Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, KS (2023 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $14,105
- 25-Year Savings: $26,770
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ottawa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ottawa it's 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $14,105 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Ottawa homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,470 |
| 3 years | $-9,200 |
| 5 years | $-5,930 |
| 7 years | $-2,660 |
| 9 years | $610 |
| 11 years | $3,880 |
| 13 years | $7,150 |
| 15 years | $10,420 |
| 17 years | $13,690 |
| 19 years | $16,960 |
| 21 years | $20,230 |
| 23 years | $23,500 |
| 25 years | $26,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ottawa, we've compiled 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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Ottawa is $14,105, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 nearly $2,590. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ottawa to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Ottawa, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $20,212 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $27,240 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $34,413 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $41,730 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $49,193 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $56,801 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $64,553 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $72,451 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer 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, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.