Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ontario, CA (2024 Update)

  • Ontario Solar Installation Cost: $6,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,283
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ontario

We break down average solar pricing in Ontario.

In Ontario, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Ontario, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,973, or $9,971 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Ontario that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Ontario

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,788
3 years $-3,419
5 years $-1,049
7 years $1,320
9 years $3,690
11 years $6,059
13 years $8,429
15 years $10,798
17 years $13,168
19 years $15,537
21 years $17,907
23 years $20,276
25 years $22,646

Top Solar Installers in Ontario

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Ontario

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ontario

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ontario: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ontario, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ontario is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Ontario have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $24,071 9.7 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,483 9.5 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,090 9.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $49,891 9.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $58,886 8.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,076 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $77,459 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $87,038 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Ontario, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ontario?

The average cost of solar panels in Ontario is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ontario?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ontario is currently $628,892, which means you can expect a value of about $25,785 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ontario is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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