DIY Solar enthusiasts
Notice to DIY Solar installers:
DIY Solar projects can be a wonderful and rewarding experience for a home owner.
Many home owners have documented their success stories on Youtube sharing their experiences along the way!
Being self reliant, self sufficient and independent off the grid is a goal many people strive in today’s world and Btek understands that, because we’ve been preaching it for years!
In 2016, Btek supplied all the products necessary to a home owner who wanted to install their own solar system.
They had learned Btek had saved thousands of dollars installing their own solar safely and legally and wanted to do the same.
It is of our opinion however, that half way through this project the homeowner gave up, and abandoned the installation.
Btek was reported to the ESA, the home owner denied any involvement and we were ultimately held liable for the installation, and we learned our lesson.
Despite all our efforts to inform the ESA that this was a DIY install that was abandoned by the homeowners, the ESA held Btek responsible for the entire installation.
It is our opinion the actions taken by the ESA were overly excessive, unfair, and unwarranted, however we do accept the court’s decision.
We also believe it was unbecoming and irresponsible for the ESA to permit a false narrative to be publicized that was factually inaccurate.
We understand the law, no one in the Province of Ontario is permitted to assist a DIY home owner in any way with any electrical work, and that is perfectly acceptable.
However to have an article intentionally written that is categorically false with the clear intention to damage and tarnish Btek’s Reputation in the Solar business is simply wrong.
The article insinuated that Btek was posing as an electrical contractor working without a licence which is simply not true and in our opinion is morally and ethically wrong.
Btek has always worked with licensed electrical contractors for all our installations, we have installed wind turbines for colleges and schools in Southern Ontario.
All our installations are legal and conform to all ESA rules and regulations - we absolutely believe the ESA targeted us unfairly and much too harshly.
The article in our opinion intentionally misleads readers by neglecting this was a DIY installation where the home owners gave their word that they would obtain all permits required but failed to do so.
We realize that we can not assist in any way any DIY installers in the Province of Ontario because of the liability it poses our business.
Therefore Btek will only provide solar/wind etc systems that are fully installed by our own contracted licensed electricians.
The ESA does NOT permit anyone other than the home owner to do any electrical work, and that includes the digging of trenches, laying wire or any other related activities.
We humbly believe the ESA used their media resources to attempt to “cancel” Btek from “solar” spaces, which in our opinion is an unacceptable misuse and abuse of power.
Thankfully the Renewable Energy World is a small family of individuals, and Btek has been a part of that now for nearly 20 years; the esa can not take that away.
In our opinion, the ESA’s attempt to tarnish our solar reputation only sheds light on how abusive an organization the ESA is.
Moving forward Btek will not assist any DIY solar installation without a LICENSED ELECTRICIAN present at all times.
Btek will continue to support DIY Installers in the Province of Ontario by supplying the best products at the best prices possible.
In 2012 we Installed Our Own 10kw Solar Tracker LEGALLY & SUCCESSFULLY, and we are proud we did it - we saved a lot of money and you can do it TOO!
It is our intention at Btek to ALWAYS be safe, be self reliant and to do electrical work legally as a property owner.
Your installation should be an educational and financially beneficial experience.
We truly wish all DIY’ers the best, be safe and follow all local electrical safety rules wherever you are located.
Property Owners in Ontario CAN install their own solar legally - If you think you’re capable - do it. We did it.
This 10kw Solar Tracker was installed by Alexander Bonello the owner of Btek RE Products in 2012.
This system was installed legally, safely and WITHOUT an electrician saving THOUSANDS on the installation as one would expect.
Location: Btek’s Headquarters North of Toronto, Ontario.
Property Owners in the Province of Ontario CAN legally install their own solar provided they follow the rules as required.
Btek obtained all required permits and obtained the inspections from the ESA for their flagship installation.
DIY Installations are NOT for everyone.
Most homeowners hire an installer that staffs or subcontracts a licensed electrician to perform all required work as per ESA requirements.
Btek will only be involved with installations that have approved licensed electrical contractors and will not assist DIY’ers working without one.
We will continue to ENCOURAGE others to be self reliant despite our disappointment with the ESA.
Do not give up - IF these GUYS HERE can do it - you can do it too!
Btek’s NEW Online Store will have everything you need to install your own system at the best prices available!
Finish what you start - stay with it, and you can be successful as Btek and many others have been.