108 answers
Solar questions, answered straight
What Canadians ask most about home solar, with honest answers, including when solar isn’t the right call.
About SolarMyBill
Who we are, how we're paid, and what happens to your information.
Is SolarMyBill really free?
Yes. Checking your roof, designing a system, reading your savings and downloading your report cost nothing. You don't need to give us a phone number to see your results.
How does SolarMyBill make money?
If you ask for quotes, we introduce you to one vetted local installer, and that installer pays us a referral fee. We earn nothing if you only use the calculator. The fee doesn't change our estimate, and we'll still tell you when solar doesn't pay.
Do you sell or install solar panels?
No. We don't sell panels, batteries or financing, and we don't install anything. Our job is to give you an independent estimate before you talk to anyone selling solar.
How accurate is the SolarMyBill estimate?
Roof measurements come from high-resolution aerial imagery and 3D roof models, and we simulate every hour of a typical year against your bill, rate plan and province's rules. Expect the estimate to land close to a good installer's proposal. An on-site visit confirms the final design and price.
Will someone call me if I use the calculator?
Only if you ask for quotes. You can see your roof, design a system, read your savings, and download or share the report without giving us a phone number.
Do you share my information with installers?
Only when you ask for quotes, and only with one installer. Once that installer has your request, its own privacy policy covers how it handles your details. You can ask us to see, correct or delete your information at any time.
Where is my data stored?
Our database is in Canada. Some of the service providers we use, such as for maps, email and hosting, process data in the United States. Our privacy policy lists each one.
Why would SolarMyBill tell me solar isn't worth it?
Because sometimes it isn't. Heavy shade, a small or north-facing roof, very cheap electricity or no credit for power you send back can push payback past what makes sense. When that happens we say so, and point to options such as a rate-plan change, a battery or waiting until you replace your roof.
Do I have to hire the installer you introduce me to?
No. An introduction is not a commitment. You can get other quotes, and you can check any quote against typical prices with our quote checker.
What do I need to get an estimate?
Your address, your typical monthly bill or kWh use, and the name of your electricity company. That's enough for us to look up your rate plan, delivery charges and taxes. Having a recent bill handy makes the estimate sharper.
Costs and savings
What solar costs in Canada, how long it takes to pay back, and what moves the numbers.
How much do solar panels cost in Canada?
Green Building Canada's 2026 figures put typical installed prices at about $2.42 to $3.05 per watt in Ontario, $2.40 to $3.02 in Alberta, and $2.60 to $3.27 in most other provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador runs higher, at about $4.00 to $4.60 per watt. A 7 kW system at $3.00 per watt costs about $21,000 before rebates.
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves?
In our model, the same sample house with a $180 monthly bill pays back in about 12 years in Ontario, 14 to 16 years in the Maritimes, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and 19 to 24 years in BC, Quebec, Manitoba and Newfoundland. Your roof, usage and rate plan can move that a lot in either direction.
How much will solar save on my electricity bill?
It depends on how much your panels produce, how much of it you use directly, and how exports are credited where you live. As one example, our Toronto sample system of 7.3 kW saves about $1,471 in its first year. Your own estimate uses your bill and rate plan.
Will solar get rid of my electricity bill completely?
Usually not. Fixed monthly charges and some delivery costs stay, and you still buy power from the grid at night and on dark winter days. A well-sized system can cut the energy part of your bill sharply, but a $0 bill is rare.
Is solar worth it in Canada?
For many homes with a sunny roof and decent electricity prices, yes, but not everywhere. Payback in our model ranges from about 12 years in Ontario to about 24 in Newfoundland, and panels typically last 25 years or more. Whether it's worth it for you depends on your roof, your bill and your province's rules.
Why does solar pay back faster in some provinces?
Three things drive it: what electricity costs, how much sun you get, and how power you send to the grid is credited. Manitoba and Quebec have cheap electricity, so each kWh of solar saves less. Ontario combines moderate prices with 1:1 net metering credits.
Is a bigger solar system cheaper per watt?
Usually, yes. Fixed costs like design, permits and the trip to your house are spread over more panels. That doesn't make bigger better, because panels that produce power you can't use or get credit for add cost without adding savings.
What is a fair price per watt for solar?
Divide the total price by the system size in watts, before any rebate. In Ontario, most quotes should fall roughly between $2.42 and $3.05 per watt according to Green Building Canada's 2026 ranges. Complex roofs, microinverters or an electrical panel upgrade can push a fair quote higher.
Should I pay cash or finance solar panels?
Cash gives the lowest total cost and the fastest payback. A loan lets you start sooner, but interest adds to the cost and stretches payback. Compare the total amount repaid, and get financial advice if you're unsure.
Do solar panels increase home value?
Lower electricity bills can appeal to buyers, but there is limited Canadian data on how much value solar adds. An owned system with paperwork in order is simpler to sell than a leased one or one with a lien on title. Ask a local real estate agent how buyers in your area see it.
Do rising electricity prices make solar pay off faster?
Yes. Every kWh your panels produce replaces a kWh you would have bought, so higher prices mean bigger savings. We show results using current prices so the estimate doesn't depend on guessing future increases.
How solar works
Panels, inverters and the grid, explained without the jargon.
How do solar panels work?
Panels turn sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter converts it to alternating current (AC) for your home. Anything you don't use right away flows out to the grid through your meter.
What's the difference between kW and kWh?
A kW is a rate of power, used to describe system size. A kWh is an amount of energy, which is what your bill charges for. A 7 kW system running at full output for one hour makes 7 kWh.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Canada?
In our model, each kW of panels makes about 1,086 kWh a year in Toronto, 1,246 in Calgary, 1,304 in Regina and 964 in Vancouver. A typical 440 W panel in Toronto would make roughly 480 kWh a year. Shade, direction and pitch change the result.
How many solar panels do I need?
Start with your yearly kWh use and divide by what one kW produces where you live. A Toronto home using 8,000 kWh a year would need roughly 7.4 kW, or about 17 panels at 440 W. The right size also depends on roof space and whether exports earn credit.
What does a solar inverter do?
It converts DC power from the panels into AC power your home and the grid can use. It also shuts the system off if the grid goes down so line workers stay safe. Most inverters also feed the monitoring app that shows your production.
Are microinverters better than a string inverter?
Microinverters let each panel work on its own, which helps on roofs with shade or several faces. A single string inverter costs less and works well on a simple, unshaded roof. Central inverters typically need replacing after 10 to 15 years.
Do solar panels work on cloudy days?
Yes, at reduced output. Panels use diffuse light that passes through cloud, so a grey day still produces something, often a fraction of a sunny day. Annual production already accounts for cloudy weather.
Do solar panels work at night?
No. Panels need daylight. At night your home draws from the grid, or from a battery if you have one.
What happens to the extra electricity my panels make?
It flows to the grid. Depending on your province and setup, it may earn kWh credits (net metering), a set dollar credit (net billing), or very little. In Ontario, systems that take the HRSP rebate can't use net metering, so exports earn little.
How long do solar panels last?
Quality panels commonly last 25 to 30 years or more, and performance warranties often guarantee a minimum output for 25 to 30 years. They lose about 0.4 to 0.5% of output a year, so a 25-year-old panel still makes roughly 88% of what it did new. Inverters wear out sooner.
Do solar panels make more energy than it takes to build them?
Yes, many times over. The energy used to make a panel is typically paid back within a few years of operation, and the panel keeps producing for decades after that. Panel recycling in Canada is still developing.
Winter and climate
Snow, cold, short days and storms: what Canadian weather really does to solar.
Do solar panels work in the winter in Canada?
Yes, but they make much less. Our Toronto sample system produces about 140 kWh in December against about 1,235 kWh in July. Solar should be judged on the whole year, and where net metering exists, summer credits help cover winter bills.
Should I clear snow off my solar panels?
Generally no. Climbing on a snowy roof is dangerous, and scraping can scratch the glass or void a warranty. Snow usually slides off tilted panels within a day or two of a storm.
How much less do solar panels produce in winter?
A lot less. In our Toronto sample, November through February together make about 806 kWh, roughly 10% of the year's total. Short days and a low sun matter far more than the cold.
Do solar panels work better in the cold?
Yes. Panels are more efficient when they're cool, so a bright, cold day can give higher output than an equally bright hot day. In winter, short daylight is what limits output.
Can solar panels handle hail?
Certified panels are tested against hail, typically by firing 25 mm ice balls at them. Very large hail can still crack panels, so check that your home insurance covers them.
Can my roof handle the weight of solar panels and snow?
Most modern roofs can, since panels and racking add only a few pounds per square foot. Panels themselves carry snow-load ratings on their spec sheets. Older homes or unusual framing may need a structural check, which your installer or municipality may require.
Can solar panels survive high winds?
A properly installed system is designed for local wind loads, with racking anchored into the roof structure. Installation quality matters most here, which is one reason to ask about the installer's workmanship warranty.
Is snow sliding off solar panels a problem?
It can be if it lands on a walkway, door or driveway, because panels shed snow in larger slabs than shingles. Ask your installer about placement or snow guards over entrances.
Which Canadian cities are best for solar production?
The Prairies get the most sun. In our model, each kW of panels makes about 1,304 kWh a year in Regina, 1,267 in Winnipeg and 1,246 in Calgary, compared with 1,086 in Toronto and 873 in St. John's. Sun is only one part of payback, since electricity prices and export rules matter just as much.
Is solar worth it in rainy places like Vancouver?
Panels still produce, at about 964 kWh per kW a year in our model, roughly 11% less than Toronto. BC's low electricity prices and BC Hydro's new export rate weigh more on payback than the rain does. Our model puts BC payback at about 19 years for the sample house.
Rates and net metering
How your utility credits solar power, and which rate plan suits a solar home.
What is net metering?
Net metering credits the electricity you send to the grid against power you buy later. In Ontario, each exported kWh earns a 1:1 kWh credit that can carry forward for up to 12 months. It lets summer surplus help pay winter bills.
How does net metering work in Ontario?
Your utility measures what you import and export. Exported kWh become credits that offset future use, and unused credits carry forward for up to 12 months. You need a net metering agreement with your local utility, and you can't combine it with the HRSP solar rebate.
What happens to net metering credits after 12 months in Ontario?
Credits older than 12 months expire without payment. That's why systems are usually sized to match yearly use, since a system that always overproduces builds credits that go unused.
Which Ontario rate plan is best with solar panels?
With solar only, Time-of-Use or Tiered is often safer, because ULO's 37.7¢ weekday 4 to 9 pm window is hard to avoid without storage. With a battery, Ultra-Low Overnight is often the strongest fit. We estimate all three plans for your home.
Is Ultra-Low Overnight good for a home with solar?
It depends on your evenings. ULO charges 3.7¢ per kWh from 11 pm to 7 am and 37.7¢ on weekdays from 4 to 9 pm, when panels make little power. It works well with a battery or an EV charged overnight, and poorly for homes with heavy evening use and no storage.
Can I sell solar power back to the grid in Canada?
Most utilities credit exports on your bill instead of buying power from you. Ontario uses kWh credits, BC Hydro now credits 10¢ per kWh for new customers, and Alberta retailers credit exports and pay out unused credits once a year. Rules vary, so check with your utility.
Does BC Hydro still offer net metering?
Not to new customers. From July 1, 2026, new solar customers join BC Hydro's self-generation rate, which credits exported power at 10¢ per kWh on each bill. Existing net metering customers can stay on the old rate for 10 years from when they started.
How does Alberta credit solar power I export?
Under Alberta's micro-generation rules, your electricity retailer credits exports on your bill at a rate set in your agreement, and pays out unused credits at year-end. Credit rates differ between retailers, so confirm the terms before you install.
How does net metering work in Quebec?
Hydro-Québec banks your surplus kWh and resets the bank every 24 months. Any balance left at reset is paid as a bill credit at the average cost of electricity supply, which is well below the retail price. Quebec's low rates mean solar saves less per kWh than in most provinces.
What's the difference between net metering and net billing?
Net metering credits each exported kWh at the same value as a kWh you buy. Net billing credits exports at a set dollar rate, which is often lower. Net billing makes it more important to use your own solar power directly.
Do I still pay delivery charges if I have solar?
Yes. Fixed monthly delivery and customer charges stay on your bill. Charges that scale with kWh shrink as you buy less from the grid, though how credits apply to them depends on your utility.
Incentives and rebates
Which programs are open, which have closed, and how to avoid budgeting on old news.
Are there government grants for solar panels in Canada?
There is no federal homeowner solar grant open right now. Some provinces and utilities run their own, such as Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program and Hydro-Québec's grant through LogisVert. Programs change often, so check before you sign.
Is the Canada Greener Homes Grant still available?
No. The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applicants in 2024. If a salesperson includes it in your price, ask them to explain.
Is the Canada Greener Homes Loan still available?
No. The interest-free Canada Greener Homes Loan closed to new applicants on October 1, 2025. Some municipalities offer their own low-interest energy loans.
How does Ontario's HRSP solar rebate work?
The Home Renovation Savings Program pays $1,000 per kW of solar, up to $5,000 and no more than 50% of the cost. The system must be sized for on-site use and can't join net metering. Confirm current rules with Save on Energy before you sign.
Can I get the Ontario solar rebate and net metering?
No, not on the same system. You choose between an upfront rebate with a system sized for your own use, or net metering credits for exports. We model both paths for Ontario homes so you can compare.
Is there a rebate for home batteries in Ontario?
Yes. The Home Renovation Savings Program offers up to $5,000 for a qualifying battery, capped at 50% of the cost, but only for a battery installed together with new solar. Batteries added to an existing system, or on their own, don’t qualify. Check eligibility with Save on Energy first.
Is there a solar grant in Quebec?
Yes. Hydro-Québec offers $1,000 per installed kW, covering up to 40% of eligible costs, through its LogisVert program. The system needs Hydro-Québec's connection approval, and the grant application comes after that. Check Hydro-Québec for current conditions.
Is there a tax credit for home solar panels in Canada?
Not a general one for homeowners. The federal clean technology investment tax credit is aimed at businesses. Ask an accountant if you run a business from home or have other tax questions.
Are there low-interest loans for solar panels?
Some municipalities offer energy upgrade loans repaid through your property tax bill, such as Toronto's Home Energy Loan Program. Terms and availability change, so check with your city directly.
Does Ontario still have the microFIT program?
No. The IESO stopped accepting microFIT applications on December 1, 2017. Existing contracts continue, but new systems use net metering or the HRSP rebate instead.
What if a rebate ends before my system is installed?
It can happen, so read the program rules on pre-approval and deadlines before you sign. Ask your installer to show the price with and without the rebate, and keep every document. Don't sign a contract that only works if a rebate comes through.
Batteries and backup
When a home battery saves money, when it only buys peace of mind, and what it costs.
Do solar panels work during a power outage?
Not on their own. Grid-tied inverters shut down when the grid fails so they don't send power onto lines crews are repairing. To keep power during an outage you need a battery or backup-capable equipment.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
Most homes with net metering don't, because the grid already banks your surplus as credits. A battery makes more sense if you want outage backup, you're on Ontario's ULO plan, or your exports earn little, such as with the HRSP rebate.
How much does a home battery cost in Canada?
As a rough guide, expect about $1,000 to $1,300 per kWh of capacity installed, so a 13 kWh battery runs roughly $13,000 to $17,000. Ontario's HRSP offers up to $5,000 back, capped at 50% of the cost.
Do home batteries pay for themselves?
Only in some cases. A battery pays best where there's a big price gap to exploit, such as Ontario's ULO plan, or where exports earn little. With full net metering and a flat rate, a battery is mostly a backup purchase.
How long will a battery power my house during an outage?
Running essentials like the fridge, furnace fan, lights and internet usually draws about 0.5 to 1 kW. At that rate, 13 kWh of usable capacity lasts roughly 13 to 26 hours. Electric heat, a dryer or central air drains it much faster.
What size battery do I need?
Decide what you want it for first. For savings on ULO, size it to cover your weekday 4 to 9 pm use. For backup, add up the circuits you want to keep running and how long outages usually last where you live.
Can I add a battery to my solar system later?
Usually, yes. Some batteries connect on the AC side and work with almost any existing system, while others need a compatible hybrid inverter. If you think you'll want one, tell your installer now so the design leaves room.
Can a home battery charge from the grid?
Many can. On Ontario's ULO plan, a battery can charge at 3.7¢ overnight and run your home during the 37.7¢ weekday evening peak. Check whether any rebate you take has rules about grid charging.
Is a generator or a battery better for backup power?
A generator can run for days as long as you have fuel, and usually costs less upfront. A battery is quiet, needs no fuel and can save money every day on the right rate plan, but runs out unless solar recharges it. Many homes in areas with long outages use both.
Can I go off-grid with solar panels in Canada?
You can, but for a typical home it's costly. Winter production is low, so you'd need a large battery bank and usually a generator for long dark stretches. Off-grid solar makes most sense for cottages and remote sites without a grid connection.
How long do home batteries last?
Most home lithium batteries carry warranties of around 10 years, often with a guaranteed share of capacity at the end. They slowly lose capacity with use and age. Check the warranty's cycle and capacity terms when comparing models.
Your roof and home
Direction, shade, roof age and the house itself: what makes a good solar home.
Is my roof good for solar?
A good roof faces roughly south, east or west, gets little shade from about 9 am to 3 pm, and has at least 10 years of life left. North-facing and heavily shaded roofs are usually poor fits. Our free check measures your roof's direction, pitch and sun.
Do solar panels work on east- or west-facing roofs?
Yes. They typically produce about 10 to 20% less than a south-facing roof. West-facing panels make more power in the late afternoon, which can help on rate plans with pricier evenings.
Should I replace my roof before installing solar?
If your roof has less than about 10 years left, usually yes. Panels last 25 years or more, and removing and reinstalling them later adds cost. A roofer can tell you how much life your roof has left.
Do solar panels damage your roof?
A proper installation shouldn't. Mounts are bolted into the rafters and sealed with flashing to keep water out, and panels shade the shingles beneath them. Problems usually come from poor workmanship, so check the installer's workmanship warranty on roof penetrations.
Can I put solar panels on a flat roof?
Yes. Panels go on tilted racks, often held down with ballast weight, so structural capacity matters. Rows need spacing so they don't shade each other, and flatter panels hold snow longer.
Can I install solar panels on a metal roof?
Yes, and standing seam metal is one of the best roofs for solar. Panels can often attach with clamps on the seams, with no holes through the roof. Tile, slate and cedar shake are possible but more complex.
Can I get solar panels on a townhouse or condo?
Freehold townhouses often can, though roof space is small and neighbours may shade it. Condo roofs are usually common property, so any project needs board approval. Condo townhouses generally follow condo rules.
What if my roof is partly shaded?
Shade can cut output noticeably, especially when panels share a single string inverter. Microinverters or optimizers reduce the loss, and sometimes skipping the shaded section is the better design. Heavy all-day shade usually makes solar a poor investment.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for solar?
Sometimes. Older 60 or 100 amp panels, or panels with no spare capacity, may need an upgrade or another connection method. An upgrade can add a few thousand dollars, so make sure the quote says whether it's included.
Can I put solar panels on the ground instead of my roof?
Yes, if you have open, sunny space. Ground mounts let you choose the best direction and angle and are easy to clear of snow. They usually cost more for racking, footings and trenching the wiring to your house.
Should I size solar for a future heat pump or electric car?
It's worth considering, because both raise your electricity use. If you plan to add one within a few years, include its expected use in your estimate, or leave room on the roof and inverter to expand.
Buying and installing
Choosing an installer, reading quotes, permits and the steps to switching on.
How do I choose a solar installer?
Look for a licensed electrical contractor in your province, several years of local work, clear written warranties and a detailed proposal with a production estimate. Get more than one quote, and walk away from pressure to sign today.
How do I compare solar quotes?
Compare price per watt, panel and inverter models, estimated yearly kWh, warranties and what's included, such as permits and panel upgrades. A quote with a low price and an inflated production estimate is not a better deal.
What should a solar quote include?
System size in kW, panel model and count, inverter model, estimated yearly production in kWh, total price and price per watt, and any rebate with prices before and after. It should also list warranties, who handles permits and utility approval, and the payment schedule.
How long does it take to install solar panels?
The installation itself usually takes one to three days. From signing to switching on, expect a few weeks to a few months, mostly waiting on permits, utility approval and inspection.
Do I need a permit for solar panels?
An electrical permit is almost always required, and in Ontario the Electrical Safety Authority inspects the work. Some municipalities also require a building permit. Your installer normally handles both.
Who connects my solar system to the grid?
Your installer applies to your utility, an electrical inspector checks the work, and the utility may change or reprogram your meter. Don't switch the system on until the utility gives permission.
How can I spot a solar scam?
Warning signs include "free solar", promises of a $0 bill, grants that have closed, today-only prices, door-to-door pressure and no written production estimate. Also ask whether any lien or notice will be registered on your title.
Should I lease solar panels or buy them?
Buying, with cash or a loan, usually gives the best long-term value because you keep all the savings. A lease or power purchase agreement needs little money upfront, but the company keeps much of the value and contracts can complicate selling your home. Read the full contract before signing.
Is it safe to sign a solar contract at the door?
It's best not to. Door-to-door sales are a common source of complaints, and a good offer will still be there after you've compared quotes. Ontario restricts door-to-door sales of some home products, so be cautious.
What warranties should come with solar panels?
Expect a panel product warranty, often 12 to 25 years, and a performance warranty, often 25 to 30 years. Add the inverter warranty and the installer's workmanship warranty, which covers roof penetrations and wiring. Get every warranty in writing.
Can I install solar panels myself?
You can do some of the physical work, but the electrical connection generally must be done by a licensed electrical contractor and inspected. Utility approval and rebates often require a qualified installer. A DIY system may also cause insurance problems, so check first.
After installation
Living with solar: maintenance, monitoring, insurance, and what happens when you sell or move.
Do solar panels need maintenance?
Very little. Look at production in your monitoring app now and then, glance at the panels from the ground after big storms, and expect to replace a string inverter once over the system's life. Some owners book an inspection every few years.
Do I need to clean my solar panels?
Usually not. Rain and melting snow clean tilted panels well enough in most of Canada. If heavy dust, pollen or bird droppings build up, hire a professional rather than climbing up yourself.
How do I know if my solar panels are working?
Most systems come with a monitoring app that shows daily and monthly production. Compare it with the same month in your installer's estimate, allowing for weather. A sudden drop to zero on a sunny day usually points to an inverter or connection fault.
Do I need to tell my insurance company about solar panels?
Yes, and ideally before installation. Panels add to your home's replacement value, and some insurers have changed or declined coverage after solar was added. If one insurer says no, others may offer coverage, so shop around.
Will solar panels raise my home insurance premium?
They might, since they increase what it would cost to rebuild your home. Ask your insurer or broker how they treat solar and what limit applies to the panels, and give them the system details.
What happens if I sell my house with solar panels?
An owned system normally stays with the house. Give buyers your permits, inspection certificate, utility agreement, warranties and production history. A lease, loan or lien on title may need to be paid off or transferred, so check the contract early.
What happens to my solar panels if I move?
In most cases they stay with the house and the value goes into the sale. Taking panels with you is possible but rarely worth the cost of removal, a new installation and new permits. Your net metering credits generally stay with the account at that property, so ask your utility.
What happens when my solar inverter stops working?
The system stops producing, or produces less, until it's fixed. String inverters typically last 10 to 15 years, so budget for one replacement. Check whether the inverter warranty covers labour as well as parts.
What if my solar system produces less than promised?
Compare a full year of production, since one month can be misleading. If the year falls well short of the estimate, ask the installer to check for shading, faults or design errors. A performance guarantee in writing helps here.
Can I add more solar panels later?
Often, if there's roof space and your inverter has spare capacity, or you add microinverters. You may need a new permit and utility approval, and new panels may not match the old ones exactly. Planning for expansion at the start is cheaper.
Do panels have to come off to repair or replace my roof?
For a full re-roof, yes, and removal and reinstallation can cost a few thousand dollars. Small repairs can sometimes be done around the array. Ask your installer what they charge for removal and reinstallation before you sign.
Still wondering?
The best answer is your own roof
See your roof, your panels and your savings in about a minute.
Check my roof →