Calculator
Solar savings estimator
Last reviewed November 2, 2026
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Your details
Sum 12 months of bills. Add ~3,000 kWh for a future EV or 6,000–10,000 for a heat pump.
To cover your annual use, about 7.5 kW. Residential micro systems are typically up to 12 kW.
You can't use both. Rebated systems don't earn credits for exported power.
Your estimate
Annual production
9,440 kWh
≈ 100% of your use
Net cost after rebate
$23,200
Gross $23,200
Year-one savings
$1,170
on your electricity bill
Simple payback
17.9 yrs
25-year net benefit
$13,223
CO₂ avoided (25 yrs)
11.8 t
Ontario's grid is already low-carbon
Cumulative position by year
Under net metering, surplus daytime production becomes kWh credits that offset later use for up to 12 months; credits beyond your annual use expire. Read rebate vs. net metering, then request a site assessment for a roof-specific estimate.
Assumptions and method
Production = size × regional specific yield (1,180 kWh/kW/yr for an ideal array) × orientation factor × shading factor, with 0.5%/year panel degradation.
“Value per kWh offset” is the per-kWh saving from each solar kWh — mostly the commodity price plus any volumetric charges your utility credits. $0.13 is a moderate default; use a lower value if you're on Ultra-Low Overnight and most of your use is overnight.
Net metering: savings are capped at your annual consumption because unused credits expire after 12 months. Rebate route: the rebate is modelled as up to $5,000 for solar and $5,000 for a battery; direct self-consumption is estimated at ~45% without a battery and ~78% with one.
Includes a $2,500 inverter replacement allowance in year 12 for systems without a battery. Excludes financing, insurance, roof work and property-tax effects. Costs are 2026 Ontario ranges; quotes vary.