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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Ottawa can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Ottawa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system 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, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,760. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Ottawa homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ottawa homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ottawa is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Ottawa, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa?
The average cost of solar panels in Ottawa is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of 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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.