Frequently Asked Questions

Maple Solar is a digital exhibition exploring solar energy innovation across Canadian landscapes. We combine scientific research, visual storytelling, and educational resources to illuminate the path toward sustainable energy. Our platform showcases installations from coast to coast, documents technical innovations, and connects engineers, architects, students, and advocates committed to renewable power.

While we maintain headquarters in Toronto at 215 Queen St W, our primary presence is digital, making solar energy education accessible across all of Canada. We occasionally host physical events and exhibitions—check our contact page or newsletter for upcoming opportunities to visit in person.

Our resources are freely available to everyone—students researching renewable energy, architects designing solar-integrated buildings, engineers seeking cold-climate data, educators developing curriculum, and curious citizens exploring sustainable energy options. We believe knowledge about clean energy should be accessible to all.

Yes! While winter days are shorter and sun angles are lower, solar panels actually become more efficient in cold temperatures. Snow reflection can boost bifacial panel output by 15-25%. Canadian installations from Alberta to the Yukon demonstrate year-round viability. The key is proper system design: steeper tilt angles to shed snow, cold-weather rated components, and often hybrid systems that combine solar with battery storage or other renewable sources.

Alberta and Saskatchewan lead in solar irradiation, receiving 3.6-3.8 kWh/m²/day annually. However, all Canadian provinces have viable solar potential. Ontario's capacity exceeds 2,850 MW, and even Yukon successfully operates installations using midnight sun during summer months. "Best" depends on your specific application—rooftop residential, utility-scale farms, or remote off-grid systems each have different optimization criteria.

Panels generate reduced power on cloudy days (typically 10-25% of peak capacity) and zero at night. This is why grid-connected systems remain tied to the electrical grid, drawing power when solar isn't available. Battery storage systems are increasingly common, storing excess daytime generation for evening use. Many installations also combine solar with wind power, which often peaks when solar is low, creating complementary generation patterns.

Bifacial panels capture sunlight on both the front and rear surfaces. The front generates power from direct sunlight, while the back harvests light reflected from the ground, snow, or nearby surfaces. In Canadian environments with high snow cover, bifacial modules can generate 20-30% more electricity than traditional single-sided panels. They're becoming the standard for utility-scale installations.

Quality solar panels typically carry 25-30 year performance warranties, guaranteeing at least 80-85% of original capacity after 25 years. Physical lifespan often exceeds 30-35 years with proper maintenance. Inverters usually need replacement after 10-15 years. Total system lifecycle, accounting for all components, averages 30+ years of productive generation.

Yes. Modern solar panels are approximately 95% recyclable. Glass, aluminum frames, silicon, copper, and silver can all be recovered and reused. Canada is developing specialized recycling infrastructure as the first generation of installations approaches end-of-life. The solar industry is increasingly designing for circular economy principles, ensuring materials remain in productive use.

Absolutely! We actively seek innovative solar installations, research projects, and community initiatives to feature. Contact us through our submission form with project details, photos, and technical specifications. We prioritize projects demonstrating unique design solutions, community impact, cold-climate innovations, or educational value.

Yes. We collaborate with universities, technical schools, and community organizations to develop solar energy curriculum and provide guest lectures. We also organize virtual tours of featured installations and connect students with industry professionals. Reach out via our contact page to discuss partnership opportunities tailored to your educational goals.

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