Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ontario, OR (2024 Update)
- Ontario Solar Installation Cost: $9,107
- 25-Year Savings: $15,542
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ontario
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Ontario.
In Ontario, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Ontario homeowner needs a 3.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,107 with the federal tax credit, or $13,023 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ontario homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ontario see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Ontario for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ontario
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,075 |
| 3 years | $-6,012 |
| 5 years | $-3,949 |
| 7 years | $-1,885 |
| 9 years | $178 |
| 11 years | $2,241 |
| 13 years | $4,305 |
| 15 years | $6,368 |
| 17 years | $8,431 |
| 19 years | $10,495 |
| 21 years | $12,558 |
| 23 years | $14,621 |
| 25 years | $16,685 |
Top Solar Installers in Ontario
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Ontario:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Ontario
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ontario
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,500 per kilowatt in Ontario.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ontario, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar installers in Ontario offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ontario is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a 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 | $3.64 | $15,288 | $20,978 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $28,362 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $35,943 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $43,719 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $51,692 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $59,860 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $68,225 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $76,785 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Ontario, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ontario?
The average cost of solar panels in Ontario is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Ontario?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ontario, 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.
Does Ontario have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.