Ontario Solar Calculator 2026
Calculate personalized solar panel costs, savings projections, and 25-year ROI for your Ontario home. Compare HRSP rebate vs net metering incentives with 2026 OEB electricity rates.
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 |
Roof Complexity
South-facing roof: lowest cost. Complex angles: 10-15% premium.
System Components
High-efficiency panels (+$0.20-$0.40/W). Battery storage (+$10-16K).
Location
GTA pricing is competitive. Northern Ontario: 5-10% premium.
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
Ontario Solar Guides
Ontario Battery Rebate
What Home Renovation Savings pays toward a home battery.
Learn moreSolar Panel Cost in Toronto
Installed price ranges by system size.
Learn moreSolar Payback in Ottawa
How many years until solar pays for itself.
Learn moreAlectra Net Metering Guide
How to connect solar to Alectra Utilities.
Learn moreHydro Ottawa Net Metering Guide
How to connect solar to Hydro Ottawa.
Learn moreTOU vs ULO in Ontario
Which rate plan suits solar and batteries.
Learn moreReady to Calculate Your Ontario Solar Savings?
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