Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, WI (2023 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $13,140
- 25-Year Savings: $26,072
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ottawa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ottawa it's 2.6 per watt. Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ottawa, the average price of going solar will be about $13,140 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ottawa homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once 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 $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ottawa that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,572 |
| 3 years | $-8,435 |
| 5 years | $-5,298 |
| 7 years | $-2,161 |
| 9 years | $976 |
| 11 years | $4,113 |
| 13 years | $7,250 |
| 15 years | $10,387 |
| 17 years | $13,524 |
| 19 years | $16,661 |
| 21 years | $19,798 |
| 23 years | $22,935 |
| 25 years | $26,072 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar 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 primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ottawa, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ottawa homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Ottawa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Ottawa are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $21,210 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $28,572 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $36,078 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $43,731 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $51,529 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $59,473 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $67,562 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $75,797 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ottawa, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ottawa?
The average cost of solar panels in Ottawa is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ottawa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.