Solar myths vs facts

They work, but they produce far less in December than in June.

Our Toronto sample system makes about 140 kWh in December and about 1,235 kWh in July. Cold actually helps panel efficiency; short days and snow cover are what cut output. Solar is judged on the whole year, and net metering lets summer credits cover part of winter.

In Canada, payback is usually well over a decade.

Our model puts payback for a sample house at about 12 years in Ontario and up to about 24 years in Newfoundland. Very short payback claims usually assume closed grants, high price increases or an inflated production estimate. Ask to see the math.

East- and west-facing roofs work too, at somewhat lower output.

East and west roofs typically produce about 10 to 20% less than south-facing ones. West-facing panels make more power in the late afternoon, which can suit some rate plans. North-facing roofs are usually the poor fit.

Rain and snowmelt keep tilted panels clean enough in most of Canada.

Dust and pollen cost a little output, but regular washing rarely pays for itself. If heavy grime or droppings build up, hire a professional. Don't climb on the roof or use harsh tools.

Standard grid-tied systems shut off when the grid goes down.

This anti-islanding safety rule protects line crews repairing the grid. To keep power during an outage you need a battery or backup-capable equipment set up for it.

The grant closed to new applicants in 2024, and the Greener Homes Loan closed on October 1, 2025.

Many older articles and some sales pitches still mention them. Don't budget on either program. Check our incentives page for what is open now, such as Ontario's HRSP and Hydro-Québec's grant.

A proper installation protects the roof it sits on.

Mounts are bolted into rafters and sealed with flashing, and panels shade the shingles beneath them. Leaks come from poor workmanship, so ask about the installer's workmanship warranty and replace an ageing roof first.

Most Canadian programs give you bill credits, and few pay cash for surplus.

Ontario net metering credits expire after 12 months, and Hydro-Québec pays out leftover surplus at a low rate. Systems are sized to cut your own bill. A system built to earn income usually overproduces credits you can't use.

Quality panels lose only about 0.4 to 0.5% of output a year.

At 0.5% a year, a panel still makes roughly 88% of its original output after 25 years. Performance warranties commonly guarantee a minimum output for 25 to 30 years.

Batteries pay off only where there's a large price gap or exports earn little.

On Ontario's Ultra-Low Overnight plan a battery can shift cheap 3.7¢ power into the 37.7¢ evening peak. With full net metering and a flat rate, a battery saves little and is mostly a backup purchase.

Panels still produce from diffuse light, just less.

A grey day might bring a fraction of a sunny day's output. Yearly estimates already include cloudy weather, which is why rainy Vancouver still makes about 964 kWh per kW a year in our model.

Solar needs very little care, but not none.

String inverters typically need replacing after 10 to 15 years, so budget for one. Check your monitoring app now and then so a fault doesn't go unnoticed for months, and look over the panels after big storms.

Almost all Canadian home systems stay connected to the grid.

The grid supplies power at night and in winter, and takes your surplus in summer. Going off-grid needs large batteries and usually a generator, so it mainly suits cottages and remote sites.

The best system size matches what you can use or get credit for.

Panels that produce power you can't use, or credits that expire, add cost without savings. With Ontario's HRSP rebate there's no net metering, so oversizing is especially costly. We size for the best payback.

Fixed charges and some delivery costs stay on your bill.

Solar cuts the energy you buy, but monthly customer and delivery charges remain. You'll also buy power at night and on dark winter days unless you have credits to cover it.

Someone always pays for the equipment, and it's usually you.

"Free" offers are typically leases, power purchase agreements or loans paid through monthly fees or a share of savings. Some register a lien or notice on your title. Ask for the cash price and read the whole contract.

Panels lose some efficiency as they heat up.

Output drops a fraction of a percent for each degree a panel's cells warm above 25°C. Long summer days still produce the most energy, but a cool, clear spring day can beat a sweltering one hour for hour.