Solar Calculator Ontario
Calculate solar costs and savings for your home. Compare net metering vs. Home Renovation Savings rebates, with current electricity rates and transparent assumptions.
Free
No Email Required
2 Min
Estimate Ready
25 Years
Financial Model
$5,000
Max HRS Rebate
Start Your Solar Estimate
Our interactive calculator models your Ontario home's solar potential, 25-year savings, and eligibility for the Home Renovation Savings rebate. Input your postal code, electricity bill, and roof characteristics for a personalized estimate in minutes.
The calculator analyzes:
- ✓Your postal code & solar irradiance zone
- ✓Monthly electricity bill & consumption
- ✓Electricity plan (TOU, ULO, or Tiered)
- ✓Roof direction, shading, and pitch
- ✓Net metering vs. rebate pathway
- ✓25-year savings & payback period
Ontario Electricity Rates (2026)
Your electricity rate plan impacts how much solar can save. Toronto Hydro offers Time-of-Use (TOU) and Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) plans.
Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates (Nov 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2026)
| Period | Season | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak (9 pm – 7 am, weekends) | Winter | 9.8¢/kWh |
| Mid-peak (7 am – 11 am, 5 pm – 9 pm) | Winter | 15.7¢/kWh |
| On-peak (11 am – 5 pm weekdays) | Winter | 20.3¢/kWh |
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Rates (Nov 1, 2025 – Oct 31, 2026)
| Period | Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra-low overnight (9 pm – 6 am) | 3.9¢/kWh | EV charging, heating |
| Weekend off-peak (6 am – noon Sat/Sun) | 9.8¢/kWh | Weekend loads |
| Mid-peak (7 am – noon, 5 pm – 9 pm weekdays) | 15.7¢/kWh | Standard usage |
| On-peak (noon – 5 pm weekdays) | 39.1¢/kWh | Avoid if possible |
Rates subject to change. Learn more about choosing TOU vs. ULO →
Net Metering vs. Home Renovation Savings Rebate
Ontario offers two pathways. You must choose one—you cannot combine them.
✓ Net Metering Pathway
- +Larger system size (100% consumption offset)
- +Credits roll forward 12 months
- +No rebate caps—system can be any size
- −No HRS rebate eligibility
- −Larger upfront investment
Typical: 7–10 kW system, $10,000+ upfront after financing
Model net metering savings →⚡ HRS Rebate Pathway
- +$5,000 max rebate (50% of costs)
- +Lower upfront cost (net of rebate)
- +Faster initial payback (14–16 years with rebate)
- −Smaller system (60–75% of consumption)
- −No net metering allowed
Typical: 4–6 kW system, $5,000–10,000 upfront after rebate
Model rebate savings →⚠️ Important: You cannot get both pathways.
If your system has a Net Metering Agreement, you are NOT eligible for the Home Renovation Savings rebate. The HRS program requires load-displacement (non-export) systems. Use the calculator to compare both scenarios and choose the one with the best 25-year savings for your home.
System Costs & 25-Year Savings (Ontario)
Based on IEA PVPS 2023 Canada cost benchmarks (2.30–3.90 CAD/W). Costs vary by installer and other factors.
7 kW System (Net Metering)
5 kW System (HRS Rebate)
Assumptions: 3% discount rate, 2.5% annual electricity escalation, −0.5%/year degradation, TOU or ULO blended rate ~15.0¢/kWh average. Your actual savings depend on your specific consumption, rate plan, roof characteristics, and changes in utility rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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