West Winds Holdings · Okanagan, BC
Explore rooftop solar for your home in Kelowna, Vernon and across the Okanagan. Understand the benefits, roof suitability and installation process before you invest.
West Winds Solar offers residential solar advice and project planning, with installation carried out by qualified partners. Compare realistic solar potential using your roof, shade and electricity-use information.
LOCAL SOLAR KNOW-HOW
Practical answers about residential solar panels, roof suitability, installation and local utility requirements—plus advice for backup and off-grid projects when needed.
It depends on your electricity use, roof orientation and shading, installed cost, and how much solar energy you can use at home. Start with your actual power bills and realistic year-round production estimates—not a one-size-fits-all payback claim.
See what a residential installation involvesThe process starts with a look at your electricity use, roof condition, available space and shading. A qualified installer can then design the system, confirm permits and utility interconnection requirements, complete the installation and commission the equipment. West Winds Solar helps you understand the options and connects you with qualified installation partners.
What's included in a residential solar installation?Roof direction and slope, usable roof area, and shading from trees, neighbouring buildings and surrounding hills all affect production. Winter sun is lower than summer sun, so the best approach uses roof-specific shading and seasonal production estimates—not a generic estimate based on your address or elevation alone.
Yes. BC Hydro's self-generation rate for new participants began in July 2026, while FortisBC operates a separate net-metering program. How surplus generation is credited and what approvals apply should be checked with your own utility before estimating savings.
BC Hydro self-generationFortisBC net meteringNot on their own in most cases. Standard grid-connected solar systems shut down during utility outages for safety. If you want outage protection, a properly installed generator is often a simpler, lower-upfront-cost option; solar-plus-battery backup is another option that needs compatible equipment and correctly configured backup circuits.
Compare batteries and generatorsBC Hydro's outage guidanceBegin with a realistic load list, winter solar production, battery storage, backup charging and the starting surge from equipment such as well pumps. A reliable off-grid system is designed around low-production periods—not just the sunny months.
Local solar advice first. Qualified installers when you're ready.
West Winds Solar helps homeowners in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, Lake Country, Peachland and across the Okanagan assess rooftop solar, understand installation steps and compare practical options. Installation work is performed by qualified partners.