How does the Solar Calculator Canada estimator work?

Enter your address, add roof size or monthly kWh usage, and the estimator computes system size, annual production, bill savings, and payback using province-specific electricity rates and NASA POWER irradiance data. No email is required to see results.

What data sources does the estimator use?

Provincial time-of-use, tiered, and ULO electricity rates are pulled from utility tariff filings and refreshed each quarter. Solar irradiance is sourced from NASA POWER and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Panel production is modelled with the NREL PVWatts derating methodology.

Is the estimator free to use?

Yes. The solar estimator is 100% free with no credit card required. Results appear before any contact form. You can optionally request installer quotes at the end, or download a PDF summary.

How accurate are the savings numbers?

The estimator uses your real address for irradiance, your real utility for rates, and PVWatts derating for production. Actual savings vary by 5-10% based on shading, roof pitch, snow cover, and rate escalation. See the methodology page for the full model.

Which provinces does the estimator cover?

All 10 Canadian provinces are supported. Rate data is deepest for Ontario (Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Alectra, and 20+ LDCs), Alberta (Enmax, Epcor, Fortis, direct energy retailers), British Columbia (BC Hydro), Quebec (Hydro-Quebec), and Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia Power).

Does the estimator include battery storage math?

Yes. Add a battery and the estimator runs peak-shaving and self-consumption models against your utility rate plan. For Ontario, it compares the $10,000 HRSP rebate path (battery required, load displacement) against straight net metering.

Do I need to enter an email to see results?

No. Results appear before any email or contact gate. Contact information is only requested if you choose to receive installer quotes or a PDF report.

Free Solar Estimator Canada 2026: Instant Panel and Battery Quote

Get Your Solar Estimate

Choose your preferred level of detail

Coming Soon

Instant Estimate

See your savings in seconds — just your bill and province

✓Results in seconds
✓Just 2 inputs needed
✓Savings, costs & payback
✓No sign-up required

Recommended

Quick Estimate

Get a ballpark estimate in minutes with minimal information

✓3-5 minutes to complete
✓Basic property info only
✓Instant cost estimate
✓Perfect for browsing

Detailed Analysis

Most detailed system design with hand-drawn roof outline

✓Draw your roof on satellite map
✓Detailed system sizing
✓Includes battery peak-shaving
✓Highest-fidelity estimate

Quick Comparison

Feature	Instant (Coming Soon)	Quick Estimate	Detailed Analysis
Time Required	Instant	3-5 min	10-15 min
Inputs Needed	Bill + province	Preset size selection	Interactive satellite map drawing
Energy Entry	Monthly bill only	Monthly bill input	Property details & monthly bill
Battery Peak Shaving	Included (default battery)	Available (if selected)	Available (if selected)
Photos	None	Simple (2-3 photos)	Organized categories (up to 17)
Sign-up Required	No	Email at end	Email at end
System Accuracy	±25-30%	±15-20%	±5-10%
Best For	Exploring savings potential	Quick estimates, browsing	Accurate quotes, detailed analysis