Hydro One Solar & Net Metering Guide — 2026
Everything Ontario's 1.5 million Hydro One customers need to know about going solar: TOU/ULO/Tiered rates, net metering credits, connection process, battery storage pairing, and how to maximize your savings.
1.5M
Customers Served
TOU/ULO
Rate Plans Available
10–15 yrs
Typical Solar Payback
1,150–1,350
kWh/kW Annual Output
What Is Hydro One?
Hydro One Networks Inc. is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution company, serving approximately 1.5 million customers across rural and suburban Ontario. Unlike Toronto Hydro, which serves the City of Toronto, Hydro One operates the provincial grid and delivers power to communities outside major urban centres — from cottage country in Muskoka to the far reaches of Northern Ontario.
Understanding your Hydro One rate structure is essential before sizing a solar system, because your electricity price directly determines your solar payback period. Hydro One customers in rural areas often have unobstructed south-facing roof space and minimal shading — ideal conditions for residential solar.
Calculate Your Hydro One Solar Savings
Use our free calculator with Ontario-specific TOU/ULO rates, net metering, and the federal 30% ITC to see your exact payback period.
Get Free Solar Estimate →Hydro One Electricity Rates (2026)
Hydro One residential customers are billed under the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) Regulated Price Plan (RPP). Three pricing options are available:
Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing
| Period | Hours | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Peak | 9 PM – 7 AM weekdays, all day weekends & holidays | 9.8¢/kWh |
| Mid-Peak | 7 AM – 11 AM, 5 PM – 9 PM weekdays | 15.7¢/kWh |
| On-Peak | 11 AM – 5 PM weekdays | 20.3¢/kWh |
Winter schedule (Nov 1 – Apr 30). Summer schedule differs slightly. Weekends and statutory holidays are always Off-Peak.
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Rate
| Period | Hours | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-Low Overnight | 11 PM – 7 AM | 2.8¢/kWh |
| Weekend Off-Peak | 7 AM – Noon, Sat & Sun | 9.8¢/kWh |
| Mid-Peak | Noon – 5 PM, 9 PM – 11 PM weekdays | 15.7¢/kWh |
| On-Peak | 7 AM – Noon, 5 PM – 9 PM weekdays | 28.6¢/kWh |
Solar + ULO = Maximum Savings
Solar exports earn credits at On-Peak rates (~28.6¢/kWh on ULO). You then consume grid electricity overnight at just 2.8¢/kWh — a 10:1 credit-to-cost ratio. This is one of the most favourable solar economics in Canada.
Tiered Pricing
Customers without smart meters or in certain rural areas may be on Tiered Pricing. Consumption below the seasonal threshold is charged at a lower rate; above-threshold usage is charged more. Seasonal thresholds change May 1 and November 1.
Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER)
The OER provides a 23.5% reduction on your pre-tax bill (electricity + delivery + regulatory charges). This directly reduces your effective per-kWh cost, which affects your solar ROI calculation. Applied automatically to every bill.
Rates set by the Ontario Energy Board. Verify current rates before making investment decisions. Compare TOU vs ULO in detail →
Hydro One Net Metering Program
Hydro One's Net Metering program allows any residential customer to connect a renewable energy system — solar, wind, micro-hydro, or agricultural biomass — to the distribution grid and receive bill credits for surplus electricity exported.
How Net Metering Credits Work
- 1. Excess generation is credited at the same rate you pay for electricity (the applicable RPP rate)
- 2. Credits roll forward month-to-month for a consecutive 12-month period
- 3. Any unused credits at the 12-month anniversary are forfeited (no cash payout)
- 4. Battery storage can now be paired with your renewable system under the program
System Size Limits
Micro-generation: Up to 10 kW (residential standard). Larger systems require additional engineering review from Hydro One's Distributed Connections Group.
Most Ontario homes with 12,000–15,000 kWh/year consumption are well-served by a 7–10 kW system.
Battery Storage Pairing
Hydro One now permits net metered customers to add energy storage. This lets you capture midday solar surplus, discharge during On-Peak evening hours, and reduce grid dependency without sacrificing credit accumulation.
TOU Net Metering Benefit
For net metered customers on TOU pricing, credits are valued at the rate applicable at the time of export. Solar systems generate peak output during midday On-Peak hours (11 AM–5 PM weekdays in summer), meaning exports earn credits at the highest TOU tier. Combined with ULO, you earn ~28.6¢/kWh in credits and consume grid power overnight at ~2.8¢/kWh.
Learn more: Net Metering Across Canada →
How to Apply for Hydro One Net Metering
Follow these 7 steps to connect your solar system to Hydro One's grid. Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks from application to energization.
Design your system
Size your solar system to match your annual electricity consumption — not to maximize exports. A certified installer familiar with Hydro One requirements should design the system.
Contact Hydro One before purchasing
Do not incur costs until your connection is approved. Contact the Distributed Connections Group at DxGenerationConnections@HydroOne.com or call 1-877-447-4412.
Submit your application
Submit your net metering application to Hydro One's Distributed Connections Group. Include system specifications, single-line diagrams, and equipment certifications.
Engineering review
Hydro One assesses the grid impact of your proposed system. For micro-generation systems up to 10 kW, this is typically straightforward.
Sign interconnection agreement
Once approved, you sign the interconnection agreement with Hydro One, formalizing the terms of your net metering arrangement.
Bidirectional meter installation
Hydro One installs a bidirectional meter at your property. This meter tracks both electricity consumed from the grid and surplus electricity exported.
System energization
Your solar system is activated and begins generating electricity. Credits start accumulating on your Hydro One account immediately.
Do not commission your system before the bidirectional meter is installed
An existing unidirectional meter will record your solar exports as consumption, resulting in being charged for power you generate. Wait for Hydro One to install the bidirectional meter before activating.
Contact: DxGenerationConnections@HydroOne.com | 1-877-447-4412
Solar Potential in Hydro One's Service Territory
Hydro One serves a large geographic area with varying solar resources. Rural properties often have unobstructed south-facing roof space — ideal for solar.
| Region | Solar Irradiance | Est. kWh/kW Installed | City Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Ontario | High | 1,250–1,350 kWh/kW | Hamilton, London |
| Central Ontario | Moderate-High | 1,150–1,250 kWh/kW | Barrie, Peterborough |
| Northern Ontario | Moderate | 1,050–1,150 kWh/kW | Sudbury, Thunder Bay |
| Eastern Ontario | Moderate-High | 1,200–1,300 kWh/kW | Ottawa, Kingston |
Data sourced from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) solar irradiance maps.
Federal & Provincial Solar Incentives for Hydro One Customers
Federal: 30% Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit
All Hydro One customers qualify. On a $30,000 system, this saves $9,000 — reducing net cost to ~$21,000. Applied as a tax credit on your federal return.
Canada Greener Homes Loan
0% interest loan of up to $40,000 for eligible energy efficiency upgrades including solar installations. Repay over up to 10 years with no interest charges.
Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program (HRS)
Up to $5,000 rebate for energy-efficient home upgrades. Note: If your system has a Net Metering Agreement, you are NOT eligible for HRS. You must choose one pathway. See our Ontario guide for the full comparison →
See all available programs: Solar Incentives & Rebates 2026 →
Understanding Your Hydro One Bill with Solar
Your monthly Hydro One bill includes these components:
Important: Solar net metering credits appear as an offset to the Electricity charge only. They do not offset Delivery charges, Regulatory charges, or monthly fixed fees. This is why total bill elimination is rare — fixed charges remain even with 100% solar offset.
Tips for Maximizing Solar Savings with Hydro One
Optimize Self-Consumption
Run high-draw appliances (dishwasher, laundry, EV charging) during peak solar production hours (10 AM–3 PM). This maximizes self-consumption and reduces grid imports at higher rates.
Consider Battery Storage
A battery system stores excess solar for use during On-Peak evening hours. Especially valuable with ULO pricing where the On-Peak rate is 28.6¢/kWh — store solar at $0 and avoid peak consumption entirely.
Right-Size Your System
Size to match your annual consumption (not to maximize exports). Credits expire after 12 months with no cash payout — oversizing wastes potential value. Use our system size guide for help.
Stack Incentives
Combine the federal 30% ITC with the Canada Greener Homes Loan for 0% financing. This can reduce your net upfront cost by 30%+ while spreading payments over 10 years interest-free.
Calculate Your Hydro One Solar Savings
Enter your address for a personalized solar estimate with Hydro One TOU/ULO rates, net metering credits, and federal 30% ITC.
Get Your Free EstimateHydro One Solar FAQs
Related Resources
Solar Ontario
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Learn moreSolar Calculator Hamilton
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Learn moreSolar Calculator Barrie
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Learn moreToronto Hydro Solar Guide
Solar guide for Toronto Hydro customers.
Learn moreNet Metering Canada
Compare net metering programs across all provinces.
Learn moreSolar Incentives 2026
All federal and provincial solar incentives.
Learn moreElectricity Rates Canada
Compare electricity rates by province.
Learn moreLast Updated: . Data sourced from Hydro One Networks Inc., the Ontario Energy Board, and the IESO. Always verify current rates at hydroone.com before making investment decisions.