Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, KS (2024 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $18,188
- 25-Year Savings: $26,771
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Ottawa.
The average cost of a solar system in Ottawa is 3 per watt.The average Ottawa homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,188 with the federal tax credit, or $26,009 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ottawa homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Ottawa for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,804 |
| 3 years | $-14,036 |
| 5 years | $-11,269 |
| 7 years | $-8,501 |
| 9 years | $-5,733 |
| 11 years | $-2,965 |
| 13 years | $-197 |
| 15 years | $2,571 |
| 17 years | $5,338 |
| 19 years | $8,106 |
| 21 years | $10,874 |
| 23 years | $13,642 |
| 25 years | $16,410 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ottawa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa
For many Ottawa homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ottawa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,340 per kilowatt in Ottawa.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ottawa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ottawa homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ottawa is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.47 | $14,589 | $16,936 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $22,956 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $29,163 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $35,556 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $42,137 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $48,905 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $55,859 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $63,001 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Ottawa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ottawa, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Ottawa?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.