Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ontario, NY (2023 Update)
- Ontario Solar Installation Cost: $8,962
- 25-Year Savings: $7,081
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ontario
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Ontario.
In Ontario, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Ontario, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,962, or $12,816 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Ontario homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ontario
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,320 |
| 3 years | $-7,037 |
| 5 years | $-5,753 |
| 7 years | $-4,470 |
| 9 years | $-3,187 |
| 11 years | $-1,903 |
| 13 years | $-620 |
| 15 years | $664 |
| 17 years | $1,947 |
| 19 years | $3,231 |
| 21 years | $4,514 |
| 23 years | $5,797 |
| 25 years | $7,081 |
Top Solar Installers in Ontario
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Ontario
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ontario
The cost of installing a solar system in Ontario can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,950. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking 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 Ontario have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ontario is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $9,305 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,737 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $16,335 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $20,097 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $24,025 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $28,118 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $32,376 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $36,799 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Ontario, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ontario?
The average cost of solar panels in Ontario is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind 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 Ontario?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ontario is currently $167,700, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,876 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ontario is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 buy 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.