Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, KS (2024 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $18,188
- 25-Year Savings: $26,771
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Ottawa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ottawa it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,188 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Ottawa depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,804 |
| 3 years | $-14,036 |
| 5 years | $-11,269 |
| 7 years | $-8,501 |
| 9 years | $-5,733 |
| 11 years | $-2,965 |
| 13 years | $-197 |
| 15 years | $2,571 |
| 17 years | $5,338 |
| 19 years | $8,106 |
| 21 years | $10,874 |
| 23 years | $13,642 |
| 25 years | $16,410 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Ottawa: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Ottawa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ottawa average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.47 | $14,589 | $16,936 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $22,956 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $29,163 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $35,556 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $42,137 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $48,905 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $55,859 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $63,001 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact 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 a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ottawa, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Ottawa?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 install 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.