Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, OH (2023 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $13,673
- 25-Year Savings: $17,932
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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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 average cost of a solar panel system in Ottawa is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,673 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ottawa see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Ottawa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,409 |
| 3 years | $-9,880 |
| 5 years | $-7,352 |
| 7 years | $-4,824 |
| 9 years | $-2,295 |
| 11 years | $233 |
| 13 years | $2,761 |
| 15 years | $5,290 |
| 17 years | $7,818 |
| 19 years | $10,346 |
| 21 years | $12,875 |
| 23 years | $15,403 |
| 25 years | $17,932 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Ottawa, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Ottawa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Ottawa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,677 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $18,523 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $23,512 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $28,645 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $33,921 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $39,340 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $44,902 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $50,608 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Ottawa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
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, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ottawa?
The average cost of solar panels in Ottawa is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ottawa?
A solar panel system isn't free in Ottawa, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Ottawa?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.