Why Solar?

There are two main motivations for homeowners choosing solar: reducing their environmental impact, and gaining more control over rising electricity costs, both of which are becoming more urgent in today’s world.

For homeowners who wish to reduce their carbon footprint, solar is one of the most impactful steps you can take. A residential solar system reduces your reliance on fossil fuels and helps cut emissions, and the benefits outweigh the environmental costs of production, installation (especially roof-mount where the infrastructure already exists) and disposal at end of life. 

If your main motivation is environmental, solar is a powerful way to take meaningful action at home.

The financial side can be a little more personal. Payback timelines vary depending on your roof, energy use, system size, and future electricity rates. That’s why we encourage homeowners to think of solar not only as an investment, but also as a long-term shift toward stability.

Most residential systems in New Brunswick are grid-tied and use net metering. That means you’ll still receive a monthly bill from NB Power (including the basic service charge and HST), but many homeowners find their energy costs drop dramatically from the first month of production, and there is deep satisfaction in seeing that reflected in your monthly bills.

If you want a deeper dive into the cost and benefit side, we wrote a full guide here:
Solar Panels: A Personal Cost-Benefit Guide for Homeowners
 

Why Now?

Solar technology has improved enormously in recent years and the pricing has shifted in a way we haven’t seen before.

We’ve just received our 2026 pricing, and the change is remarkable. The same panel model we installed in 2025 produced 445 watts. The updated version now produces 500 watts — at a cost that is 18% lower than we were paying less than a year ago.

With numbers like that, it’s tempting to wonder: Should I wait even longer? Will prices drop further?

We understand the instinct, but we also want to be honest: waiting comes with real risks.

While solar technology continues to improve, the materials used in these systems, including aluminum and silver, are becoming more expensive. Between inflation, commodity pricing, and the potential for tariffs, it’s unlikely we’ll see solar equipment stay this low for long.

And the longer you wait, the longer you remain fully dependent on the power company during a time period where electricity rates are continuing to rise (in NB 2025 saw an increase of 9.7%, and NB Power has requested another increase of 4.75% on Apr 1, 2026).

For many homeowners, the cost of waiting starts to outweigh any potential savings.

Another factor is incentives. Many people hoped to take advantage of federal programs like the Greener Homes Grant or the Canada Greener Homes Loan, but those programs have now ended, and there are currently no new federal incentives for residential solar.

That said, there is still support available locally.

The Beauséjour Renewable Energy Cooperative is a local, community-owned and managed investment co-op that has support available for residents and businesses looking to finance a renewable energy system. Explore this option here: https://beausejourcoop.wordpress.com

The NB Power Total Home Energy Savings Program currently offers a solar rebate of $200 per kW, up to a maximum of $3,000. This program also supports other energy efficiency upgrades, making it a great option for homeowners planning long-term improvements.

Why Wheeler Electric?

Sustainability is at the heart of our mission, and we celebrate every solar installation, whether or not we were the team on-site. Every homeowner who takes steps toward renewable energy is contributing to something bigger: a cleaner, more resilient future for all of us.

That’s why it’s always tough to hear from people who went solar with high hopes and ended up disappointed. Over the past year, we’ve spoken with locals who shared experiences that were deeply disappointing, not least because they all started from a place of trust and excitement.

One homeowner reached out for a second opinion after their installation was delayed and they weren’t getting answers from their contractor. When we reviewed the numbers, it turned out the system could never have produced what was stated. The contract they had signed included a clause protecting the installer, leaving the homeowner obligated to pay the full price.

Another family told us they realized on a few occasions that someone was on their roof, without ever knocking on the door and introducing themselves. The solar company had hired multiple subcontractors and never communicated about scheduling, so the homeowners didn’t know who was there, what they were doing, and whether they were properly licensed or insured.

Another homeowner shared that they had gone with a company that provided financing that offered a great incentive.  Unfortunately, the project was delayed and sat idle for months after the panels were installed, waiting for someone to finish the electrical connections and order the final inspection. The kicker was that the homeowner was on the hook for interest payments from the day the contract was signed, more than 6 months before the system was actually completed.

Perhaps the worst example is a recent project that has been ordered to be completely removed after failing inspection. It turns out that both the installation and the electrical connections weren’t completed to code, and the only way to ensure compliance is to take it all down and start again

We understand why stories like these cause hesitation. Choosing a solar partner involves a lot of trust, and no one wants to feel uncertain about such an important investment. We’ve heard multiple times from customers that, “I wish I’d known there was a local option.” That’s where we come in. 

As a local team, we take pride in every project we deliver. Our customers know exactly who’s working on their property, and we stand behind every installation we complete. While national companies may offer low introductory quotes or financing incentives, we focus on long-term value, safety, and satisfaction. We’re confident you’ll never regret working with Wheeler Electric on your solar project.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We LOVE learning everything we can about solar.  We stay current on emerging technologies, new code requirements, training, and advanced systems, including battery storage and EV integration, so your investment is future-ready.

We visit your property in person before finalizing design or pricing, to understand its unique features and prevent surprises that often come from AI or satellite-based quotes. 

We assess your electrical system thoroughly to ensure it’s ready for solar, including any necessary panel or service upgrades.

We use only high‑quality components, solar panels, inverters, and equipment, backed by strong manufacturer warranties and our own service guarantee.

Every system we sell comes with a monitoring system, so both you and our team can track performance remotely.  It’s likely we’ll spot issues and reach out before you even notice them.

We design every system with the future in mind, allowing for easy expansion such as battery backup or additional solar capacity.

We don’t subcontract your project. Every aspect is completed by the Wheeler Electric team to guarantee quality and accountability from start to finish. In the few cases that require specialized work such as trenching or screw‑piles, our crew remains on site to oversee the process closely.

As a local company, we’re here for you. If you need support years down the road, you’ll know exactly who to call.

That said, we know there are excellent solar companies out there, many of whom share our commitment to quality and customer care. In fact, we’re proud to partner with some of them on their residential projects, as well as larger commercial systems that go beyond our team’s capacity. 

If you’re considering a large-scale project, reach out. We can help you connect with a trusted solar provider and ensure that Wheeler Electric delivers the electrical work and code compliance your project deserves. In other words, you still get the accountability, expertise, and care that define every Wheeler Electric installation.