Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ontario, NY (2024 Update)
- Ontario Solar Installation Cost: $11,083
- 25-Year Savings: $7,086
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ontario
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ontario.
The average cost of solar panels in Ontario is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ontario, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,083, or $15,849 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ontario homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Ontario homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ontario for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ontario
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,217 |
| 3 years | $-8,485 |
| 5 years | $-6,753 |
| 7 years | $-5,020 |
| 9 years | $-3,288 |
| 11 years | $-1,556 |
| 13 years | $176 |
| 15 years | $1,908 |
| 17 years | $3,640 |
| 19 years | $5,372 |
| 21 years | $7,105 |
| 23 years | $8,837 |
| 25 years | $10,569 |
Top Solar Installers in Ontario
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're searching for a solar company in Ontario, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Ontario
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ontario
For many Ontario homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ontario, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Ontario.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ontario average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ontario homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Ontario’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $6,248 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,739 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $11,435 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $14,335 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $17,439 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $20,748 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $24,262 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $27,979 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ontario, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ontario?
The average cost of solar panels in Ontario is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Ontario?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ontario, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ontario?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.