Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa, WI (2025 Update)
- Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
- 25-Year Savings: $26,064
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Ottawa.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ottawa, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ottawa, the average price of going solar will be about $19,621 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ottawa homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Ottawa can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Ottawa for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,326 |
| 3 years | $-15,735 |
| 5 years | $-13,144 |
| 7 years | $-10,553 |
| 9 years | $-7,962 |
| 11 years | $-5,371 |
| 13 years | $-2,780 |
| 15 years | $-189 |
| 17 years | $2,402 |
| 19 years | $4,993 |
| 21 years | $7,584 |
| 23 years | $10,175 |
| 25 years | $12,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Ottawa, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Ottawa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa
For many Ottawa homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ottawa, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ottawa to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $15,619 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,260 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,118 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $33,194 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $39,487 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $45,997 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $52,724 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $59,669 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Ottawa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
EcoWatch's Ottawa, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ottawa?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ottawa?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ottawa, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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.