involves several milestones that engage with a number of key stakeholders. There are a number of regulatory assessments and approvals that are required. We work with you to ensure all applications are completed and submitted correctly. Here is the typical timeline, and what to expect at every stage:

1. Proposal

We will assess the suitability of your location, including the structural load bearing capacity of your roof. If your structure is suitable for rooftop solar, we will model a preliminary system design to maximize generation capacity. If your roof structure is not suitable, we can design a freestanding solar canopy system that can transform your under-utilized areas, such as parking lots, turning them into productive space. Our Master Electrician and Solar Designer will complete a site assessment to ensure that the design of your system is feasible. Once this feasibility is assured, we will provide a proposal with the system cost, and preliminary design.

2. Electrical

Once your proposal is signed, we will complete the detailed system design required for approval. Once the system design is finalized, we apply for a Connection Impact Assessment (CIA) through your utility, (often referred to as your Local Distribution Company, or LDC). This process will assess if there is enough capacity in the grid to allow for connecting your proposed solar PV system.* The system design, including single-line diagram, site plan and equipment characteristics are stamped by the engineer to submit to the LDC. The LDC has 60 days to complete the connection assessment for connecting system to the grid to allow for solar energy generation. Once the payment is received by the LDC the grid feed-in capacity is allocated and locked in.

*There is limited grid capacity available. Once that capacity is fully allocated for a geographic area there are significant cost increases for additional equipment to expand the grid feed-in capacity, which can impact the project feasibility.

3. Permitting

The draft Connection Cost Agreement (CCA) is executed by our solar design team who work with the LDC to define the scope of work performed by VCT, or LDC, to make the grid connection. An estimate is made and paid at this time, any funds that are unused are refunded to the customer at the end of construction.

Upon completion of the CCA we will apply for a building permit and schedule the construction.

4. Procurement / Construction

Your system is built by our team of certified solar installers and electricians. Throughout construction, inspections for rough-in, service, and connection authorization are booked with the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) to ensure installation is installed as designed, and in accordance with Ontario Electrical Safety Code. Upon completion, VCT performs our in-house Quality Assurance and Quality Control checks to ensure the highest standards are met. After internal Quality Assurance and Quality Control tests are passed, your system needs to undergo a final inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority.

5. Commissioning

Commissioning involves testing the system with an engineer, designer, and electrician, with a local distribution company representative present to verify safe and reliable operation of the transmission system.

COVER testing is a series of industry accepted functional tests performed during the final commissioning stage of the project. COVER testing confirms critical electrical equipment checks, validates the electrical design, verifies telemetry requirements for system monitoring, and ensures electrical protection is in place. The Distribution Connection Agreement (DCA) is completed as a legal contract with your LDC to allow for generation.

6. Energizing the System

A VCT electrician will come and turn your system on. Congrats! You are now generating clean, renewable solar energy.

7. Operations & Maintenance

With exceptional warranty terms and Operations & Maintenance programs, we keep your system running optimally. We monitor performance remotely to identify any issues before they significantly impact generation. Our goal is to have the quickest possible response time in the industry. Our team of solar technicians have extensive experience in maintaining systems for maximum output.