Solar Ready Guidelines

According to CanSIA, improperly prepared roofs can increase the cost of solar panel installation by 15-30%. CBC News recently reported that more than 50% of homes in Canada aren’t ready due to poor angles or age of construction, as well as solar panel costs. Because of their carbon footprint, more homeowners want to transition to clean power in the age of rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness. But before you get some polycrystalline solar panels on your covering, let’s talk about being “ready” with a proper solar power system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare your home—from inspection and electrical upgrades to choosing the right solar panel systems. After all, we don’t want you to end up like that guy who buys a Tesla but forgets to build a garage.

Steps to Prepare Your Home for Installation

Roof Inspection and Evaluation

First, your roof is the most important factor in getting the most out of your solar PV systems. Monocrystalline solar panels are designed to last at least 25 years, so ask yourself—is it in good enough shape to last just as long?

Condition

Roofing materials matter. According to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, homes with roof decks under five years old are ideal.

• Asphalt shingle roofs are common and compatible with clean power, but installation can be tricky if you have clay tiles or green ones.
• A roofer can assess the condition, look for structural weaknesses, and determine if repairs are needed.

Orientation and Tilt

In the Northern Hemisphere, panels prefer to face south, where they’ll catch maximum sunlight exposure. However, east—and west-facing roofs can still generate energy with the right equipment. If your covering is flatter than Saskatchewan’s, consider using mounting brackets to get the right angle.

Shade Analysis

Shadows are the sworn enemy of modules. Even a small shading on one part can cut the energy output.

• Some studies indicate that 10% shading can reduce output by 30% or more due to cells’ interlinked nature.
• Use tools or consult your installer for a shading analysis.

Pro tip: prune any trees determined to ruin your output before installation.

Electrical System Compatibility

Homes need a 200-amp service panel to handle the additional load from a system, especially if you plan to add storage batteries. If you’ve got an older 100-amp panel, it may not be equipped to handle the surge. About 30% of Canadian homes over 25 years old may need an electrical panel upgrade to go ready.

Wiring Requirements

Installations often require specific types of wiring (10 AWG or thicker) to handle the current safely. Conduit installation may be necessary to protect wiring from the elements if it’s exposed. Some electrical modules must be rewired to accommodate input, so an electrician will likely assess whether your setup needs an upgrade.

Let’s Get Your Property Ready for Installing Solar Panels

Prepping Your Covering

Space and Layout	Natural Resources Canada suggests a minimum of 3.7 m x 3.0 m (12’ x 10’) of clear, unobstructed space for the panels. This area should be free of chimneys, skylights, and vents—anything that might shade or interfere with placement.
Orientation and Azimuth	For optimal power, as you install solar panels, they should face between 90º and 270º azimuth from the true north (east to the west range). This harnesses the sun’s daily arc across the sky. If it is slightly off-angled, you can use tilt mounts to adjust.
Pitch (Slope)	The ideal pitch falls between 23º to 56º (or a 5/12 to 18/12 ratio). This allows snow to slide off while ensuring maximum exposure throughout the year. This pitch might need adjusting if you’re in a flatter area, like Manitoba.

Installing Conduits

PV Conduit

To comply with the Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, you’ll need a 2.5 cm (1”) diameter conduit that connects from an accessible area down to your designated PV electrical hardware location (in the mechanical room).

• Material like rigid metal or PVC should be durable, and the path should be as straight as possible.
• Although a few bends and elbows are fine, you want to avoid sharp turns that can cause future maintenance.

SDHW Conduits

SDHW systems need slightly larger conduits than PV ones to carry piping for water.

• NRC recommends at least two 7.6 cm (3”) conduits (or a single 10.2 cm (4”) conduit) capable of withstanding high temperatures (e.g., PVC certified to ASTM D1785 standards).
• These should run straight and within the envelope to avoid attic temperature swings that could degrade the system over time.
• If the conduit runs through an attic, installing a protective sleeve can prevent overheating from insulation contact.

Capping, Sealing, and Safety

Attic Termination

Conduits should end 15.2 cm (6”) above the insulation and have around 45.7 cm (18”) of vertical clearance between the end and the deck. This allows easy access for future work while preserving your home’s fire and insulation ratings.

Roof Termination

If you don’t have an attic (e.g., with a cathedral ceiling), conduits must exit directly through the covering. In this case, they should be fitted with a rubber or corrosion-resistant metal flange for airtight and watertight sealing.

Mechanical Room Termination

This room should have dedicated space for both PV and SDHW conduits, with clearance around each termination. For PV, leave 5 cm (2”) of vertical space; for SDHW, 10.2 cm (4”) above and 30.5 cm (12”) of horizontal clearance is ideal.

Plumbing Connections for SDHW

If you’re installing an SDHW system, you’ll need to get your water heater ready. This involves setting up two copper “tee” connections on the cold-water inlet line of your water heater, with ball valves that allow easy shut-off when it’s time to connect it. These ball valves should remain closed and capped until a future connection is needed as you evaluate the solar panels’ cost.

Mechanical Room Requirements

• You’ll need 91.4 cm x 91.4 cm (36” x 36”) of clear floor space in this room to house your future SDHW storage tank.
• With a clearance height of 182.9 cm (72”) and a design load capable of supporting 453.6 kg (1000 lb), this space should be close to your current water heater but away from any emergency exits, doorways, or areas where it might impede access to other equipment.
• For additional components, allocate another 91.4 cm x 91.4 cm on the wall for the inverter, pump, and other solar panel system controls.

Electrical Outlets

Your SDHW system will need a 110-volt standard outlet within 182.9 cm (72”) of the allocated tank area. While a dedicated circuit isn’t required, an accessible outlet ensures easy power for your controller and other monitoring equipment.    

Let the Sun Shine In

And there you have it—a prepped home, primed to harness the sun’s power and turn it into clean, renewable energy. By preparing your property according to these, you’re setting the stage for an efficient, cost-effective installation of a solar system. Our team ensures every rooftop, attic, and conduit runs like a well-sunlight-powered machine. Whether you’re aligning your roof at the optimal 90º to 270º azimuth or spacing out SDHW with a clearance to avoid overheating, our team will guide you through every detail, even about the cost of solar panels. Contact MAG Solar to kickstart reducing your electricity bills. Don’t let roof space, conduit alignment, or storage requirements hold you back from tapping into the sun’s power. The sky’s the limit—and the sun’s the fuel.