Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, IL (2024 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $16,938
- 25-Year Savings: $11,966
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ottawa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ottawa it’s 4 per watt.The average Ottawa homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,938 with the federal tax credit, or $24,221 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ottawa homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,782 |
| 3 years | $-13,469 |
| 5 years | $-11,157 |
| 7 years | $-8,845 |
| 9 years | $-6,532 |
| 11 years | $-4,220 |
| 13 years | $-1,908 |
| 15 years | $405 |
| 17 years | $2,717 |
| 19 years | $5,029 |
| 21 years | $7,342 |
| 23 years | $9,654 |
| 25 years | $11,966 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Ottawa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa
There are a number of criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,760. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ottawa provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ottawa homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Ottawa are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,417 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,643 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,081 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,728 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,587 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,656 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,935 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,425 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ottawa, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Ottawa?
On average, solar panels can last 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.