What size solar system is right for a Toronto home?

Most Toronto detached homes consume 8,000–12,000 kWh/year. A 7–10 kW system covers 80–100% of annual consumption. Oversizing wastes credits (expire after 12 months with no payout). Right-size to your usage.

Does Toronto Hydro pay cash for excess solar?

No. Unused credits after 12 months are forfeited. The program is designed for self-consumption, not income generation. Right-size your system to match annual consumption.

How long does Toronto Hydro interconnection take?

Typically 4–12 weeks from application to bidirectional meter installation. Toronto Hydro may have backlog during peak season (spring/summer). Factor timing into your project.

Are condos and townhouses eligible for net metering?

Net metering applies per utility meter. Individual condo units with separate meters are technically eligible, but strata/condo board approval is required. Shared/common-area accounts are more complex.

What is the difference between Toronto Hydro and Hydro One?

Toronto Hydro serves only the City of Toronto (770K customers). Hydro One serves rural and suburban Ontario outside major cities. Check your utility on your bill to confirm.

Can I monitor my solar generation and net metering in real-time?

Yes. Log into your Toronto Hydro online account → Electricity Use → My Usage Reports. Export interval data (both Delivered and Received channels) to track performance versus installer projections.

Toronto Hydro Solar & Net Metering Guide — 2026

770K

Toronto Hydro Customers

1,100–1,200

kWh/kW Annual Output

4–12 wks

Interconnection Timeline

TOU/ULO

Rate Plans Available

What Is Toronto Hydro?

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited is the electricity distributor for the City of Toronto, serving 770,000 customers. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Toronto.

Toronto Hydro operates under the same Ontario Energy Board (OEB) framework as Hydro One, but has its own distribution rates and customer portal. If your address is within Toronto city limits, Toronto Hydro is your distributor.

Use our Solar Calculator for Toronto with your actual consumption to see your exact payback period.

Toronto Hydro Electricity Rates (2026)

Time-of-Use (TOU)

Off-Peak (nights, weekends)9.8¢/kWh

Mid-Peak (shoulder)15.7¢/kWh

On-Peak (11am–5pm)20.3¢/kWh

Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO)

Ultra-low (11pm–7am)2.8¢/kWh

Weekend off-peak9.8¢/kWh

On-Peak (7am–11am, 5–9pm)28.6¢/kWh

Rates set by Ontario Energy Board. Ontario Electricity Rebate (23.5%) applied automatically. Verify at torontohydro.com.

Toronto Hydro Net Metering

How Credits Work

• Bidirectional meter tracks Delivered (from grid) and Received (to grid) channels
• Credits applied at applicable RPP rate (TOU or Tiered)
• Roll forward month-to-month for 12 months
• Unused credits forfeited after 12 months — no cash payout

Eligibility

• Renewable energy only (solar, wind, micro-hydro)
• Cannot use Toronto Hydro's grid to deliver to consumption point
• Must agree to export surplus
• Third-party ownership requires OEB disclosure

Access your interval data: Toronto Hydro Portal → Electricity Use → My Usage Reports → Export to Excel. Both channels visible for verification.

Solar Potential in Toronto

Metric	Value
Annual solar irradiance	1,200–1,280 kWh/m²
Peak sun hours/day (avg)	3.8–4.2 hours
Est. annual output per kW	1,100–1,200 kWh
Optimal panel tilt	30–35° (latitude-adjusted)

A typical Toronto 10 kW system with 8,000–10,000 kWh/year consumption can offset 85–100% of annual usage. Urban constraints (neighboring buildings, trees, shading) must be surveyed.

Going Solar with Toronto Hydro

1

Assess your roof

South, SE, or SW orientation; minimal shading; structurally sound. Semi-detached/row homes have limited space—get a survey.

2

Pull 12 months of bills

Get annual kWh from your Toronto Hydro account. This determines right system size.

3

Get 3+ quotes

Specify net metering interconnection as a requirement. Confirm Toronto Hydro experience.

4

Submit interconnection app

Installer coordinates with Toronto Hydro. Include system specs, single-line diagrams, equipment certs.

5

Receive grid approval

Toronto Hydro reviews and issues connection authorization.

6

Install system

Licensed contractor + ESA inspection required.

7

Bidirectional meter installed

Toronto Hydro installs at no charge. Do NOT commission before meter installation.

8

Activate and monitor

Track both "Delivered" and "Received" channels via Toronto Hydro portal.

Do NOT commission before bidirectional meter

Unidirectional meters record exports as consumption — you'll be charged for power you generate.

Understanding Your Toronto Hydro Bill

ElectricitySolar credits ✅ apply here

DeliveryFixed fee — credits do NOT apply

RegulatoryFixed fee — credits do NOT apply

Smart Meter EntityUntil Dec 31, 2027 — no credit offset

Ontario Electricity Rebate−23.5% applied first

Net metering credits reduce electricity charges only. Fixed fees remain — total bill elimination is rare.

Federal & Provincial Incentives

Federal 30% Investment Tax Credit

30% of system cost. On $30K system = $9,000 savings.

Canada Greener Homes Loan

0% interest, up to $40K, repay over 10 years.

See all programs: Solar Incentives 2026 →

Calculate Your Toronto Solar Savings

Get a free estimate with Toronto Hydro TOU/ULO rates, net metering, and 30% ITC.

Get Your Free Estimate

Toronto Hydro Solar FAQs

Authoritative Resources

Toronto Hydro Net Metering

Official program

Toronto Hydro Rates

Current rate schedules

Ontario Energy Board

Rate-setting body

NRCan Solar Maps

Irradiance data

Toronto Hydro Solar & Net Metering Guide — 2026

What Is Toronto Hydro?

Toronto Hydro Electricity Rates (2026)

Time-of-Use (TOU)

Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO)

Toronto Hydro Net Metering

How Credits Work

Eligibility

Solar Potential in Toronto

Going Solar with Toronto Hydro

Assess your roof

Pull 12 months of bills

Get 3+ quotes

Submit interconnection app

Receive grid approval

Install system

Bidirectional meter installed

Activate and monitor

Understanding Your Toronto Hydro Bill

Federal & Provincial Incentives

Calculate Your Toronto Solar Savings

Toronto Hydro Solar FAQs

Authoritative Resources

Related Resources

Solar Toronto

Solar Ontario

Hydro One Solar Guide

Net Metering Canada

Solar Incentives 2026

Best Solar Panels Canada