A microFIT installation-step by step

The Process

Note: do not pay anything to anyone at this point

1. Register with the OPA

http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/


http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/sites/default/files/page/microFIT%20registration%20instructions%20version%202.pdf

2. Apply for MicroFIT by filling out an application 

http://microfit.powerauthority.on.ca/sites/default/files/page/microFIT%20application%20instructions%20version%202.pdf

3. Get accepted by OPA-receive your number

4. Start getting quotes for your system

5. Firm up you deal with the installer-but don’t pay or order anything yet

6. Apply to the local LDC (Local Distribution Company) Form C

7. They send their acceptance to you and to the OPA

8. Go back to your OPA site and log in to see if you have a Conditional Contract Offer

Now is the time to sign your contract with the Installer and pay a portion of the bill to get things rolling. Your installer should now managing the details of contacting the LDC, ESA, municipality etc to arrange appointments and schedules and provide necessary drawings or you could do this yourself.

9. Provide LDC with single line drawing (show example)

10. Structural engineer should inspect roof and permit should be requested from local municipality

11. Installer should be ordering his materials

12. Permit received

13. Installation

LDC turns off power to the house the morning of the install and the existing meter is removed. New meter boxes are placed position, inverter and other electrical items installed. The LDC turns on power to the house and the installation on the rooftop continues. In my case the LDC didn’t arrive until the end of the day to turn on the electricity so make sure your perishables are protected by not opening the fridge or freezer. They should be fine for 8 hours or so.

14. LDC comes in an installs your regular meter-but not the generation meter and this area is empty.

15. ESA inspection- The ESA will inspect the meter box, inverter hookup on the day of the install and will come back to check on the entire installation a few days later after completion. You should obtain the certificate (as a PDF) stating that the site has been inspected, either from your installer or directly from the ESA and upload it to your microsite on the OPA microFIT site.

16. LDC puts the second meter into position.-This can happen anytime after the ESA inspection and the LDC will not notify you. So check your meters daily. Timing can be quite quick after the ESA notification to a week or so later.

17. You now can turn on the system

18. You may have to have the municipality building inspector come by and ok it from the city side

19. Customer completes the Commissioning Verification Form and submits to PowerStream (local LDC in my case). This requires signature from you and your installer

20. PowerStream issues a Connection Agreement to the customer.

21. Customer signs and returns the Connection Agreement to PowerStream.

22. PowerStream updates the OPA with the project’s connected status.

23. OPA issues a Contract to the customer.

24. Customer accepts the OPA Contract.

25. OPA informs PowerStream of a new OPA Contract.

The above items happened very quickly in my case, hours sometimes a day later for other items.

26. PowerStream starts payments as per PowerStream billing cycle. Be prepared to wait a while to get your check or the direct deposit to your bank account. I have heard that it may take a few months…I will keep you posted.

Please use this list as a guide only. You should read all of the information on the OPA microFIT site, and talk to your local LDC who probably have a document that they can send to you listing all of their requirements. And finally confirm these details with your installer. Then do it all again so you don’t miss any details that could cost you time or money in the future.