Why Guelph Solar?

Everyone has their thoughtful, unique reasons for purchasing solar panels. Maybe you are looking at installing solar panels on your home or business because you want to save money and divert a greater portion of your financial resources toward the people you love. Perhaps you are concerned about the state of our environment and want to safeguard the planet for the people you love.

Whatever your thoughts, however,you seek to balance your ecological or budgetary motives, your central concerns are connected to people. You care about saving money or saving the world, but people are your priority.

So the first answer to Why Guelph Solar? Is OUR people.

The attention to people at Guelph Solar begins with President Steve Dyck. He is a dynamic leader who wants the best for his customers, his employees, our province and our planet. Whether it is Steve’s commitment to our community by supporting a host of charitable and neighbourhood-building efforts or his passion for making environmentally aware choices, you will find Steve ready to help you go green.

Employee_Owned_Sunburst_Blue_Transparent Steve has gathered together a team of people that are dedicated, creative, educated and informed. Your panels and your installation will not be in the hands of contractors, your installation will be carried out by Guelph Solar staff; problem-solving, experienced pros, every one of them.

Guelph Solar has been in business since 2009 and our stature has grown every year. We are known and trusted in the community and are especially proud of being awarded the 2016 Excellence in Business Award from the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. Our customers are thrilled with their Guelph Solar experience. Check out the testimonials, as customer after customer praises the process that ends with you owning your power. Come aboard. Remember, we put the sun to work for you.

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Testimonials

We think we're pretty good at what we do. But you don't have to take our word for it. Check out what others have to say about our fantastic solar energy systems. For more testimonials, please see our Google Reviews.

I considered many installers for a solar PV system for our home in downtown Toronto. I hesitated going with Guelph Solar, just because of the distance, but they were competitive on cost and great to deal with in the early stages. I don't regret my decision. We're up and running, and I'm very happy. Everyone I dealt with was friendly, helpful and professional. Any time I had questions (and I had plenty), I got very prompt and thorough responses. A few issues arose along the way, although nothing major. Some were beyond Guelph Solar's control. But whether the cause was within their control or not, they made the issue their problem to solve, not mine. I felt throughout that I was in very good hands. I would happily recommend Guelph Solar.

Tim M., Toronto

Homeowner, Solar Net Metering System, 11/2021

Guelph Solar installed a beautiful solar installation for my home. They took care of everything (permits, applications to the utility, electrical, procurement, installation, inspections) from start to finish. They were easy to work with, pleasant, and professional. When my neighbours come by to ask how their houses can be the envy of the block too, I won't hesitate to recommend Guelph Solar.

Thomas Liegh, Hamilton
Homeowner, Solar Net Metering System, 10/2021

When the system is paid for, the income generated from her solar business will be equivalent to the rest of our property tax plus a vacation. Our retirement plan just got a boost. At the end of our contract with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) our home will provide its own power.

Lloyd Longfield, Guelph

From his article pub. 08/21/2014, GCC Moving Business Forward

I have been meaning to get back to you all at Guelph Solar to tell you about the great job your team did in the spring putting solar panels on my roof at 46 James Street West. I remember the thrill when the first check arrived from Guelph Hydro to say that I had earned nearly $900 on the Guelph Solar installation you put in this summer. I have great admiration for the way that your company is organized and for the competent and pleasant people who did what they said they would do, on time and within the estimated budget. I can unreservedly recommend Guelph Solar to other householders as the best available investment in these days of low interest rates.

Michael Gilbertson, Guelph
Homeowner, Solar microFIT, 06/2016

Guelph Solar, thanks for an exceptional experience throughout the installation process - great customer service!

Karen Farbridge and Peter Cameron, Guelph

Homeowners, Solar MicroFIT, 06/2015

Just thought I would give you an update. Pool heater is working great, never had the pool this warm. It was a pleasure working with you, and I would highly recommend your company.

Floyd Gibbons, Branchton

Homeowner, Solar pool heater

Securing the OPA contract is probably the hardest part of the MicroFIT Process. Steve made himself available in person, by phone, email and text to help me work through the required paperwork. His experience in dealing with both the OPA and Guelph Hydro made this process a breeze. From my initial meeting with Steve through to final connection, I found Guelph Solar to be very approachable and organized. They met all there promised deadlines and kept me in the loop along the way. Steve was flexible enough to allow me to be part of the installation process.

Fraser Burton, Guelph

Homeowner, Solar MicroFIT, 09/2013

Working with Guelph Solar from the initial idea to the up and going has been a pleasure throughout. Each person has been professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and friendly. They have educated me and taken care of each detail quickly and thoughtfully. I would strongly recommend them to anyone else!

Donna McCaw, Elora

Homeowner, Solar MicroFIT, 03/2015

Guelph Solar was a pleasure to work with! Our solar project was not a typical project and had a few more complications as we were also building a structure to put the panels on. Steve was a life saver for this project. His practical, common sense approach was key. He was dedicated to making sure our project met the required timeline goals and it didn't matter the time of day or the day of the week; he was here in a flash when we needed advice. The installers were also very respectful, knowledgeable and approachable. I highly recommend Guelph Solar to anyone thinking about solar. You won't be disappointed with the service.

Ami Dehne, Guelph

Homeowner, Solar microFIT, 10/2013

It makes economic sense when you do all the calculations of money you're going to save and the government has a good subsidy program. Our payback is 3.5 years and our return on investment is high. These things all together convinced us it was the right thing to do. It's hard to invest your money in something and get your pay back that fast. I think it makes a lot of sense both financially and environmentally for people to do.

Martin De Groot, Mapleton's Organic Dairy, Moorefield

Solar water heating, 2011

I am just over the moon with how well the solar pool heater works. We had a bad experience with our other pool heater. But your (Guelph Solar) system works. I can hardly get the kids out of the pool. That is why we have a pool. And I like it too. It was over 90F yesterday. And I like how efficient it is. Thanks!

L. Cressman, Kitchener

Homeowner, Solar pool heater

Guelph Solar Mechanical Inc. helped Guelph Campus Co-op identify and access grants that were hard to find. Steve is an expert in sustainable energy project development, from system design to obtaining the renewable energy grants. Guelph Solar Mechanical Inc. designed and installed systems on five of our apartment buildings - and they work!

Tom Klein Beernink, Guelph

Guelph Campus Co-op, Solar water heating

Steve Dyck of Guelph Solar Mechanical provided consultation and installation services for an evacuated tube solar hot water system for my home-office in Fall 2009. I was very happy with Steve's technical review of various components and design considerations that I had proposed. Steve provided critical thought and modifications to equipment required for my domestic water and space heating application. I have also been very pleased with the performance of the system's performance which has seen 100% of our domestic needs satisfied while a reasonable contribution to space heating via infloor hydronics and hot water radiators was observed in winter months.

Ben Polley, Guelph

President - Evolve Builders Group

Steve Dyck of Guelph Solar Hot Water installed a Domestic Solar Hot Water system at the Loyola House Retreat Centre. Loyola Retreat Centre operates year round and offers 50 rooms plus a commercial kitchen. Mr. Dyck designed the system and completed the EcoEnergy Commercial Deployment grant application on our behalf. On sunny days the solar storage tank will reach operating temperature. I am pleased with the quality of work and service that Mr. Dyck provided.

James Profit, Guelph

Director of Ignatius Jesuit Centre

Social Responsibility

We work in solar energy and energy conservation as a way to contribute to a healthier environment and a more just society. As a company, we also support many local (and international efforts) that align with our values. Some of these are listed below:

We are recognized as a Living Wage Employer, paying our staff at least enough for themselves and their families to live healthily, meet their basic expenses, and be able to participate in work, family life, and community activities.
Bridges out of Poverty and other poverty alleviation efforts in Guelph - Steve Dyck, President of Guelph Solar is very passionate about this work and spends much of his time outside of his day job connecting with and supporting families which are underprivileged in Guelph.
Yorklands Green Hub - Helping to create and maintain a versatile and self-sustaining education, demonstration, innovation and research hub.
Hooping for Hunger - Hunger alleviation fundraiser supporting the Chalmers Community Centre in Guelph and the Hunger Project, and run by FLOW Office Wisdom.
Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation - A vision for Guelph to increase the quantity, quality, and safety of active transportation in Guelph.
Transition Guelph - Promote processes and projects for strengthening community resilience and economic vitality.

We participate in many community events and support many community groups in Guelph and the surrounding area. Our employees are involved in community organizations and efforts to make our town and country a better place. Please get in touch if you would like us to participate in your event or community effort.

Our Team

Local people with growing roots. We are committed to the community of Guelph and Southern Ontario because we live here!

Join our team! Guelph Solar is hiring for: Solar Technologist/Technician

Steve Dyck

President of Guelph Solar

steve@guelphsolar.net

"The sun shines for everyone - it is a very democratic power system. I am committed to a fair and just society and installing solar in my community is an expression of this hope."

Steve enjoys politics, especially working to bring the left and right together, is active in the Citizens Climate Lobby, and was a candidate in the 2011 provincial and 2019 federal elections. He enjoys morning walks along Guelph waterways with his partner and wife Vera, who is a psychotherapist. For Steve, giving back to the community gives him joy. He is involved with Syrian sponsorship, Bridges Out of Poverty, multi-faith initiatives, and FairVote. Steve founded Guelph Solar in 2009 after a fulfilling career in the automotive industry.

Paul Chambers

Master Electrician

paul@guelphsolar.net

Paul Chambers is a Master Electrician with a passion for renewable energy. He holds a Bachelors of Education from McGill University and has taught apprentices and journeymen electricians at Algonquin College, IBEW local 582, and Sheridan College. He has also taught off-grid solar. He is a MOL certified health and safety member, Photovoltaic Systems Instructor, and has held a fire alarm electrician license. Paul has built on his passion for solar energy as Pure Energies’ Master Electrician and Project Manager to NRG Home Solar Master Electrician and then as Operations and Maintenance Manager for Canada. He is also President and founder of Chambers Electrical & Solar Energy Incorporated. Competitive sports are also a passion for Paul. Winning the Vanier Cup in 1987 with the McGill Redmen and winning Gold, Silver, and Bronze for Canada at three consecutive World Ultimate Championships are accomplishments in which he takes great pride. Paul is excited to part of Guelph Solar’s team connecting customers to their green energy future.

Darya Barbir

Financial Manager

darya@guelphsolar.net

Darya holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph. She joined Guelph Solar in 2017 after working for over 13 years in the investment industry. Darya aspires to share with others the benefits of solar as an individual investment and an investment in our community. Outside of work, Darya enjoys dancing and is an active member of the Latin dance community in the Guelph region.

Matthew Loi

Electrical Apprentice

Matthew earned a diploma in Energy-Systems Engineering Technology from Conestoga College in 2016. He continued his career-path into renewable energy immediately working as a solar technician. He now works as an electrical apprentice for Guelph solar connecting solar installations into the homes of our customers. Matthew takes pride in knowing he’s done the best and safest possible work as well as leaving customers satisfied with their new solar systems.

Peter Hansen

Electrical Apprentice

peter@guelphsolar.net

Peter holds a Bachelors degree from Trent University in Environmental Resource Studies and Politics and a diploma in Energy Systems Engineering Technology from Conestoga College. His passion for the environment stems from growing up on a small organic farm and learning about the importance of our interactions with nature. Peter enjoys interacting with customers and sharing his knowledge of Ontario's solar strategy.

Spencer C Noble

Sales Manager

spencer@guelphsolar.net

Spencer graduated with a diploma in Diesel Mechanics from Fanshawe College in 2014, and soon after, went on to coordinate the fleet of Canada’s largest logistic firm. As one of the younger members of Guelph Solar, Spencer feels particularly fortunate to be in a forward-thinking industry that he believes will have a lasting impact on our environment. In addition, Spencer enjoys the opportunity of creating meaningful customer relationships while working closely on a given project. In his spare time, Spencer enjoys fishing, golfing, and going on long hikes with his dog, and best friend, Levi.

Chris Gorman

Sales and Project Coordinator

chris@guelphsolar.net

Chris holds a certificate in Renewable Energy Techniques from Conestoga College in addition to a diploma from Sir Sanford Fleming College. He joined Guelph Solar in 2017 after his initial 3 years in the business as a Lead Installer/Technician in the Oakville area. Dedicated to ensuring the highest job-site safety practices, Chris also enjoys interacting with customers. His dedication to solar includes installing a 7.7kW solar PV system on his own home himself. Prior to entering the world of clean energy, Chris worked for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club.

Karanbir Singh

Project Manager

Karan has a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and also holds a postgraduate certificate in Business management from Niagara college. He always wanted to work for a company which would allow him to contribute to society for a brighter future, therefore he joined Guelph Solar in the beginning of 2021. Mostly he enjoys the friendly environment among the colleagues and continuous learning with new gadgets.

Leo Gimenez

Technical Sales/Project Manager

leo@guelphsolar.net

Leo has a BASc in Chemical Engineering with an Option in Management Science from the University of Waterloo. He has always been passionate about green energy technologies, having worked on the University of Waterloo's Midnight Sun Solar Car team, performing graduate-level research on Li-ion batteries for electric vehicles and undergraduate-level research on hydrogen fuel cells, culminating with joining Guelph Solar in 2021. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer and other outdoor sports, investing, and spending time with his wife and pets.

Mitch Bull

Operations Manager

mitch@guelphsolar.net

Mitch has a bachelors in Environmental Studies from York University with a focus on renewable energy. He has worked in the solar industry since 2011 joining Guelph Solar in 2015. Mitch's concern for the environment goes back to his days growing up in Niagara where he enjoyed all the outdoor activities the area had to offer. Nowadays, he is thrilled to be spending his time outdoors with his young and growing family.

Arsalan Said Hassan (Ash)

Operations Supervisor

ash@guelphsolar.net

Ash joined Guelph Solar as an Installer in April 2020 after graduating with a Renewable Energy Diploma from Conestoga College. He was promoted to the position of Operations Supervisor after demonstrating his expertise, care, and dedication to the Guelph Solar mission. In his spare time, Ash likes to swim, play soccer, and ride his bicycle with his family. His children are his greatest pride and joy, and they often proudly tell their friends that “My dad builds solar!” Ash loves working at Guelph Solar because everyone is passionate about saving the planet, and the company is dedicated to developing and empowering its employees. He takes pride in his work at Guelph Solar knowing that it creates a tangible, positive impact for our community and the future of his kids.

Kye Hamilton

Lead Installer

Kye started working with Guelph Solar in late 2020. He enjoys providing clean green energy to the community. Kye also enjoy the installation work and likes working with the solar team. When he's not installing solar, you'll find him playing hockey, soccer, skiing and being outdoors.

Rohan Patel

Lead Installer

Rohan has worked previously with a solar company in India as a production manager and a field engineer. He previously worked on a 250m long solar bridge in Vadodara, India. This solar-covered bridge has 3024 solar panels installed on it, which produce 982.8 kWh units of energy. Rohan has a Bachelors in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and received a Diploma as a renewable energy technician. Rohan describes, "Working at Guelph Solar has given me exposure to the solar market in Canada". He has also developed problem solving and leadership skills while at the Guelph Solar. The aspect that draws him most to the solar industry is the growing demand for solar power and green energy. Rohan has also played cricket and volleyball at state levels in the past.

Calvin Downey

Lead Installer

Before joining Guelph Solar in September 2020, Calvin studied Supply Chain Management (advanced diploma) at Conestoga College. When asked what he likes about his work, he said, "I like getting in on the ground floor of the future of energy. And the people make the job even better". Calvin also enjoys reading.

Nick Frey

Installer

Nick became interested in solar power while serving as a pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship and living in Kinshasa, DR Congo, for 9 years. Solar panels, batteries, and off-grid systems were part of his daily life! The love of sustainable energy mixed with his generational construction and roofing background lead him to Guelph Solar in the fall of 2020, when he and his family returned to Canada to settle in Guelph. Whether it’s being on a roof or flying an airplane, Nick loves being close to the sun ;)

Amber Dyck

Marketing Assistant and Installer

marketing@guelphsolar.net

As Steve's daughter, Amber has been around solar projects from a young age. She first became an installer in the summer of 2016, and has helped out with various projects since then. She has a bachelors in Environmental Science, and Masters in Biology (frog health in agriculture ditches). Amber lives on Manitoulin Island, where she farms, builds community, and helps out with solar projects (mostly remotely). Fun fact, Steve and Amber used discarded solar pool panels to make mobile shelters for Amber's sheep last summer!

Aaron Hacking

Installer

Aaron is completing his third year in the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program at Mohawk College. Prior to Guelph Solar, he was a concrete finisher. Aaron feels that the best part about working at Guelph Solar is being able to do something he is passionate about while working with amazing people. He also loves listening to jazz fusion and trains in competitive arm wrestling.

Cooper Beres

Installer

Cooper has a Renewable Energies Technician diploma from Niagara College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Guelph. He joined Guelph Solar out of a desire to be involved with the solar industry and its growth potential in addition to the great working culture here. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking and baking, travelling and the outdoors with his wife, and cars.

Ian Rosa

Solar Monitoring

Monitoring@guelphsolar.net

Ian holds a Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Recreation and is a Wilderness First Responder. He has worked as a Program Manager and Guide for various wilderness therapy programs throughout the US and Canada. Ian joined the Guelph Solar Team in 2013 and since has been on hundreds of roofs installing all types of electric and solar thermal systems. He enjoys working with customers to customize their solar arrays and oversees the safety and quality of the installations. Ian enjoys being a member of the Guelph community and getting outdoors whenever possible.