Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, OH (2024 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $18,208
- 25-Year Savings: $17,935
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
We break down average solar pricing in Ottawa.
The average cost of a solar system in Ottawa is 3 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ottawa, the average price of going solar will be about $18,208 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ottawa for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,876 |
| 3 years | $-14,212 |
| 5 years | $-11,548 |
| 7 years | $-8,884 |
| 9 years | $-6,220 |
| 11 years | $-3,556 |
| 13 years | $-892 |
| 15 years | $1,772 |
| 17 years | $4,436 |
| 19 years | $7,100 |
| 21 years | $9,764 |
| 23 years | $12,428 |
| 25 years | $15,093 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Ottawa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ottawa, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ottawa to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ottawa homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ottawa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,964 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,668 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,562 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $21,648 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $25,924 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $30,391 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $35,049 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $39,898 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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, OH 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 a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more 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 want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $828.64 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.