Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, IL (2023 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $12,307
- 25-Year Savings: $11,119
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
We break down average solar pricing in Ottawa.
In Ottawa, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Ottawa homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,307 with the federal tax credit, or $17,599 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Ottawa homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Ottawa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,370 |
| 3 years | $-9,496 |
| 5 years | $-7,622 |
| 7 years | $-5,748 |
| 9 years | $-3,874 |
| 11 years | $-2,000 |
| 13 years | $-126 |
| 15 years | $1,748 |
| 17 years | $3,622 |
| 19 years | $5,497 |
| 21 years | $7,371 |
| 23 years | $9,245 |
| 25 years | $11,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Ottawa, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Ottawa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Ottawa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Ottawa. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Ottawa homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Ottawa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,916 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,527 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,291 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,207 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,277 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,499 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $33,875 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,403 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Ottawa, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ottawa?
The average cost of solar panels in Ottawa is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ottawa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.