How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Ontario? (2026 Pricing)
The average cost of solar panels in Ontario is $2.42 to $3.50 per watt, making Ontario one of Canada's most affordable provinces. Pricing includes equipment, installation, permits, ESA approvals, and 25-year warranties.
| System Size | Total Cost (Before Rebates) | After HRSP Rebate | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $12,100 - $17,500 | $7,100 - $12,500 | $80 - $110 |
| 8 kW | $19,400 - $28,000 | $14,400 - $23,000 | $130 - $160 |
| 10 kW | $24,200 - $35,000 | $19,200 - $30,000 | $160 - $200 |
| 12 kW | $29,000 - $42,000 | $24,000 - $37,000 | $190 - $240 |
Ontario Solar Incentives & Rebates (2026)
Ontario homeowners have two mutually exclusive pathways for solar savings. Our calculator helps you determine which maximizes your 25-year return.
Option 1: HRSP Rebate
Up to $10,000 in rebates from Save On Energy & Enbridge Gas
- ✓ $1,000/kW solar (max $5,000)
- ✓ $1,000/kWh battery (max $5,000)
- ✓ System must be 5+ kW
- ✓ Requires battery storage & peak saver enrollment
Restriction: Load displacement only—no grid export allowed.
Best for: High daytime usage, backup power needs, lower upfront cost.
Option 2: Net Metering
Earn credits for excess electricity sent to the grid
- ✓ Credits at retail rates (9.8¢-20.3¢/kWh TOU)
- ✓ Unlimited system size
- ✓ Battery optional
- ✓ Credits roll 12 months
Important: Credits offset electricity charges only, not delivery/regulatory fees.
Best for: Maximum flexibility, larger systems, evening usage patterns.
Regional Incentives
- • Durham Region: $2,500-$5,000 deep retrofit rebate
- • Town of Whitby: Matches Durham rebate dollar-for-dollar
- • Ottawa: $860/kW for commercial (50+ kW minimum)
Ontario Electricity Rates Explained (2026)
Understanding your rate plan is critical for calculating solar savings. Ontario offers three pricing structures, each affecting solar ROI by 3-5 years.
Time-of-Use (TOU) - Default for Most Ontarians
Off-Peak (7 PM - 7 AM)
9.8¢/kWh
Mid-Peak (7 AM - 11 AM, 5-7 PM)
15.7¢/kWh
On-Peak (11 AM - 5 PM weekdays)
20.3¢/kWh
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) - Best for Solar + Battery
Ultra-Low Overnight (11 PM - 7 AM)
3.9¢/kWh
Opportunity: Charge battery at 3.9¢, discharge at 39.1¢ = 35.2¢/kWh spread
On-Peak (4 PM - 9 PM weekdays)
39.1¢/kWh
Additional annual savings with battery: $1,000-$1,500
Your Complete Electricity Bill (4 Components)
- 1. Electricity Charge - Based on your rate plan (only part affected by solar)
- 2. Delivery Charge - Grid maintenance (~$40-60/month fixed)
- 3. Regulatory Charges - OEB, IESO, OER fees (~$5-15/month)
- 4. HST - 13% on all charges
📌 Net metering credits offset electricity charges only—you'll always pay $50-75/month minimum for delivery + regulatory.
Solar Production in Ontario Cities
Ontario receives excellent solar irradiance with most cities producing 1,150-1,200 kWh per kW annually. Southern Ontario has some of Canada's best solar potential.
Toronto
1,172 kWh/kW/year
GTA
Mississauga
1,169 kWh/kW/year
GTA
Ottawa
1,198 kWh/kW/year
Ottawa Region
London
1,178 kWh/kW/year
Southwestern
Windsor
1,192 kWh/kW/year
Southwestern
Thunder Bay
1,195 kWh/kW/year
Northern
Seasonal Production Pattern
- • 70% of annual generation between April-October
- • Peak month: July (12-14% of annual)
- • Lowest month: December (2-3% of annual)
- • Winter production reduced by shorter days & snow cover
Solar Payback Period in Ontario
The average payback period is 8-12 years, depending on system size, consumption, and incentive path chosen.
HRSP Path (8 kW System)
Installation Cost: $24,000
HRSP Rebate: $10,000 (solar + battery)
Net Cost: $14,000
Payback: 8.5 years
25-Year Savings: $46,250
Net Metering Path (8 kW System)
Installation Cost: $24,000
Rebate: $0
Net Cost: $24,000
Payback: 12.8 years
25-Year Savings: $52,750
Post-Payback Profit (Year 13-25)
$32,250
HRSP Path Profit
$28,750
Net Metering Profit
230-320%
Total 25-Year ROI
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about solar in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
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