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Energy Efficiency Ontario

Solar & battery storage

Is rooftop solar worth it on your home?

Solar can lock in decades of lower electricity costs — but the numbers depend on your roof, your usage, your price plan and which incentive route you choose. Here's what to know before you talk to an installer.

  • Realistic production for your region
  • Net metering vs. rebate, explained
  • Battery storage: when it pays
  • Free, no-obligation site assessment
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Assessments are provided by independent installers, not by Energy Efficiency Ontario. How we're funded

1,100–1,250

kWh per kW per year for a good southern Ontario roof

$2.50–$3.50

per watt typical installed cost in 2026, before incentives

12 kW

new micro-generation threshold for simplified connection (reported, May 2026)

25–30 yrs

typical panel performance warranty

Is your home a good fit?

Five things that decide whether solar pays off

Orientation

South is best; east and west roofs produce ~85–90% as much. North-facing is rarely worthwhile.

Shade

Trees, chimneys and neighbouring buildings between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. cut output sharply.

Roof age & space

Replace roofs older than ~10–15 years first. An 8 kW system needs roughly 40–45 m² of usable area.

Your usage

Higher annual consumption — EVs, heat pumps, pools — means more value from each kWh you produce.

Incentive route

Net metering credits exports for 12 months; the rebate pays upfront but exports earn nothing.

Full roof suitability checklist

The big decision

Net metering or the solar rebate?

Ontario homeowners must choose one. The right answer depends on when you use electricity and whether you add a battery.

Net metering

  • Exports earn kWh credits at retail commodity value
  • Credits offset use for up to 12 months, then expire
  • No upfront provincial rebate
  • Works well without a battery
  • Requires LDC connection agreement and bidirectional meter

Often better for: households that use most of their power in mornings and evenings, and systems sized to annual use.

Home Renovation Savings rebate

  • Up to $10,000 for solar plus battery (reported $5,000 each)
  • System operates as load displacement — no net metering, ever
  • Exported power earns nothing
  • Smaller systems and a battery improve the economics
  • Requires program contractor and approval steps

Often better for: homes with high daytime use, or those adding a battery anyway for backup.

Read the worked comparisonRun both scenarios

What to expect

From first quote to switching on

  1. Step 1

    Site assessment

    Roof, shading, electrical panel and 12 months of bills reviewed.

  2. Step 2

    Design & quote

    System size, panel and inverter models, production estimate, price per watt.

  3. Step 3

    Approvals

    LDC connection application and ESA electrical permit; program approval if applicable.

  4. Step 4

    Installation

    Usually 1–3 days on the roof, plus electrical work.

  5. Step 5

    Inspection

    ESA inspection, then your utility installs or reprograms the meter.

  6. Step 6

    Monitoring

    Check production monthly in the app against the installer's estimate.

Watch for inflated production claims

Compare each quote's estimated annual kWh with our calculator. Quotes that promise to “eliminate your bill” or rely on high assumed price increases deserve a closer look. See choosing a solar installer.

Financing and leases

Read lease and loan terms carefully: who owns the system, what happens when you sell the house, and whether any lien or notice is registered against your property.

Learn more

Solar and storage guides

All solar guides

FAQ

Common questions about solar

Does solar work in Ontario's climate?
Yes. A well-oriented, unshaded array in southern Ontario typically produces about 1,100–1,250 kWh per installed kW each year — higher than Germany, which has one of the world's largest solar markets. Cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency; snow reduces winter output, but most production happens from April to September.
Can I sell my solar power back to the grid?
Not for cash. Ontario's feed-in tariff (microFIT) programs are closed. Under net metering, power you export earns kWh credits on your bill that can offset consumption for up to 12 months; unused credits expire.
Should I take the solar rebate or use net metering?
You can't do both. Systems that receive the Home Renovation Savings solar/battery rebate operate as load displacement — exported power earns nothing. For many homes that use most of their power in the evening, net metering delivers more value over the system's life. Run both scenarios in our solar calculator.
Do I need a battery?
A battery isn't required for savings under net metering. Batteries make most sense if you want backup power during outages, are on the Ultra-Low Overnight plan and want to avoid 4–9 p.m. on-peak prices, or choose the rebate route and need to store midday production.
Will solar panels damage my roof?
Properly installed racking is flashed and sealed to prevent leaks. Because panels last 25–30 years, it's usually best to replace a roof that's more than 10–15 years old before installing. Ask installers about workmanship warranties covering roof penetrations.
What happens when I request an assessment through this page?
We share your request with up to three independent solar installers who serve your area. They'll review your roof using satellite imagery and your bills, then contact you. There's no cost or obligation. We may receive a referral fee from participating installers; this never affects our editorial content.

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