Facts
LED Facts
What are the advantages of LED’s?
LED’s present many advantages over other sources of light including:
- up to 80% efficiency
- longer life
- greater durability and reliability
- smaller size and design flexibility
- quicker switching
- no UV emissions/little infrared
- customizable wavelength and colour options
- silent operation
- no toxic ingredients nor heavy metals
How do LED’s work?
LED’s work by passing current through a p-n junction. Current flows easily from the p-side to the n-side, but not in the reverse direction. Electrons flow into the junction via electrodes that have different voltages. When an electron meets a gap, it falls to a lower energy level, and releases energy in the form of a photon, or light. The wavelength of the light emitted, and thus its color depends on the “band gap” energy of the materials forming the p-n junction.
For a more in-depth answer click here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light-emitting_diode
How can LED’s have such a long life-span?
The short answer is because they never burn out. LEDs have no filaments, no metal fatigue, no oxidation and no evaporation of electrical components. LEDs are rugged, while incandescent and CFL lights are fragile. Another contributing factor is that LEDs use electroluminescence, which means very little damaging heat is created.
Can LEDs be used with dimmers?
Yes. Many of the lights we sell can be used with dimmers. This is a great advantage because the more you dim the less energy you use.
What does CRI mean?
Colour Rendering Index. It is a measurment of a light sources ability to accurately show the colour of given objects. The higher the CRI the better. It is accepted that natural sun light has a CRI of 100. Most of our bulbs are 80 or higher.
How does the retrofit program work?
The retrofit program is simply an initiative to reward businesses and homes for being more efficient with their energy consumption. For a more detailed description see the OPA’s website here.
http://powerauthority.on.ca/conservation
Solar Power Facts
Why go solar?
Solar energy production using the latest photovoltaic systems has become the preferred choice by homeowners, small businesses, corporations and industries looking to capitalize on government rebates and financial programs. In short, we now have the opportunity to invest in the future clean energy production of our province while at the same time earning money.
What is FIT, and how does it work?
Feed-in tariff or FIT is a method for encouraging renewable energy generation that benefits the producer, the consumer and the environment. FIT offers standardized rules, guaranteed prices and well-defined contracts that give developers and their lenders the confidence to undertake renewable projects.
Ontario’s FIT Program is divided into two streams - FIT and microFIT. The FIT Program is for renewable energy projects that can generate more than 10 kilowatts (kW) of electricity. The MicroFIT Program addresses small projects, at a home or small business, that can generate 10 kW or less.
Ontario’s FIT Program takes lessons learned from countries leading renewable energy such as Germany, Spain and Denmark, and builds an Ontario-based system for creating a reliable and sustainable electricity system. Next time you are driving through Ontario’s rich agricultural lands or through our bustling cities, take a look around and you will see signs of the FIT Program and many thousands of ground-mount and roof-top solar array installations.
How do I begin the process of producing electricity?
The OPA has a step by step guide on their website.
What happens to my hydro bill?
You will still receive a hydro bill. The FIT and Micro-Fit programs both involve producers selling their electricity back to the grid. You will still be billed for the electricity you consume.
Will OPA rates be lowered again?
Other countries that have offered subsidies on green energy have lowered their rates once the industries have found solid footing. However, once you have a signed contract from the OPA your rates are guaranteed for 20 years. The best defense is to complete your OPA application now.
What if I haven't yet submitted my OPA application?
Apply immediately. There is no obligation and current subsidy rates will not last forever.
What if I have special site issues?
You will be asked to state any "special" site issues up-front. However, during our assessment of your site we will trouble-shoot with you to find the best solutions.
Can a solar array be placed on my roof?
Different solutions can be used to put an array on almost any roof. However, there may be some size and weight restrictions. This may limit the amount of electricity you are able to produce.
What are “Turnkey” solutions?
The term “turnkey” simply means we have done all of the prep-work as far as hardware goes. A turnkey system comes with all the equipment needed for you to begin producing power.
Here is a list of links that will help you along your way to becoming an energy provider in the province of Ontario:
Ontario Power Authority – quick facts table
http://fit.powerauthority.on.ca/quick-facts-table-0
Ontario Power Authority – How microFIT works video
http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/
Ontario Power Authority – What is the FIT program