Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ontario, OH (2024 Update)
- Ontario Solar Installation Cost: $18,379
- 25-Year Savings: $15,532
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ontario
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Ontario.
In Ontario, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Ontario, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,379, or $26,282 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Ontario depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Ontario homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Ontario for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ontario
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,158 |
| 3 years | $-14,718 |
| 5 years | $-12,277 |
| 7 years | $-9,837 |
| 9 years | $-7,397 |
| 11 years | $-4,956 |
| 13 years | $-2,516 |
| 15 years | $-75 |
| 17 years | $2,365 |
| 19 years | $4,806 |
| 21 years | $7,246 |
| 23 years | $9,687 |
| 25 years | $12,127 |
Top Solar Installers in Ontario
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Ontario:
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Ontario
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ontario
The cost of installing a solar system in Ontario can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ontario provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,960 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,996 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,222 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,640 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,248 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $25,047 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $29,037 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,219 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ontario, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ontario?
The average cost of solar panels in Ontario is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ontario?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Ontario have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.