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Solar Panels in Ottawa, ON
Professional solar panel installation serving 12 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
Ottawa homeowners have access to arguably the best combination of solar financing in the country. Between the Better Homes Ottawa Loan ($125,000 property–tax financing), Ontario’s HRSP program ($10,000), and Hydro Ottawa’s 1:1 net metering, going solar in Ottawa can require zero upfront cost. Ottawa produces 1,150 kWh/kW annually with Time–of–Use rates earning maximum credits during on–peak solar hours.
Summer Production 95-100%
Winter Production 60-75%
Annual Production 1,150 kWh/kW
Energy produced per kW of panels installed, each year
Sun Exposure
Humid continental with snowy winters – Southern Ontario gets some of the best sunlight in Canada
Solar Potential Rating
Excellent – 1,150 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
9.8¢-20.3¢/kWh (TOU, OEB RPP)
Current electricity rate
12
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 (20.3¢/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 ($1,000/kW) + battery storage at $300/kWh up to $5,000 (launched January 2025). Maximum total program rebate: $12,000.
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 (closed March 2024) and Greener Homes Loan (closed October 2025) are no longer available. 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 (solar + battery): net cost varies based on battery capacity chosen. 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): 9.8¢/kWh
- Mid-peak: 15.7¢/kWh
- On-peak (daytime): 20.3¢/kWh
Solar generates most during on-peak hours (11am-5pm), earning you credits at 20.3¢/kWh – the highest rate tier. The Ontario Electricity Rebate provides an additional 23.5% discount on your total bill. As of May 1, 2026, the net metering threshold rose to 12 kW for residential customers.
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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
Stittsville
Riverside South
Findlay Creek
Manotick
Westboro
The Glebe
Protect Yourself from Rising Electricity Costs
The more you pay for electricity, the more you benefit by going solar.
Ontario’s Time–of–Use electricity rates range from 9.8¢/kWh (off–peak) to 20.3¢/kWh (on–peak), with mid–peak at 15.7¢/kWh (OEB RPP, Nov 2025–Oct 2026). Solar panels generate most during daytime on–peak hours, earning you credits at the highest rate. The Ontario Electricity Rebate provides a 23.5% discount on your bill.
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:
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
Xolar In-House Offers
Limited-time promotions and pricing offers from Xolar directly, separate from any government grant or program:
Spring 2026 Sale – Heat Pump
Xolar promotion available to Ottawa residents
Up to $675
Spring 2026 Sale – Battery
Xolar promotion available to Ottawa residents
Up to $1825
Spring 2026 Sale – Solar
Xolar promotion available to Ottawa residents
Up to $2800
Net Metering Program
How Net Metering Works in Ontario
Hydro Ottawa offers 1:1 net metering – excess solar earns credits at the full retail rate. With Time–of–Use billing, on–peak credits at 20.3¢/kWh are worth more than twice off–peak. Credits roll over for 12 months, balancing summer production against winter usage. As of May 1, 2026, the residential simplified micro–embedded generation connection threshold was raised to 12 kW (net metering itself remains available for systems up to 500 kW).
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
Zero Upfront Cost
Better Homes Ottawa Loan + HRSP grants = solar with no money down, repaid through property tax.
- 2
Strongest Financing Stack
Up to $10,000 in HRSP grants + $125,000 property-tax financing. One of only two cities in Canada with this combination.
- 3
Peak-Rate Solar Credits
Hydro Ottawa TOU rates mean your solar earns 15.7¢/kWh during on-peak - the highest rate tier.
- 4
Loan Transfers with Property
If you sell, the Better Homes Ottawa charge stays with the property. The new owner takes over payments.
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 (solar + battery at $300/kWh up to $5,000), 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: 9.8¢ off-peak, 15.7¢ mid-peak, 20.3¢ on-peak (OEB RPP, Nov 2025-Oct 2026).
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 ($5,000 for solar + battery at $300/kWh up to $5,000), net cost depends on battery size.
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 ($5K solar + battery at $300/kWh up to $5K), Enbridge rebates (up to $10K, extended to 2027).
The federal Greener Homes Grant (closed March 2024) and Greener Homes Loan (closed October 2025) are no longer available.
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.