Why Choosing the Right Solar Installer Matters: Our Experience with APSystems DS3-L Inverters, Longi 500W Panels, and Sense Energy Monitor in Calgary

Introduction

Investing in solar energy is one of the best financial and environmental decisions a Canadian homeowner can make. But as we discovered first-hand, the installer you choose can make or break your experience.

We set out to build a high-quality, future-proof solar system using APSystems DS3-L microinverters, Longi 500W solar panels, and the Sense Energy Monitor for real-time tracking. We chose Kuby Energy, a respected Alberta-based solar installer with a strong reputation and years of experience.

Unfortunately, instead of working directly with Kuby’s in-house team, much of our project was subcontracted to Firefly Solar. That decision turned what should have been a smooth solar installation into a frustrating and unnecessarily expensive process.

Our Planned System vs. What We Got

The Goal:

• 17 kW DC system
• Using high-output Longi 500W panels paired with APSystems DS3-L inverters
• Integrated with a Sense Energy Monitor to track energy consumption and production

What Happened:

• During the design process, major discrepancies appeared.
• Instead of the 17 kW DC system we planned, the final design delivered just 7.5 kW DC — less than half of our initial requirement.
• To make matters worse, the price per watt we were charged came in at $3.30, well above the Calgary market average of $2.50 per watt.

This meant our system ended up being nearly 50% more expensive than it should have been.

Breaking Down the Technology (Why We Chose These Components)

APSystems DS3-L Microinverters

The APSystems DS3-L is one of the most advanced dual-module microinverters on the market. It provides:

• Lower failure risk compared to string inverters (each panel operates independently).
• Optimized performance in partial shading conditions.
• Improved safety, since there’s no high-voltage DC running across the roof.
• Monitoring at the panel level, allowing homeowners to spot problems immediately.

For a high-efficiency residential system, DS3-L was a smart choice.

Longi 500W Solar Panels

Longi is one of the most trusted solar manufacturers globally, known for:

• High wattage per panel (500W means fewer panels are needed for big systems).
• Better performance in Canadian winters, thanks to excellent low-light efficiency.
• Durability against snow and wind loads.

For a 17 kW system, Longi 500W modules would have required only ~34 panels — compact, powerful, and efficient.

Sense Energy Monitor

The Sense Energy Monitor adds a layer of intelligence by:

• Providing real-time tracking of energy usage and solar production.
• Identifying which appliances use the most power.
• Helping homeowners reduce overall consumption and save more.

Where Things Went Wrong: Firefly Solar’s Role

Although Kuby Energy has an excellent reputation and decades of experience in solar projects across Alberta, much of our project was subcontracted to Firefly Solar.

Here’s where the problems arose:

1. Design Discrepancies
   • We signed up for a 4.5 kW DC system, but design changes were made without clear communication.
   • The system was scaled to 7.5 kW DC instead of 17 kW DC that our house currently need, especially when we explicitly said that we ordered an EV — leaving us with far less production than we expected.
2. Overpriced Installation
   • Calgary’s average price per watt is $2.50.
   • We were charged $3.30 per watt, inflating costs by nearly 50%.
   • This pushed the overall system cost far beyond what most Calgary homeowners should expect to pay.
3. Lack of Transparency
   • Communication during the design and build process was inconsistent.
   • Expectations set at the beginning didn’t align with what was ultimately delivered.

The Bigger Picture: Why Third-Party Contractors Can Be Risky

While Kuby Energy itself remains a reputable solar provider, the reliance on third-party subcontractors like Firefly Solar introduces risk:

• Misaligned priorities → subcontractors may prioritize speed over accuracy.
• Higher costs → homeowners can end up paying inflated prices.
• Accountability gaps → when something goes wrong, it’s unclear who takes responsibility.

Lessons Learned for Calgary Homeowners

If you’re considering solar in Alberta, here are key takeaways from our experience:

1. Insist on Direct Installation by Kuby Energy’s In-House Team
   • Kuby has the expertise to deliver great systems.
   • Avoid subcontractors like Firefly Solar to reduce risk.
2. Verify Price Per Watt Before Signing
   • The Calgary average is ~$2.50 per watt.
   • Anything significantly higher should be questioned.
3. Double-Check System Size in Writing
   • Ensure the DC capacity matches your initial requirement.
   • If you need 17 kW, confirm it’s not cut down during the design stage.
4. Choose Reliable Equipment
   • APSystems DS3-L microinverters → safer and more reliable.
   • Longi 500W panels → efficient, space-saving, and durable.
   • Sense Energy Monitor → full visibility of system performance.

Conclusion

Solar is an amazing investment, but who installs your system matters as much as the technology itself.

• Kuby Energy remains a strong Alberta solar company with experience and expertise. Their team has been hands-on, doing everything they can to repair the damage caused by subcontracting.
• Unfortunately, Firefly Solar chose a quick profit over building a long-term relationship, leaving us with an undersized and overpriced system.

What made this even harder was that at the time, my mom was going through cancer treatments. Instead of transparency and support, Firefly’s actions added unnecessary stress during an already difficult period.

This experience was a painful reminder that actions have consequences. Trust in the solar industry is built on honesty and long-term commitment — something Kuby Energy understands and Firefly Solar must learn if they want to serve Alberta homeowners responsibly.

If you’re in Calgary or anywhere in Alberta:
✅ Go with Kuby’s in-house team.
❌ Avoid third-party contractors that may compromise quality, transparency, and cost.

By choosing the right installer, you can unlock the full potential of APSystems DS3-L inverters, Longi 500W panels, and Sense Energy monitoring — without overpaying or dealing with design discrepancies.

---