"Friendly, knowledgeable, low pressure. Able to answer questions and very willing to help out even though I'm at the earliest stages of evaluating solar for my needs."
SS
Scott Shpak
Solar Panels in Ottawa, ON
Professional solar panel installation serving 6 neighborhoods in Ottawa. Save $2,100/year with Hydro Ottawa.
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Custom solar solutions for Ottawa, ON
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Solar Performance in Ottawa
System Effectiveness
Ontario has the 5th highest potential to produce solar energy out of Canadian provinces. Southern Ontario gets some of the best sunlight in the country, making Ottawa a great place for home solar. Solar installations in Ottawa are highly efficient, overperforming to an average of 1,199 kWh of electricity per year for every 1 kW installed. The more you pay for electricity – the more you benefit by going solar. The Ontario Energy Board raised all rates by 20% for the year 2024. With energy prices expected to rise even more, going solar protects you from increasing costs by generating your own power.
Summer Production 95-100%
Winter Production 60-75%
Average Efficiency 20-22%
Sun Exposure
Humid continental with snowy winters – Southern Ontario gets some of the best sunlight in Canada
Solar Potential Rating
Excellent – 1,199 kWh/kW annually
• Peak production in summer months
• Consistent year-round energy production
• Solar panels work in all seasons
Key Performance Factors
$2,100/year
Average annual savings
$0.14/kWh (increased 20% in 2024)
Current electricity rate
6
Neighborhoods served
Ottawa: Canada's Strongest Solar Financing Stack
Ottawa homeowners have access to arguably the best combination of solar financing in the country. Between the Better Homes Ottawa Loan, Ontario's new HRSP program, and Hydro Ottawa's 1:1 net metering, going solar in Ottawa can require zero upfront cost with grants covering a significant portion of the total.
Hydro Ottawa distributes electricity under Ontario's Time-of-Use pricing. Solar panels generate most during on-peak hours (15.7¢/kWh), earning you credits at the highest rate tier.
Ottawa-Specific Solar Programs
Better Homes Ottawa Loan
Up to $125,000 for energy improvements, repaid through your property tax at low interest. Covers solar, battery storage, heat pumps, insulation, and windows. Zero upfront cost - the loan transfers with the property if you sell.
Ontario HRSP
Up to $5,000 for solar + $5,000 for battery = $10,000 (launched January 2025).
Important: Solar under HRSP must be sized for load displacement only - net metering is NOT permitted. Customers must choose between the HRSP rebate or 1:1 net metering credits.
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus
Up to $10,000 for energy upgrades including solar (extended to 2027). Can be stacked with HRSP.
Note: The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan programs are now closed. Better Homes Ottawa and HRSP are the primary programs available.
How the Better Homes Ottawa Loan Works
Unlike a traditional loan, the Better Homes Ottawa program is a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) on your property tax:
- Repayment spread over 10-20 years through your property tax bill
- The charge stays with the property, not the homeowner - if you sell, the new owner takes over payments
- Interest rates typically lower than bank financing
- No credit check required - the property secures the loan
- Can be combined with HRSP grants to reduce the financed amount
Ottawa Solar Savings Estimate
A 10 kW system costs $28,000-$32,000. After HRSP ($10K for solar + battery): net cost $18,000-$22,000. Finance the remainder through Better Homes Ottawa at zero upfront cost.
Payback: 8-11 years. 25-year savings: $30,000+.
Time-of-Use Advantage in Ottawa
Hydro Ottawa's Time-of-Use pricing means solar panels earn maximum credits during the most expensive hours:
- Off-peak (overnight): 7.6¢/kWh
- Mid-peak: 12.2¢/kWh
- On-peak (daytime): 15.7¢/kWh
Solar generates most during on-peak hours (11am-5pm), earning you credits at 15.7¢/kWh - the highest rate tier. The Ontario Electricity Rebate provides an additional 23.5% discount on your total bill.
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Ontario Solar Installations
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Google Reviews
What Ottawa Homeowners Say
See how solar energy is transforming homes across Ottawa.
"My experience was very positive. Chris, the representative was friendly and knowledgeable."
RW
Ralph Waugh
"Dylan is a thoughtful and sincere Sales Representative. His information was concise and he was clear and honest about where his knowledge was limited."
JL
Jon Lenton
"Great first impression, the representative Spencer Grimes is very knowledgeable and was able to answer my questions."
DS
Deb Stewart
"The fastest reply ever received from a service company. Chris was very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Highly recommended."
TF
The Fairy Housemother
"Great presentation, very detailed and clear!"
DS
Darrell Swinemar
Areas We Serve in Ottawa
Professional solar panel installation available in these Ottawa neighborhoods and communities:
Downtown Ottawa
Kanata
Barrhaven
Orleans
Nepean
Gloucester
Protect Yourself from Rising Electricity Costs
The more you pay for electricity – the more you benefit by going solar.
Choosing solar energy allows you to save money by avoiding these high electricity rates. The Ontario Energy Board raised all rates by 20% for the year 2024. With energy prices expected to rise even more, going solar protects you from increasing costs by generating your own power.
Local Solar Incentives in Ottawa
Rebates and incentives available specifically for Ottawa residents:
Ottawa Better Homes Loan
Available to Ottawa residents
Up to $125,000
Ontario Provincial Incentives
As a Ottawa resident, you also qualify for these provincial incentives:
Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Heat Pump
Available to Ontario residents
Up to $7,500
Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Solar
Available to Ontario residents
Up to $5,000
Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Battery
Available to Ontario residents
Up to $5,000
Federal Incentives
Canada-wide incentives available to all residents:
Xolar Winter Sale – Heat Pump
Available to all Canadian residents
Up to $750
Xolar Winter Sale – Battery
Available to all Canadian residents
Up to $2050
Xolar Winter Sale – Solar
Available to all Canadian residents
Up to $3000
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program
Available to all Canadian residents
Up to $10,000
Tesla Powerwall 3 Rebate
Available to all Canadian residents
Up to $1,400
Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (Commercial ITC)
Available to all Canadian residents
Up to 30% of eligible costs
Net Metering Program
How Net Metering Works in Ontario
Your solar system will connect to the grid in Ottawa via the Net–Metering program. Excess energy you produce is saved in credits by your power company at the retail electricity rate, balancing out your usage across day and night, as well as summer and winter months. In Ontario, with Time–of–Use billing, On–Peak hours coincide with peak solar generation times, earning you credits at higher On–Peak rates. Net Metering in Ottawa makes it simple for a home solar installation to cover your bills year–round.
Solar System Packages
All packages include professional installation, permits, and 25-year warranty.
Most popular choice for average Canadian homes
WHY TRUST XOLAR
Professional Solar Installation in Ottawa
We make going solar simple with our proven installation process. From initial consultation to final activation, our certified team handles everything for Ottawa homeowners.
- 1
Personalized Solutions
Our solar installations in Ottawa are tailored to meet your unique energy needs and maximize savings.
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Cutting-Edge Technology
We utilize the latest solar technology for efficient, durable, and high-performing systems in Ottawa.
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Local Expertise
We have in-depth knowledge of Ottawa
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Comprehensive Support
We guide you through Ottawa
Solar FAQs for Ottawa Residents
Get answers to common questions about solar energy in Ottawa.
Yes. The Better Homes Ottawa Loan provides up to $125,000 at low interest, repaid through your property tax. Combined with HRSP ($10,000 for solar + battery), Ottawa has one of the strongest solar financing stacks in Canada. Zero upfront cost is achievable.
A Local Improvement Charge (LIC) program that finances energy improvements through your property tax bill. Up to $125,000 over 10-20 years. No credit check - the property secures the loan. The charge transfers with the property if you sell.
Hydro Ottawa. Time-of-Use rates: 7.6¢ off-peak, 12.2¢ mid-peak, 15.7¢ on-peak. The Ontario Electricity Rebate provides a 23.5% discount. Solar generates most during on-peak, earning maximum credits.
A 10 kW system costs $28,000-$32,000. After HRSP ($10,000 for solar + battery), net cost is $18,000-$22,000. The Better Homes Ottawa Loan can finance the remainder through your property tax with zero upfront cost.
Ottawa residents can access: Better Homes Ottawa Loan ($125K property-tax financing), Ontario HRSP ($10K for solar + battery), Enbridge rebates (up to $10K, extended to 2027). The federal Greener Homes Grant and Loan programs are now closed. Check our rebates page for current programs.
Ready to Go Solar in Ottawa?
Get a free quote for solar panel installation in your Ottawa neighborhood. Save $2,100/year on average.