Thinking about switching to solar in Ontario? You’re not the only one. With power bills going up, more blackouts happening, and people worried about climate change, a lot of homeowners are starting to look at solar as a way to take control of their energy.
Still, it’s normal to ask, does it make sense for my home?
In this guide, we’ll walk through the real stuff that matters. We’ll talk about how much sun your roof gets, how much it costs up front, how long it takes to pay off, and what options you have for storing power. We’ll keep the language clear and skip the sales talk. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of how solar works in Ontario and what it could mean for you.
Let’s start with the basics, how solar actually works once it’s on your roof.
Understanding How Solar Power Works
Let’s break it down.
When you put solar panels on your roof, they soak up sunlight and turn it into power. This happens through something called photovoltaic (PV) cells. The power they make can either run your home or go back into the grid, it depends on how your system is set up.
Here’s how it usually works in a home with solar:
Your panels take in sunlight during the day.
That sunlight turns into direct current (DC) electricity.
An inverter switches that DC into alternating current (AC) the kind your home uses.
You use that power for lights, appliances, and everything else.
If your system makes more power than you need, one of two things can happen:
You can send it to the grid and earn credits (thanks to net metering program), or
You can store it in a battery and use it later like at night or during a blackout.
Can Solar Work During Power Outages?
Here’s the truth: if the power goes out and you don’t have a battery, your solar system shuts down too. It’s a safety step. This way, your system doesn’t send power back into the lines while crews are fixing things.
But if you’ve got a battery and the right setup like a transfer switch, your solar panels can keep things running when the grid is down.
Pretty useful, right?
Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s look at how solar holds up in Ottawa’s weather.
Is Ontario a Good Place for Solar?
Yes, it is and here’s why it makes sense.
Ontario Gets More Sun Than You Might Expect
People often talk about our long winters and cloudy days, but the truth is, southern Ontario gets a decent amount of sunlight. From spring through early fall, the sun puts in a solid shift. Places like Ottawa, Kingston, and Toronto get around 1,200 to 1,400 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per square meter each year. That’s more than enough to power most homes if the solar power system is sized right.
So no, you don’t need to be in California to make solar work.
Most Roofs Are Already a Good Fit
If your roof faces south or southwest, that’s great. If it’s in good shape and doesn’t have too much shade from trees or buildings, you’re in a good spot. Even east- and west-facing roofs can still pull their weight when it comes to solar.
Worried About Snow? Here’s the Deal
Yes, snow can cover your panels in winter. But solar panels are dark, smooth, and angled. Once the sun comes out, the snow usually slides right off. And the long, sunny days in summer make up for any lost time during the cold months.
One More Thing
Natural Resources Canada says Ontario ranks in the top five provinces for solar potential. With hydro bills on the rise, it’s no surprise more folks are looking into solar as a solid way to cut costs and take control of their power.
Location & Site Considerations for Your Home
Every house is different. And when it comes to solar, where your home sits and what’s around it can affect how much power your system makes. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Why Roof Direction and Angle Matter
In Ontario, a roof that faces south and tilts between 30 to 40 degrees usually gives the best sunlight year-round. That’s the sweet spot. But if your roof faces east or west, that’s okay too. Today’s inverters help get more power from less-than-perfect angles.
How Trees and Buildings Can Block the Sun
Shade can take a big bite out of your solar power. Tall trees, chimneys, or nearby homes that block the sun during the day will lower how much energy your system makes. Even small shadows can affect a whole line of panels unless you’re using microinverters or optimizers. We check all this with drone scans and solar design software before anything goes in.
Roof vs. Ground Installations in Rural Areas
Got a big yard and live outside the city? A ground-mounted system might be a better fit. You can choose the best angle and direction for your panels. Plus, it’s easy to add more panels later. Just remember it needs open land and a trench to connect to your home.
Solar Energy Production and Consumption Matching
Your solar system should fit your home’s energy use. If it’s too small, you’ll still have high hydro bills. Too big, and you’re spending more than you need. The goal is to land in the sweet spot just right for how you live.
Finding the Right System Size
Most homes in Ontario need between 4 kW and 10 kW. The size depends on how much power you use. We look at your Hydro bills from the past year to figure that out. The aim? Cover as much of your usage as possible without going over the limits for net metering.
How Much Power Do Most Households Use?
Here’s a general guide based on household size:
1–2 people: about 400–600 kWh per month
3–4 people: around 700–900 kWh per month
5 or more: usually over 1,000 kWh per month
Have an EV charger, hot tub, or electric heat? Those add up fast and can change what size system you need.
How We Predict Your Solar Output
We use tools like PVWatts, Aurora Solar, and Helioscope. These aren’t guesses, they use real data to figure out what your solar system will produce each year. They look at:
Seasons and weather
The angle of your roof
Any shade from trees or buildings
How the panels perform over time
You’ll get a clear and honest forecast, not an inflated number that sounds too good to be true.
The Financial Side: Cost, Savings & Payback Period
Let’s get into the numbers because let’s face it, cost is usually the first thing people ask about when it comes to going solar.
Upfront Costs: What Should You Expect?
Getting solar panels in Ontario isn’t cheap but it’s more doable than many think.
Most homeowners spend between $15,000 and $30,000 for a full system. That price includes the panels, inverter, permits, install, and the behind-the-scenes setup.
Adding batteries? That’ll likely cost another $10,000 to $15,000, depending on how much backup power you want and the brand you go with.
Tip: Bigger systems cost more at the start but they also save you more over time.
Government Incentives: What Can You Get?
Here’s the good part, you’re not stuck paying for everything on your own.
These programs can help:
- Up to $40,000 interest-free loan from the Canada Greener Homes Loan
- Grants up to $5,000 for upgrades like solar
- Battery rebates up to $5,000 (for certain Ontario setups)
Using these together can really cut down what you pay out of pocket especially if you go solar and add battery storage too.
For the latest info, check out Canada Greener Homes Initiative.
What Could You Save Month to Month?
If your hydro bill is usually over $200/month, you might save $1,000 or more each year. Over 25 years, that’s $25,000 or more and that doesn’t even count future rate increases.
Let’s break it down:
- System cost after help: $15,000
- Yearly savings on power: $1,200
- Time to pay it off: about 12 to 13 years
After that? You’re basically pocketing the savings.
Rising Hydro Rates = Bigger Wins
Electricity rates in Ontario keep climbing, and they’re not slowing down. Solar gives you a way to push back. You’re using your own power, cutting your bills, and keeping your home’s energy costs more steady over time.
How Net Metering Works in Ontario
So you’ve got solar panels on your roof soaking up the sun. But what happens when they make more electricity than your home can use?
That’s where net metering steps in. It’s one of the best parts about going solar in Ontario.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is a setup that lets you send unused solar power back to the grid. In return, your power company gives you credits on your electricity bill.
It’s like your meter runs backward when you make more than you use.
Here’s what happens:
When the sun’s out: Your system may produce more power than your home needs.
That extra power flows out to the grid, and your account earns credits.
At night or when it’s cloudy: You pull power from the grid, and those credits help cover the cost.
When Do You See the Benefit?
The utility tracks your energy use and your extra solar production over a 12-month billing cycle. If you earn more credits than you use, they roll forward. But only for that year unused credits don’t carry over past it.
Tip: Aim to size your solar system so it covers close to 100% of what you use, but not more. You can’t get paid out for extra credits left over at the end of the year.
Example
Let’s break it down with some numbers.
Your system makes 800 kWh in July
Your home uses 600 kWh
You send 200 kWh back to the grid and earn that as credit
In December, your panels make 300 kWh, but your home uses 500 kWh
You use your July credit to cover the 200 kWh difference
Pretty handy, right?
Requirements to Join
To take part in net metering in Ontario:
- Your solar system must be under 10 kW for a home
- You’ll need to apply to your local utility (we handle that)
- The system must be hooked up right and pass an ESA inspection
At True Beacon Solar, we take care of the whole process from the forms to the final check so you don’t have to deal with the paperwork.
Solar Batteries & Backup Power Options in Ontario
Your solar system might be running smoothly cutting down your bills and feeding extra power to the grid. But what happens when the power cuts out?
That’s where a battery can really make a difference. Let’s keep this simple.
No Battery? No Backup.
It surprises a lot of people: If you don’t have a battery, your solar system won’t power your home when the grid goes down.
Why not? It’s a safety rule.
During an outage, repair crews might be working on power lines. To keep everyone safe, your solar system has to shut off so it doesn’t send electricity back into the grid. This is called a rapid shutdown.
Bottom line?
No battery = no power during a blackout.
What a Battery Actually Does
A battery stores any extra power your panels make during the day. When the sun goes down or the power goes out you still have electricity.
With a battery:
- Your lights stay on
- Your food stays cold
- You can still power some parts of your home
It’s like a backup generator, but cleaner, quieter, and doesn’t need gas.
Popular Battery Setups in Ontario
These are the setups most folks ask for:
- Tesla Powerwall
- Enphase IQ Battery
- Sol-Ark hybrid systems
At True Beacon Solar, we build solar setups that include the battery and smart panel, so everything works together.
Backing Up Just What You Need
You don’t have to run your whole house. Some people just want the basics during an outage enough to stay safe and comfortable.
We can set it up so your battery powers:
- Your fridge
- Internet and Wi-Fi
- Furnace fan
- Sump pump
- A few lights and outlets
This setup costs less but still gives you peace of mind.
Is a Battery Worth It?
It depends on what you want out of your system:
| Your Goal | Should You Add a Battery? |
|---|---|
| Just want to save money? | Not really |
| Want backup during blackouts? | Yes |
| Want more energy independence? | Yes |
| Want to store power for peak hours? | Yes (great for time-of-use billing) |
What Does It Cost to Go Solar in Ontario?
So, we’ve talked about how solar works, how it can lower your bills, and how batteries help during blackouts. But let’s be honest how much are you actually going to pay?
Let’s break it down in plain terms.
Typical Solar System Cost in Ontario
For most homes in Ontario, the total cost usually falls between:
$15,000–$30,000 CAD before any rebates
That price includes the panels, inverter, permits, and the full installation.
Smaller homes or setups that just cover part of your usage? Think more like $10K–$15K.
Bigger homes that want to cut out their bill completely might land closer to $30K or more.
That might seem like a lot at first, but hang on help is available.
Rebates & Solar Incentives Available
Here are a few of the main programs homeowners in Ontario can use right now:
Canada Greener Homes Loan
Get up to $40,000 with no interest.
Pay it back over 10 years.
You can use it for solar, batteries, and net metering setups.
Canada Greener Homes Grant
Get up to $5,000 back for solar panels.
Add another $5,000 if you install batteries too.
Your system has to be for home use not one that sells power back to the grid.
Net Metering
Any power you don’t use during the day gets sent back to the grid.
You earn credit, which helps cover your power at night or in winter.
This can cut down your Hydro bill by a lot.
Quick note: these programs change often, so double-check the details before you start. Or just ask us, we’ll walk you through it.
Long-Term Savings
Now for the good part.
Let’s say your monthly Hydro bill is around $200. With solar, over time, you could save:
Over $50,000 during the life of the system.
This depends on how big your system is, how much power you use, and where electricity prices go.
It’s not an overnight thing. Most folks reach break-even in about 10 to 15 years.
After that, it’s mostly savings year after year.
Maintenance Costs
There’s not much to worry about here.
Solar panels don’t have moving parts, so not much breaks down.
You might have to replace the inverter after 10–15 years. That usually costs $2,000–$3,000.
As for warranties, here’s what you can count on:
- 25 years on solar panel performance
- 10–25 years on the inverter
- 5 years on our workmanship (that’s our promise to you)
Picking the Right Solar Company? Here’s What Matters
Not every solar installer is the same. Some cut corners. Some disappear after install day. Here’s what to look for if you want the job done right and support that sticks around.
Certified Electricians Beat Solar Sales Crews
A lot of solar companies are built around sales. Their crews often have little hands-on electrical know-how. That leads to messy installs, poor wiring, and future headaches. At True Beacon Solar, we’re licensed electricians first. Solar experts second. We plan it, install it, and stand by our work.
Local Teams That Know Ontario’s Rules
Getting solar up and running in Ontario takes more than panels. You’ll need to deal with permits, Hydro One, net metering, and building codes. Each city has its own rules. We’ve worked across Ottawa and beyond. We know the system and how to move things forward without delays.
Why In-House Design and Battery Work Matters
Solar is only one part of the story. If you want backup power, your system needs to be set up for it right from the start. That means the right batteries, safe wiring, and transfer switches that work when the grid goes down. At True Beacon Solar, we do it all under one roof. No subcontractors. No blame games.
True Beacon Solar Edge (Experience on Both Sides)
We’ve handled complex home installs and big commercial jobs. That mix of experience helps us plan smarter systems, avoid common issues, and make sure everything runs smooth. It’s not just about putting up panels it’s about building a system that lasts.
Before You Choose, Keep These in Mind
Here’s what every Ontario homeowner should know:
- Solar works well in most of Ontario. South-facing roofs do best.
- If you pay over $150 a month for power, solar could cut your bill.
- Government loans and rebates bring your costs way down.
- Solar lowers carbon footprint and helps the grid stay strong.
- Who installs your system matters big time.
Is Solar Worth It for Your Home in Ontario?
Solar doesn’t work for every house but for many, it can be a great fit. Here’s how to tell if it could work well for you.
You Have a South-Facing Roof
Roofs that face south get the most sunlight in Ontario.
East or west roofs can still work fine just a little less power.
There’s Not Much Shade
Big trees, nearby buildings, or chimneys can block the sun.
Less shade means better power from your system.
New tools like micro-inverters can help, but open sunlight is still best.
You Pay Around $150 or More Each Month for Power
The more you pay now, the more you’ll save later.
Homes spending $200+ on hydro often see the best return.
You’re Planning to Stay in the Home
Solar pays you back over time, not right away.
If you’re moving soon, we can still show you how it might help with selling.
Your Roof Is in Good Shape
Solar lasts over 25 years, so your roof should hold up just as long.
If you need a new roof soon, it’s best to do that first, and we can help plan both.
You Want Backup Power for Outages
Add a battery, and your solar system can keep key appliances running when the grid goes down.
Great for rural homes or anyone wanting more control over their power.
When Solar Might Not Be the Best Fit
- Your roof is small or very shaded
- You’re renting (but we can talk to your landlord, it might still work!)
- Your power use is already really low
- You’re planning to move and don’t want to add anything new to the home
Still unsure? That’s okay. We offer free consultations to help you figure it out.
Let’s Chat About Solar
Want answers without the pressure? Book a free consultation with us.
We’ll:
- Check if your home is right for solar
- Look at your Hydro bill and run the numbers
- Break down all costs, rebates, and payment options
- Show you how much you could save
We serve Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Kingston, and nearby towns.
Call us at 613-701-1028 or visit www.truebeacon.ca to get started.
We’re here to help you power your future one rooftop at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is solar power worth it in Ontario?
Yes, it can be. If your Hydro bill is over $150 a month, your roof faces south, and you qualify for government help, solar could make a lot of sense. Many homeowners in Ontario get their money back in 10 to 15 years. After that, the electricity is basically free.
2. How much does a solar system cost in Ontario?
Most home systems cost between $15,000 and $30,000 before any rebates. You can spread that out with the Canada Greener Homes loan it offers up to $40,000 at zero interest over 10 years.
3. Will solar panels work in the winter in Ontario?
Yes, they still work. Winter does mean less sunlight and some snow, so production drops a bit. But summer usually makes up for it. Panels are built to handle cold weather and will still work on cloudy days, too.
4. Can solar power my home during a power outage?
Not by itself. If the grid goes down, your system shuts off to keep line workers safe. To stay powered during an outage, you’d need a battery and a special switch that separates your home from the grid.
5. What is net metering, and how does it work in Ontario?
Net metering means you send extra power from your panels to the grid. In return, you get credits. When your system isn’t making power, like at night or in the winter, you can use those credits to lower your Hydro bill.
6. Are there rebates or incentives for solar in Ontario?
Yes, and they help a lot. There’s a federal loan that gives up to $40,000 interest-free for solar upgrades. Some setups also qualify for up to $5,000 in grant money. These programs make it easier to get started and save money over time.
7. How does a solar panel system help reduce electricity costs in Ontario?
A solar panel system generates electricity for your home, which reduces the amount you need to buy from the grid. Over time, this leads to much lower electricity costs, especially if your energy usage is high. Thanks to Ontario’s net metering program, any excess electricity you send to the grid earns you credits to use later.
8. What are the environmental benefits of going solar?
By switching to solar, you’re choosing clean energy over fossil fuels. This helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint and supports a more sustainable future. Even a small solar panel installation can have a big environmental impact by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Is solar a good option for households trying to improve energy efficiency?
Absolutely. When paired with smart appliances or energy-saving habits, solar systems can dramatically lower your overall energy consumption. Combining solar with energy efficiency upgrades can multiply your savings and boost your return on investment.
10. How do financial benefits and available incentives impact the cost of solar panels?
The upfront cost of solar panels may seem high, but available incentives like Canada’s 0% interest loan help make it manageable. Plus, solar installations add long-term financial benefits by lowering monthly bills and protecting you from rising utility rates.