Frequently Asked Questions

There are two parts to the answer:

1. We are an investment cooperative. We do not install systems but fund them.

2. Sorry! We aim to install commercial-sized systems that are bigger than are typically installed on homes (except multi-residential homes).

Some of the key factors required for a successful solar panel system include southern roof exposure with no or low shading, long remaining roof lifetime and long remaining building life (solar PV systems typically last for more than 20 years).

We will do a free site visit to assess your location to ensure you meet the requirements for a solar PV system.

Our clients are aligned with the ICSC mission and vision and want to go solar. They are typically long-term BC Hydro residential or small general service business customers that stay in one place and consume in excess of 33,000 kWh of electricity per year. They also have the regular cash flow required to pay their electricity bill in full but don’t have the significant savings set aside to cover the upfront cost of a large solar PV system. Our client outreach includes rural communities, First Nations and businesses/organizations that serve these communities. If this describes you or your business/organization, please contact us; we would love to explore if our solar leasing program would work for you!

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In order to keep our project development costs reasonable, as long as we can secure a licenced solar installation company then our geographical area includes all of Vancouver Island and the islands.

The average annual and total cost saving to a client over 25 years, over the estimated increasing cost of using only BC Hydro electricity, net of the leasing cost for the system owned, installed and maintained over the same period by ICSC, will be determined on a case-by-case basis before the system lease agreement between ICSC and the client is signed.

Applying for a free assessment is easy. Fill out the Prospect Project Inquiry Form below and we will contact you to discuss your project in more detail and arrange a site visit. Click below to download the prospect project inquiry form.

Email your completed form to info@islandsolarcoop.ca or mail to Island Community Solar Co-op, 353 Seventh Street, Nanaimo BC, V9R 1E3.

ICSC maintains the solar PV system until completion of the lease. This includes routine cleaning or snow removal if required, as well as replacement of any equipment that fails during the lease period. In addition, ICSC monitors the solar PV system output to ensure it is delivering as much electricity as possible at all times.