Solar panels in Pickering, Ontario

The one place in Durham the 2% loan does not reach — and what to compare instead.

Pickering produces 1,150 kWh per kW a year and pays back in 8 to 11 years, among the shorter ranges in Ontario. One local detail matters more here than anywhere else in Durham: the region’s 2% Greener Homes Loan is currently not available for properties in the City of Pickering, so a Pickering quote should be compared against ordinary financing rather than a subsidised municipal rate. Ontario’s rebate of up to $10,000 for solar and battery storage still applies.

Google4.6 · 780+ reviewsTesla Powerwall CertifiedCanREA Member

Get Your Free Solar Quote

Custom solar solutions for Pickering, ON

or call us directly

Prefer to discuss your project first?Contact usor view ourdetailed quote form

9.8¢/kWh
Elexicon Energy rate
$2,250/year
average yearly savings
8-11 years
payback period
6
neighbourhoods served

Real Xolar installs in Pickering

Completed systems across the Pickering service area — first-hand specs, not industry averages.

FEATURED OTTAWA INSTALL
Featured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — OttawaFeatured install — Ottawa

Ottawa — 14.2 kW rooftop

South-facing asphalt shingle · completed January 2024 · 11 progress photos on file

PANELS
35
ANNUAL PRODUCTION
~18,103 kWh

"With nearly all my household energy now coming from the sun, my monthly bills have plummeted — and it's not just about the savings, it's the positive environmental impact."

— Real Ottawa homeowner ★★★★★

Pickering energy & net metering

What Elexicon Energy charges here, and how surplus solar is credited in Ontario.

UTILITY & RATE
Elexicon Energy
9.8¢-20.3¢/kWh (TOU, OEB RPP)
SOLAR POTENTIAL
Very Good – 1,150 kWh/kW annually
NET METERING
Elexicon Energy 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. 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). Ontario's HRSP offers solar rebates and battery at $300/kWh up to $5,000, but solar under HRSP must be sized for load displacement only – net metering is not permitted under HRSP. Customers must choose one or the other.

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). Pickering electricity is distributed by Elexicon Energy. 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.

Elexicon Energy Time-of-Use rates in Pickering

What a kilowatt-hour costs at each tier, and the hours each one applies — OEB Regulated Price Plan, Nov 2025 – Oct 2026. Rates are set province-wide by the Ontario Energy Board, so they are the same whichever utility bills you; only delivery charges differ.

Off-peak
9.8¢/kWh
Evenings, overnight, weekends
$68.60/mo at 700 kWh
Mid-peak
15.7¢/kWh
Shoulder hours, weekdays
$109.90/mo at 700 kWh
On-peak
20.3¢/kWh
The expensive weekday block
$142.10/mo at 700 kWh

Elexicon Energy peak hours, by season

The tiers hold all year; the hours switch twice a year. Weekends and statutory holidays bill at the off-peak rate all day, in both seasons.

SummerMay 1 – Oct 31 · weekdays
On-peak11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mid-peak7 – 11 a.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
Off-peak7 p.m. – 7 a.m.
WinterNov 1 – Apr 30 · weekdays
On-peak7 – 11 a.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
Mid-peak11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Off-peak7 p.m. – 7 a.m.

On-peak power costs 2.1× what the same kilowatt-hour costs off-peak. At the Ontario Energy Board's benchmark of 700 kWh a month, that is the difference between $68.60 and $142.10 on the electricity line alone — delivery and regulatory charges are billed separately, and the Ontario Electricity Rebate then takes 23.5% off the total.

This is why solar pays better here than a flat rate would suggest. A rooftop array produces most between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. — precisely the summer on-peak window — so the power it offsets is the most expensive power Pickering buys.

Ontario electricity rates in full — Tiered and Ultra-Low Overnight prices, Hydro One, and which utility serves each city →

How your system works behind the meter

Most of a Pickering system's value comes from power used behind the meter — electricity your panels make and your home uses on the spot, offsetting energy you'd otherwise buy at 9.8¢/kWh. Only the surplus flows past the meter to Elexicon Energy for net-metering credit.

Completed Xolar rooftop solar array
Solar array
DC power from the roof
Solar inverter
Inverter
DC → AC for the home
Home battery storage unit
Home + battery
Used now, or stored
Bidirectional utility meter
Elexicon Energy grid
Surplus & backup

Rebates & incentives in Pickering

Every active local, provincial, federal and Xolar program a Pickering homeowner can stack.

Local
Pickering programs
  • Up to $125,000 at 2%
    Durham Greener Homes Loan
Provincial
Ontario programs
  • Up to $7,500
    Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Heat Pump
  • Up to $5,000
    Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Solar
  • Up to $5,000
    Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Battery
Federal
Canada-wide programs
  • Up to 30% of eligible costs
    Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (Commercial ITC)

Solar Panels in Pickering, Ontario - Durham Region

Pickering in Durham Region produces 1,150 kWh per kW annually. Elexicon Energy distributes electricity. Ontario’s Time-of-Use pricing means solar earns maximum credits during on-peak hours (20.3¢/kWh).

Ontario’s net metering program credits excess solar at the full retail rate. HRSP ($5K solar + battery at $300/kWh up to $5K) or net metering available – but not both.

Durham Region Programs in Pickering

One important exception applies here. Durham Region states that the Greener Homes Loan is currently not available for properties located in the City of Pickering. Pickering residents can subscribe for programme updates, but cannot borrow under it today — so a Pickering quote should be compared against ordinary financing rather than assuming the 2% rate. Ontario’s HRSP is unaffected and still applies.

Two further Durham rebates — the Deep Retrofit Rebate and the Weather-ready Rebate, each up to $5,000 — are open but restricted to Whitby residents only, so they are not available in Pickering.

Ontario HRSP - Up to $10,000 for Solar + Battery

Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP), launched January 2025, offers:

  • Up to $5,000 for solar panels ($1,000/kW)
  • Battery storage at $300/kWh up to $5,000 (requires approximately 13.3 kWh to reach the cap)
  • HRSP maximums are per category rather than one shared pot: up to $10,000 for solar and storage, up to $12,000 for heat pumps, up to $7,700 for insulation

Important – HRSP vs. Net Metering: Solar installed under HRSP must be sized for on-site load displacement only – net metering is not permitted under HRSP. If you prefer net metering (earning 1:1 credits for excess solar), you would not apply through HRSP. Your Xolar advisor can help determine which option provides the best return.

Note: The Canada Greener Homes Grant (closed March 2024) and Greener Homes Loan (closed October 2025) are no longer available.

Check all available rebates ->

Showing Ontario — 264 installs · 534 nationwide

Completed Xolar installations — each dot represents a city where we've installed solar.

Areas We Serve in Pickering

Professional solar panel installation available in these Pickering neighborhoods and communities:

Town Centre
Rougemount
Dunbarton
West Shore
Bay Ridges
Amberlea

What Pickering homeowners say

4.6
★★★★★
Reviews
Based on 780+ verified reviews

Swipe for more reviews →

Pickering solar questions

What Durham Region programs can a Pickering homeowner use?

Partly.

The Durham Greener Homes Loan is open across the region, but Durham states it is currently not available for properties in the City of Pickering — so Pickering homeowners cannot borrow under it at present, and should compare quotes against ordinary financing rather than the 2% rate.

The Deep Retrofit and Weather-ready rebates are open but restricted to Whitby residents.

Ontario’s HRSP is unaffected: up to $5,000 for solar and $5,000 for battery storage.

Who provides electricity in Pickering?

Elexicon Energy distributes electricity in Pickering.

Ontario’s 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.

How much does solar cost in Pickering?

A typical 10 kW system costs $27,200-$35,000 before incentives.

With HRSP ($5,000 solar rebate), net cost starts at $22,200.

Pickering produces 1,150 kWh/kW annually.

Payback: 8-11 years.

How does net metering work in Pickering?

Elexicon Energy offers 1:1 net metering – excess solar earns credits at the full retail rate.

Credits roll over for 12 months.

As of May 1, 2026, the residential threshold is 12 kW.

Note: Solar under HRSP cannot use net metering.

Why can't Pickering homeowners use the Durham Greener Homes Loan?

Durham Region states that the loan is currently not available for properties located in the City of Pickering.

It does not give a reason on its programme page, and the word to note is “currently” — Pickering residents are invited to subscribe for programme updates, so the position may change.

In the meantime a Pickering quote should be compared against ordinary financing rather than against the 2% municipal rate available elsewhere in Durham, and it is worth asking any lender for the cash price and the financed price separately.

Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program is unaffected and still pays up to $10,000 for solar panels and battery storage together.

Is solar still worth it in Pickering without the municipal loan?

Yes, on the numbers.

Pickering is modelled at 1,150 kWh per kW a year with a payback of 8 to 11 years, among the shorter ranges in Ontario, and Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program pays up to $10,000 for solar panels and battery storage together.

What the missing loan changes is the cost of borrowing, not the value of the electricity.

If you are paying cash, the absence of the Durham loan makes no difference to your return at all.

If you are financing, it is the single number worth negotiating hardest, because over fifteen years the gap between a 2% rate and a typical dealer rate is larger than most equipment differences.

Get your free Pickering solar quote

A personalized proposal in 24 hours — system size, real pricing, and every rebate you qualify for. No pressure, no obligation.

Google
Tesla Powerwall Certified
CanREA Member
Get my free quote

Takes about a minute — no pressure, no obligation.

Solar system packages

All include install, permits & 25-yr warranty

Most popular choice for average Canadian homes

GOOD

Growatt

10 kW system

$27,162
before rebates + applicable taxes

Best value option for medium energy consumers.

What's included
9.6kW Growatt inverter
20x 500w black Thornova solar panels
Professional installation
Panel count20 panels
Add optional upgrades
Essential Backup +$19,500
Protect critical loads during power outages
EV Charger +$2,497
Level 2 home charging station
Heat Pump +$14,997
Cold climate ducted air-source heat pump. Price does not include ductwork or air-handler.
BETTERRecommended

SolarEdge

10 kW system

$29,474
before rebates + applicable taxes

Best performance option for medium energy consumers.

What's included
9.6kW SolarEdge inverter
20x 500w black LONGi solar panels
20x 500w SolarEdge panel optimizers
MySolarEdge system monitoring app
Panel count20 panels
Add optional upgrades
Essential Backup +$19,500
Protect critical loads during power outages
EV Charger +$2,497
Level 2 home charging station
Heat Pump +$14,997
Cold climate ducted air-source heat pump. Price does not include ductwork or air-handler.
BEST

Tesla

10 kW system

$43,758
before rebates + applicable taxes

Elite solar + storage option for medium energy consumers that require blackout protection.

What's included
Tesla Powerwall 3 - (11.5 kW, 13.5 kWh)
20x 500w black LONGi solar panels
Tesla system monitoring app
Tesla certified installation
Panel count20 panels
Add optional upgrades
EV Charger +$2,497
Advanced features and faster charging
Heat Pump +$14,997
Cold climate ducted air-source heat pump. Price does not include ductwork or air-handler.
Powerwall Expansion +$13,997
Additional unit for extended whole-home backup power.

Solar installation across Ontario

We serve homeowners province-wide. View all Ontario service areas →