Going Solar in Ontario: A Homeowner's Guide

Ontario has a long record with rooftop solar and a regulatory setup that homeowners can navigate with some patience. The province has decent sun, a wide mix of home types and several layers of approval. This guide pulls the main pieces together. Rules and rebates were reported as of 2026 and can change, so verify before you commit.

How much sun to expect

Ontario’s solar resource is comparable to much of the rest of southern Canada. A kilowatt of solar in southern Canada often yields roughly 1,100 to 1,400 kWh a year, depending on location and design, and southern Ontario sits within that range. Cold air helps panel voltage and efficiency, while short winter days, a low sun and snow cover cut output in December and January. A tilted array sheds snow fairly well. Our piece on solar in Canadian winters explains what to expect.

Typical costs

Across Canada, installed prices have commonly ranged from about $2.50 to $3.80 per watt before incentives (CAD). In Ontario, a 5 kW system is often quoted at roughly $14,000 to $18,000. A 7 kW system on a two-storey house will cost more, and a roof with many slopes or an electrical panel upgrade adds to the total. See solar costs and payback for the wider picture.

Net metering and the threshold

Ontario uses net metering for small systems. The micro-generation threshold was reportedly raised from 10 kW to 12 kW on 1 May 2026, which comfortably covers most homes. Under net metering, exports earn credits against your bill, and credits roll over for a period set by the rules. Ask your local distribution company, which is the utility that serves your address, for the current terms.

The Ontario Energy Board sets the framework for rates and the rules for distributors. The Independent Electricity System Operator runs the provincial grid and publishes information on programmes. Neither is a substitute for your own distributor’s page, which governs your application.

Rates and timing

Many Ontario customers are on time-of-use pricing or other optional plans, which affects how solar and batteries pay off. The details of your plan decide whether timing matters. Read time-of-use rates and solar and then check how credits are calculated on your plan.

Rebates

Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings programme, which covers solar and battery rebates, was reported active in 2026. Federal programmes that once helped, such as the Greener Homes Grant, have closed to new applicants. Programme budgets, eligibility and deadlines change quickly, so check the official page and confirm whether you need approval before work starts. Check the current programme page for details.

Approvals, step by step

Several parties are involved, and the order matters.

The grid-tied inverter shuts down in an outage unless you have a battery system set up for backup. The electrical code also includes rapid shutdown requirements. Your installer should hold the electrical and any provincial licences, and equipment should carry recognised certification marks such as CSA.

We go deeper on the paperwork in solar permits and inspections in Canada and on the utility side in the interconnection process.

Roof, shading and snow

Before you pay for a design, look at the roof itself. A south-facing slope with little shade is ideal, but east and west faces still produce well, only a little less. Trees, chimneys and a neighbour’s tall building can cut output in the shoulder seasons, when the sun is low. Roof age matters too, since removing panels to replace shingles later costs money. Our roof suitability checklist walks through what to look for. Winter snow on a tilted array usually slides off within a few sunny days, and the yearly loss is typically a modest share of output. Do not scrape it.

Choosing an installer

Ask for a written quote showing system size in kilowatts, price per watt, expected yearly production, warranties and who submits each application. Compare at least three, and ask for references. Our checklist on choosing a solar installer covers the questions.

Batteries and backup

Ontario’s outages make backup appealing, but a battery adds several thousand dollars, up to well over ten thousand, and does not pay for itself quickly where net metering is generous. It is most compelling for resilience or where time-of-use price gaps are wide. Weigh it against your backup needs.

Is it worth it?

Payback is often quoted at 8 to 15 years in Canada, depending on rates and incentives. A home with electric heating and a south-facing, unshaded roof tends to do better. A shady lot with low use tends to do worse. Run your own numbers, and keep the rest of our provincial guides handy to compare with other provinces.

Verify every figure above with the Ontario Energy Board, your distributor and the programme pages, as they were reported rather than confirmed for your address.