Solar panels in Toronto, Ontario
Toronto's Premier Choice For Home Solar Installations
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 Toronto a great place for home solar. Solar installations in Toronto are highly efficient, overperforming to an average of 1,163 kWh of electricity per year for every 1 kW installed. 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. With energy prices expected to continue rising over time, going solar protects you from increasing costs by generating your own power.
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Custom solar solutions for Toronto, ON
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Real Xolar installs in Toronto
Completed systems across the Toronto service area — first-hand specs, not industry averages.
What 17 real Toronto installs tell us
Aggregated from completed Xolar systems in Toronto — first-hand data, not industry averages. Nothing a competitor can copy.
Toronto energy & net metering
What Toronto Hydro charges here, and how surplus solar is credited in Ontario.
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.
Toronto Hydro Time-of-Use rates in Toronto
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.
Toronto Hydro 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.
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 Toronto buys.
How your system works behind the meter
Most of a Toronto 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 Toronto Hydro for net-metering credit.
Rebates & incentives in Toronto
Every active local, provincial, federal and Xolar program a Toronto homeowner can stack.
- Up to $125,000Toronto HELP Loan
- Up to $7,500Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Heat Pump
- Up to $5,000Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Solar
- Up to $5,000Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) – Battery
- Up to 30% of eligible costsClean Technology Investment Tax Credit (Commercial ITC)
Ontario's New HRSP Program - Up to $10,000 for Solar + Battery
Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP), launched January 2025, is the most significant solar incentive Ontario has ever offered:
- Up to $5,000 for solar panel installation ($1,000/kW)
- Battery storage at $300/kWh up to $5,000 (requires approximately 13.3 kWh to reach the cap)
- Stackable with Toronto HELP Loan ($125,000 property-tax financing) or Better Homes Ottawa Loan
- Maximum total program rebate: $12,000 across all eligible upgrades
Important – HRSP vs. Net Metering: Solar panels installed under HRSP must be sized for load displacement only – they supply electricity strictly for on-site use. Net metering is NOT permitted under HRSP. Customers must choose: take the HRSP rebate (no net metering) OR skip HRSP and keep 1:1 net metering credits. Work with your installer to determine which option delivers the best ROI for your usage pattern.
Toronto-Specific Solar Programs
Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
Up to $125,000, repaid through your property tax at low interest. Combined with HRSP, you can go solar with zero upfront cost.
HRSP
Up to $5,000 for solar + battery at $300/kWh up to $5,000 – see above for details.
Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus
The former Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program closed in February 2024 and was replaced by the Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) above, delivered by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy. HER+ is no longer a separate rebate and cannot be stacked with HRSP.
Note: The Canada Greener Homes Grant (closed March 2024) and Greener Homes Loan (closed October 2025) are no longer available. HRSP and the HELP Loan are the primary programs available to Toronto homeowners.
Combined, Toronto has the strongest solar financing stack in Canada.
Time-of-Use Advantage
Toronto Hydro’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
- Ontario Electricity Rebate: 23.5% discount on total bill
Solar generates most during on-peak hours (11am-5pm), earning you credits at 20.3¢/kWh – the highest rate tier. This makes solar more valuable in Ontario than the average rate suggests.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Toronto?
A typical Toronto home requires a 7-10 kW system, costing $23,000 to $29,500 before HST and rebates (about $2.95-$3.30 per watt, with larger systems costing less per watt).
After HRSP (solar + battery): net cost varies based on system size and battery capacity chosen. With the HELP loan, zero upfront cost. Payback depends on your rate plan and whether you choose the HRSP rebate or net metering. 25-year savings: $35,000+.
Toronto receives about 2,000 hours of sunshine per year and produces approximately 1,170 kWh per kW of solar capacity annually.
Ontario Net Metering
Ontario’s net metering program credits excess solar at the full retail rate. Credits roll over for 12 months. As of May 1, 2026, the residential net metering threshold was raised to 12 kW. You only pay for the net electricity you consume from the grid.
With Time-of-Use billing, on-peak credits at 20.3¢/kWh are worth more than twice the off-peak rate, making proper system sizing essential to maximize your return.
17 installs in Toronto · 248 across Ontario · 491 nationwide
Completed Xolar installations — each dot represents a city where we've installed solar.
Areas We Serve in Toronto
Professional solar panel installation available in these Toronto neighborhoods and communities:
What Toronto homeowners say
"We are happy with our roof top solar panels from Xolar. Lauren was a great help as our project manager. Vivek and John also helped us with our many questions. The project was finished on time. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Xolar."
"Had a very complex installation, quite large with lots of features, with the solar array powering two homes. Took a while to complete and there were a few technical glitches along the way but they were taken care of. Quality of product and Technicians was excellent. It would be 5 stars if there was better communications. Several times I had to repeat emails trying to get answers."
"I had my solar system installed by Xolar and I’m extremely satisfied with both the hardware and the overall setup. The system delivers immediate savings on my Hydro bill and is performing better than I expected, even under winter conditions. The hardware layout is clean, thoughtfully designed, and integrates seamlessly with my existing electrical system.The project timeline was solid: I placed my order in August, the installation took place over the winter, and everything was fully completed by April, including all permits and approvals from the city. The only hiccup in the entire process was a hardware shortage during the ordering phase, which required me to follow up a few times. That delay was frustrating, but ultimately handled well.A special mention goes to Lauren, who has been a great point of contact from start to finish. She is responsive, clear in her communication, and consistently advocated on my behalf to resolve issues and push past any delays. Having someone like Lauren to talk to made a big difference and kept my confidence in the project high.Overall, I would definitely recommend Xolar to anyone considering a solar installation. Once the hardware arrived, everything moved smoothly, the system was set up correctly the first time, and the performance and savings so far have exceeded my expectations."
"Loved the information that was shared during the process. Xolar was better right from the start. They provided more information about the entire process then the other two businesses that I received quotes from. Installation was quicker than expected there was a couple small issues but they were looked after quickly. Solar has now been running for 4 months and starting to see reduced energy bills. Very impressed!"
"Our solar panels were installed and are working great. Lots of great communication from Xolar throughout the process to ease our worries."
"We were, overall, delighted with the solar panel solution from Xolar. The process, from first consultation, to operation and receiving the Greener Homes Loan took almost exactly 6 months, which we were very happy with given we started to process in December.We were quite concerned about the look of the panels as our South facing roof faces the street and we live in a neighbourhood with a lot of nice homes. But we were really delighted with how they look - they just blend in nicely with the roof and many of friends have said they hardly noticed them. They also present a modern appearance.As you can see, the panels are only over the garage but that is estimated to be sufficient to cover around 90% of our hydro use, and we use only electricity, with geothermal heating and cooling, and have an electric car. So far, the hydro generation matches the estimates provided by Xolar.The initial presentation of the solution, by Chris Isidori, was very thorough, and he was available to answer all of my questions. The Xolar website is also excellent and there are many customer solutions listed there to read about, and speak to their experience. The installation team were a joy to work with - they arrived on time, were extremely pleasant, completed the entire install in less than 2 days, and cleaned up very well at the end.Overall, the solution exceeded our expectations and we are very much enjoying making a contribution to the energy grid while saving money in the long term. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Xolar if you are considering installing a solar array on your home."
Toronto solar questions
What is Ontario's HRSP program?
The Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) launched January 2025 offers up to $5,000 for solar panels ($1,000/kW) and battery storage at $300/kWh up to $5,000.
Important: HRSP solar must be sized for load displacement only – net metering is NOT permitted under HRSP.
Customers must choose between the rebate or net metering.
Can be combined with the Toronto HELP Loan for financing.
The federal Greener Homes Grant and Loan programs are both closed.
How much does solar cost in Toronto after rebates?
A 10 kW system costs $27,200-$29,500 before HST.
After HRSP ($5,000 for solar + battery at $300/kWh), the net cost depends on battery size chosen.
The Toronto HELP Loan covers the remainder at low interest, repaid through property tax.
What is the Toronto HELP Loan?
The Home Energy Loan Program provides up to $125,000 at low interest for energy improvements including solar.
Repaid through your property tax bill.
Combined with HRSP, you can go solar with zero upfront cost.
Who provides electricity in Toronto?
Toronto Hydro distributes electricity.
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.
What is Ontario's net metering program?
Ontario net metering credits excess solar at the full retail rate.
Credits roll over for 12 months.
As of May 1, 2026, systems up to 12 kW are eligible under the standard residential threshold.
You only pay for the net electricity you consume from the grid.
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Solar installation across Ontario
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