About Solar Direct Canada
Ontario’s Most Experienced Solar Installer — Helping Families and Businesses Go Solar Since 1990
Our Story
Solar Direct Canada was founded in 1990 by Ray Jarvis and Russell Lauzon — two IT professionals with a shared passion for renewable energy and a conviction that solar could deliver a solid return on investment while doing right by the planet.
In the early days, most customers were looking for off-grid solutions, using just one or two solar panels at a time. Equipment was expensive and the market was small, but Ray and Russell were in it for the long haul. The Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP) brought a wave of environmentally-minded clients through the door, and when Ontario’s MicroFIT and SmallFIT programs launched, Solar Direct Canada was ready — helping hundreds of homeowners and businesses lock in premium rates for electricity fed back to the grid.
As those programs wound down, net metering became the go-to solution for reducing hydro bills — and Solar Direct Canada evolved right along with it. Today, we’re the same company with the same values, just 35 years wiser.
Meet the Team
In 2024, founder Ray Jarvis restructured the company to bring in two trusted colleagues as equal partners, ensuring Solar Direct Canada has the depth and expertise to keep growing for years to come.
Ray Jarvis — Co-Founder & VP Technical
Ray founded Solar Direct Canada with an IT background and a Tarion builder’s license — a rare combination that gave him deep insight into both the technology and the construction side of solar installations. After more than three decades leading the company, Ray now focuses on what he knows best: technical expertise, product evaluation, and making sure every system SDC installs performs the way it should.
Paul West — VP Sales
Paul’s journey with Solar Direct Canada started as a customer — someone who believed enough in solar to invest in it himself. That firsthand experience made him a natural fit for sales, and he eventually joined the team full-time. Today, Paul leads the sales process, helping homeowners and businesses understand their options, navigate incentives, and make the decision that’s right for them.
Dave Greenland — VP Operations
Dave manages all installations for Solar Direct Canada, overseeing every project from planning through commissioning. His focus is on quality and professionalism — making sure every system is installed correctly, safely, and in a way that stands the test of time.
Why Solar Direct Canada?
Thirty-five years in solar teaches you things you can’t learn any other way. We’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what can go wrong when an installation is rushed or done on the cheap. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience you can rely on. We’ve been doing this since 1990. We know which equipment lasts, which shortcuts cause problems, and how to protect your roof and attic in the process.
- Brand-agnostic recommendations. We’re not tied to any single manufacturer. We assess each project on its own merits and recommend the technology that’s the best fit for your home or business.
- Professional installations. Every system we install is done right — no compromised roofs, no cut corners, no surprises down the road.
- Here for the long haul. Solar panels last 25–30 years. We plan to be here just as long. When you choose Solar Direct Canada, you’re choosing a company that will be around to service and support your system for the life of the investment.
Who We Serve
Our residential customers are typically professionals working from home who want to take control of their energy costs, and homeowners approaching retirement who are looking for a smart, long-term hedge against rising hydro rates.
On the commercial side, we work with entrepreneurs and business owners who often own their buildings or have long term leases and see solar as a sound investment in their operating future.
Service Area
Our home base is Acton, and our core service area is the Halton, Peel, Wellington, and Hamilton regions — where we can offer the most competitive value without the overhead of long-distance travel. Over the years we’ve also completed projects as far as Windsor, Ottawa, Niagara, and North Bay. If you’re outside our primary area, give us a call — if the project is the right fit, we’re happy to make it work.
Ready to Go Solar?
If you’re thinking about solar for your home or business, we’d love to talk. Contact us today for a free consultation — no pressure, just an honest conversation about whether solar makes sense for you.
Take the Next Step! Get a Free Solar Consultation
Speak to Ontario’s solar panel experts, who have been installing residential and commercial solar since 1990.