Solar 101

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Understanding Solar Energy

What is solar energy and how does it work?

Solar energy is the energy emitted by the sun in the form of light and heat. We can harness this renewable resource to generate electricity, heat buildings, and provide lighting — all without creating pollution or noise.

There are two main technologies that use solar energy:

  • Solar Photovoltaics (PV): This is the most common solar technology in Ontario. PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials, typically silicon-based solar cells. When sunlight hits these cells, it excites electrons and produces direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into usable alternating current (AC) by an inverter.

  • Solar Thermal: This method uses the sun’s heat to warm water or air for residential, commercial, or industrial use. While less common than PV in Ontario, it can be effective in specific applications like domestic hot water systems or solar air heating.

Ontario receives a strong solar resource — particularly in the southern and eastern regions — and solar panels actually perform more efficiently in cold, sunny conditions, making solar an excellent fit for our climate.

Grid-tied systems are connected to Ontario’s electrical grid. They allow you to:

  • Use solar electricity during the day

  • Send extra electricity back to the grid and earn credits through net metering

  • Draw electricity from the grid at night or during cloudy periods

This is the most common setup for homes and businesses in Ontario because it:

  • Reduces your utility bills

  • Requires no batteries

  • Keeps your home connected to reliable backup power (the grid)

Important: In most Ontario municipalities, residential properties are required by law to remain connected to the grid. Disconnecting entirely (going off-grid) is not permitted unless you’re in a remote area without grid access. This ensures safety and compliance with local electrical regulations.

Off-grid systems, on the other hand, operate entirely independently of the electrical grid. They include:

  • Solar panels

  • A large battery bank to store energy

  • Often a backup generator for emergencies or extended cloudy periods

Off-grid systems are typically used in remote or rural locations where grid access is not available or cost-prohibitive. While they offer energy independence, they also require more planning and higher upfront costs due to battery storage.

A typical Ontario solar PV system includes:

  • Solar Panels: The visible portion of the system, usually mounted on a roof or ground structure. These convert sunlight into DC electricity.

  • Inverter or Microinverters: Convert DC electricity into AC electricity used in homes. Some systems use one central inverter, while others use smaller microinverters on each panel.

  • Racking and Mounting System: Securely fastens the panels to your roof or the ground.

  • Monitoring System: Tracks energy production and performance through a web dashboard or app.

(Optional) Batteries: Used in off-grid or hybrid systems to store energy for later use, especially during outages or at night.

Ontario’s net metering program allows you to send excess electricity generated by your solar system back to the grid in exchange for energy credits measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Here’s how it works:

  • When your system produces more electricity than you’re using (typically during the day), the surplus power is exported to the grid.

  • Your utility records the exported energy and gives you a 1:1 credit in kWh on your bill — not in dollars.

  • Later, when your system isn’t producing enough (e.g., at night or in the winter), you can draw electricity from the grid and use your kWh credits to offset your consumption.

  • These credits roll over month to month and are valid for up to 12 months from the day they are generated.

While net metering credits are based on kWh, the way those credits apply to your bill can vary:

  • In most cases, the credits offset your electricity usage only

  • In some municipalities or utility service areas, excess energy credits may also reduce other variable charges on your bill, depending on how your utility structures billing

Net metering allows you to bank your summer surplus and use it during lower-production months, helping to stabilize your electricity costs throughout the year.

If your system produces more electricity than you consume over a billing period:

  • You receive a 1:1 credit (in kWh) on your electricity bill.

  • Those credits can be used in future months when your system produces less than you need (e.g., in winter).

  • If after 12 months you still have unused credits, they do not roll over into the next year — so it’s best to size your system close to your actual annual usage.

Net metering in Ontario is designed to match consumption, not overproduction, so installing a system that far exceeds your annual usage won’t result in cash payouts — only credits you may not fully use.

Is Solar Right for Me?

How do I know if solar is a good fit for my home or business?

Going solar is both a practical decision and a long-term investment — one that can offer financial, environmental, and personal rewards. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

  • Do I want to reduce my carbon footprint and support clean energy?

  • Am I concerned about rising electricity prices and long-term hydro costs?

  • Do I want to take ownership of my electricity production?

  • Am I looking to increase the value of my property?

From a technical perspective, solar is generally a good fit if:

  • You own your home or commercial building

  • Your roof gets at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day

  • You have minimal shading from trees, buildings, or chimneys

  • Your roof is in good condition and not due for replacement soon

A professional solar installer can assess your roof and provide a customized estimate using satellite imagery and design software. Even if your home isn’t perfect for solar, alternatives like ground mounts or high-efficiency panels may still make it viable.

There are both financial and environmental benefits to installing solar:

  • Lower electricity bills: Generate your own power and reduce how much you buy from the grid

  • Reduced exposure to future rate increases: While electricity prices in Ontario fluctuate, long-term trends show a gradual upward movement, particularly in delivery and regulatory charges

  • Long-term investment: Solar systems last 25+ years and pay themselves off through energy savings

  • Environmental impact: Lower your household or business carbon footprint

  • Property value: Homes with solar often sell faster and for more

 

Going solar also reflects a personal commitment to sustainability and energy resilience — values many Ontarians prioritize.

Yes, but with reduced performance. Ideally, your panels should face south, southwest, or southeast for maximum production. If your roof faces east or west, solar is still viable but may produce 10–20% less energy.

Heavy shading (from trees, vents, or tall buildings) can significantly reduce output. However, microinverter systems or panel optimizers can help mitigate these effects. A site assessment will determine your expected solar yield based on real-world conditions.

Most Ontario homes need between 250–400 square feet of usable, unshaded roof space for a residential system that offsets most of their electricity use.

As a general rule:

  • 1 kW of solar requires around 65–75 sq. ft. of roof space

  • A typical 6–8 kW system (common in Ontario) requires 400–600 sq. ft.

The more efficient your panels, the less space you’ll need for the same output.

wUsually not directly — unless your landlord or condo board approves it. However, you can still:

  • Encourage your building to install solar

     

  • Participate in or support community solar projects

     

  • Use your influence to drive sustainability efforts

     

Solar ownership is typically limited to property owners with roof control, but renters can still engage through education and advocacy.

Cost, Incentives & Financing

How much does a solar installation cost in Ontario?

The cost of a solar installation in Ontario typically ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on system size, roof type, and equipment choices.

This includes design, permits, panels, inverter, racking, and professional installation. Your installer will determine the system size based on your energy usage and roof layout.

Many Ontario homeowners reduce the burden of this cost by using the Canada Greener Homes Loan, which provides up to $40,000 in interest-free financing over 10 years — making solar more accessible without needing to pay everything upfront.

Yes — there are several programs that help reduce the cost of going solar in Ontario.

 

As of 2025, the main federal program is the Canada Greener Homes Loan, which offers up to $40,000 in interest-free financing over 10 years. This loan is widely used to make solar more affordable for homeowners across the province.

While the Canada Greener Homes Grant (previously offering up to $5,000) is currently paused, it may return in the future — it’s worth checking for updates.

 

In addition to federal programs, some Ontario municipalities and local utilities offer additional solar incentives or rebates, which can vary depending on your region.

 

For a full list of local programs and utility-specific offers, visit our Incentives & Rebates by Municipality page.

Yes. There are several ways to finance solar:

  • Government-backed loans (like the Greener Homes Loan)

  • Personal or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)

  • Installer-arranged financing with monthly payments

Financing lets you install solar with little to no upfront cost, with monthly payments often offset by your energy savings.

Yes. Studies across Canada show that solar homes sell faster and for more money, especially when buyers understand the long-term savings.

Buyers are often willing to pay a premium for:

  • Lower electricity costs

     

  • A modern, energy-efficient home

     

  • Turnkey sustainability features

Solar prices have dropped over 80% in the past decade, but future decreases are expected to be much slower.

 

Today’s prices are historically low, and Ontario’s increasing electricity rates make solar more financially attractive than waiting for marginal cost reductions.

Installation & Process

How do I find a qualified solar installer in Ontario?

At Solar Ontario, we’re committed to helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions when choosing a solar installer. Here’s how we support you in the process:

Our Guide to Choosing a Solar Installer walks you through what to look for before signing a contract. Key tips include:

1. Read Our Installer Selection Guide
  • Getting at least three quotes to compare pricing and approach
  • Asking for proof of insurance and ESA licensing
  • Reviewing warranty details for both equipment and workmanship
  • Requesting local references and photos of past projects

2. Explore the Solar Ontario Installer Directory

We maintain a growing list of verified Ontario-based solar providers who meet transparency and quality standards. Each listing includes:

  • Areas served
  • Licensing status
  • Company policies
  • Customer reviews (coming soon)

Our directory is independent — we do not sell leads or accept pay-to-play listings.

 

3. View Installations Near You (coming soon)

 

Soon, you’ll be able to explore a map of solar installations in your area, including real stories from local homeowners and the installers they hired.

4. Submit a Quote Request (optional)

 

Don’t want to contact installers one by one? Use our Quote Request Form to describe your project, and qualified local providers can reach out to you directly.

Whether you want to do your own research or receive offers from trusted professionals, Solar Ontario gives you the tools to choose the right installer — on your terms.

Here’s the general process:

  1. Site assessment (in-person or remote using satellite tools)

  2. System design and proposal

  3. Net metering and permit applications

  4. Installation (typically 1–3 days)

  5. Inspection and utility connection

Most residential projects take 12–16 weeks from start to finish.

  • Physical installation: 1–3 days depending on system size

  • Total project timeline: 12–16 weeks (includes permitting, utility approvals, inspections)

Complex roof structures, utility timelines, or permit delays may extend this slightly.

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended:

  • You must follow Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) standards

  • All solar systems must be inspected and approved by the ESA

  • Improper installs can void warranties and be dangerous

For residential net metering, only licensed electricians can legally perform the work.

Yes — in most municipalities, you’ll need:

  • An electrical permit (mandatory)

  • A building permit if the racking alters the roof structure

Your installer will typically handle all permits and inspections on your behalf.

Weather & Durability

How do solar panels perform in the winter?

Solar panels work well in Ontario winters. In fact, they perform more efficiently in cold temperatures because lower ambient heat improves the electrical conductivity of solar cells.

However, Ontario’s winter days are shorter, and snow accumulation can temporarily block sunlight. Despite this, systems in southern Ontario typically still produce 70–80% of their annual energy between March and October, meaning winter losses don’t significantly impact annual output.

Panels are also angled in a way that encourages snow to slide off once the sun shines or temperatures rise — especially with dark, low-friction panel surfaces.

In Ontario, snow is a natural part of the solar production cycle — especially between December and February, when sunlight hours are shortest.

A layer of snow can temporarily reduce your system’s output to near zero, but in most cases, it slides off naturally within a few hours to a few days, especially on pitched roofs with south or west-facing arrays.

For most grid-tied homeowners, snow-related production loss is minimal and already factored into your system’s annual performance estimate. Net metering helps smooth things out — any extra power you send to the grid in the summer can be used to offset your winter electricity needs.

Studies in northern climates (including Canadian data) have shown that annual energy losses due to snow are typically between 3% and 5% — not enough to justify risky or costly snow removal.

We strongly recommend not climbing onto your roof to clear snow. The safety risks far outweigh the small gain in production.

If you have a ground-mounted system or you live off-grid, occasional snow clearing may make sense — especially if your energy demand is high during low-sunlight months. In those cases, tools like soft-bristled solar panel rakes can help clear panels safely from the ground.

Yes. Quality solar panels are engineered to meet international hail impact standards.

Most panels sold in Canada are certified to withstand hailstones up to 25 mm (1 inch) in diameter at speeds of up to 83 km/h. In real-world testing and storm events, panels have proven highly durable.

That said, insurance providers often cover panel damage in rare extreme events, so it’s important to confirm solar coverage under your home insurance policy.

Yes — solar panels produce less power on cloudy days, but they still generate electricity.

On average:

  • Light overcast = ~50–70% output

  • Heavy cloud = ~10–30% output

Ontario’s solar resource is strong, with more annual sun hours than Germany — a global solar leader. Your system will be sized with cloud coverage factored into its annual production estimate.

Yes, but in opposite ways:

  • Cold improves performance — solar cells are more efficient in lower temperatures.

  • Heat reduces performance slightly — high temperatures can cause a small drop in voltage output (about 0.4–0.5% per °C above 25°C).

Fortunately, Ontario’s climate offers a good balance: long sunny days in spring/fall and excellent cool-weather performance.

Maintenance & Longevity

How long will my solar panels last?

Most solar panels last 25 to 35 years, and many continue to function well beyond that with minor efficiency losses.

Panels typically degrade at about 0.3–0.5% per year, meaning after 25 years they’ll still produce roughly 85–93% of their original output. This is covered by long-term performance warranties.

Other system components (like inverters) may need replacement sooner, but the core system is built to last.

A typical residential solar system includes:

  • Solar panels: 25–30 years performance warranty (guaranteeing 80–90% output by year 25)

  • Inverter: 10–12 years (can often be extended to 20–25 years)

  • Racking/mounting: 10–20 years

  • Installation/workmanship: 5–10 years (varies by installer)

Warranties are only valid if systems are installed by qualified professionals and inspected as required.

Solar panels are low-maintenance. In most parts of Ontario, rainfall and snowmelt are sufficient to keep them clean.

You may want to:

  • Visually inspect them once or twice per year

  • Monitor performance through your online dashboard

  • Have a professional check the system every 3–5 years for wiring, inverter status, and mounting integrity

In areas with dust, tree sap, or bird droppings, a soft rinse or professional clean can help maintain optimal performance.

Most residential systems in Ontario are fixed and mounted to your existing roof slope. They are designed to perform well year-round without manual adjustment.

If you have a ground-mounted system, you can manually adjust the tilt 2–4 times a year to optimize seasonal production — but this is optional. Installers typically select an angle that balances summer and winter output for best total performance.

Sustainability & Recycling

Can solar panels be recycled?

Yes — solar panels are made mostly of glass, aluminum, silicon, and plastic, and can be recycled at end-of-life.

While Ontario doesn’t yet have a centralized residential solar recycling program, Canada is in the early stages of developing industry-wide recycling standards. Some manufacturers already offer take-back programs or partner with recycling firms.

As the number of systems reaching retirement age grows, so will recycling infrastructure.

Solar panels have a relatively low “energy payback time.” On average, they offset the energy and emissions used to manufacture them within:

  • 1.5 to 3 years in Ontario’s climate

After that, they continue producing emission-free electricity for 25+ years, making them one of the cleanest energy technologies available.

Utility & Billing Questions

Will I still receive a utility bill if I go solar?

Will I still receive a utility bill if I go solar?

Yes — you’ll still receive a monthly utility bill, even if your solar system offsets 100% of your energy use.

That’s because:

  • You remain connected to the grid

  • You still pay fixed delivery and regulatory charges

  • You may draw electricity from the grid at night or during cloudy periods

However, your energy usage portion of the bill can be significantly reduced or eliminated, depending on your system size, consumption and utility provider.

Solar helps protect you from future rate increases by locking in your cost of electricity. Instead of relying fully on the grid, you generate your own power.

Your bill will show:

  • Lower kWh usage

  • Credits from excess production

  • Any remaining fixed charges or nighttime grid use

As rates increase and Ontario’s grid modernizes, solar offers a stable and predictable alternative.

Yes. Battery storage allows you to:

  • Store daytime excess for use at night

  • Keep lights and appliances running during outages

  • Maximize self-consumption in areas with high peak-time pricing

However, batteries add significant upfront cost and are not required for typical grid-tied systems. Most Ontario homes do not install batteries unless backup power is a priority.

No. You can remain with your current utility or energy retailer.

However, some Ontarians explore:

  • Retailers with solar-friendly billing policies

  • Time-of-use plans that complement solar production hours

  • Net metering-compatible utilities (most are)

Your installer will help ensure your system is properly registered with your existing provider.

Solar Careers & Industry

How do I start a solar career in Ontario?

Ontario’s solar industry is growing, and there are many ways to get involved — whether you’re starting fresh, transitioning careers, or building on a skilled trade.

Here are common pathways into the solar sector:

  • Complete solar-focused training — including system design, installation, and safety practices

  • Pursue a skilled trade such as electrical work, roofing, or carpentry (many solar jobs build on these)

  • Apply for entry-level roles with solar companies — such as installation support or system design

  • Consider apprenticeships with licensed electrical contractors who specialize in solar

Coming soon: Solar Ontario will be offering educational resources, training recommendations, and introductory courses designed for Ontarians who want to enter the solar workforce with confidence.

Whether you’re interested in hands-on work or behind-the-scenes design, we’ll help guide your next steps into the renewable energy sector.

Launching a solar business in Ontario requires:

  • Working with or hiring licensed electricians

  • Securing insurance, permits, and ESA authorization

  • Understanding local net metering rules, building codes, and AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) requirements

  • Building relationships with suppliers and homeowners

Many new entrepreneurs begin by offering consultations, working under existing companies, or focusing on niche services like design, auditing, or education.

Some international credentials may be partially recognized, but most trades and electrical work in Ontario require provincial certification.

If you’re an electrician, installer, or engineer from abroad:

  • Check with the Ontario College of Trades or Skilled Trades Ontario

  • Look into credential recognition programs and bridging courses

  • You may need to complete apprenticeship hours or challenge exams to become certified locally