How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost in Canada?

The demand for solar energy is increasing day by day across the world, including Canada. The major reason behind its rising demand is that it generates electricity without producing air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions.

A significant growth of solar panels installation has been observed over the past decade in Canada. The decreasing solar panel cost, government incentives, rising electricity prices, net metering policies, and some other factors contribute to expanding the Canadian solar market.

If you are wondering how much do solar panels cost in Canada, this article will explain everything in detail, including the expenses you need to install your home solar system, factors affecting the total cost, and much more.

Different Types of Solar Panel Systems

There are three types of solar systems based on their features, as given below.

1. Off-Grid Solar Systems

These systems are not attached to the utility grid. Off-grid systems generate electricity independently. These systems store extra energy in solar batteries at night or when the sun does not shine.

2. Grid-Tied Solar Systems

As the name depicts, a solar panel system attached to the utility grid is called a grid-tied system. The surplus energy goes back to the electrical grid and helps you earn credits. When your solar system does not generate electricity, you get a power supply from the utility grid.

3. Hybrid Solar Systems

These systems use solar panels with other sources of energy like wind turbines or backup power generators. Hybrid solar electric systems are considered ideal for areas where energy requirements of the residential sector are increased or where there is uneven sunlight.

Like solar systems, solar panels are also available in three major types, e.g., monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.

1. Monocrystalline panels come with a single silicon crystal. They can last up to 25 years. The best thing about these panels is that they offer maximum efficiency (15-24%) while occupying less space. However, they are costly.
2. Polycrystalline panels are built with old technology using silicon solar cells. They are cost-effective and can last over 25 years. At the same time, they need more space to install and are less efficient.
3. Thin-film panels are flexible in size and shape. These black panels are the most affordable but don't deliver good efficiency.

Cost of Solar Panels for Canadian Homes

Now that you are familiar with the types of solar systems and PV panels, it is time to get into details of the solar panel installation cost. Though the actual cost of solar panels and their installation depends on different factors that we will discuss in detail in the section below, the average price of shifting your home to solar energy is $3 per watt.

The average home size in Canada is around 1,800 square feet. If you need a solar system for an average house, a system with 5-10 kW capacity will be enough. Suppose your home needs a 5 kW solar system, it will cost you $15,000 (3 x 5,000). If you need a bigger system to meet high energy demands, the cost may go slightly under $3 per watt.

You will be glad to hear that different Canadian regions offer incentives and rebates for those who want to install home solar systems. The worth of incentives is different in different areas; therefore, you should consult professionals to confirm whether you are eligible for these programs. The incentive and rebate programs are specifically designed to speed up the solar panels installation in both residential and commercial sectors in Canada.

Factors Impacting Solar Panel Costs in Canada

As discussed earlier, the actual solar panel installation cost depends on various factors. Let's look at them one by one.

• System size: Bigger solar systems cost more than smaller ones. Similarly, systems with costly equipment are expensive.
• Roof condition: If your roof needs mounting or restoration to install solar panels effectively, it will cost you more than a roof that does not require any modification.
• Shading: If your roof is under the shade of buildings, trees, or other obstacles, you may need a rising structure that costs you more.
• The installer: Professional and experienced installers may charge more than the inexperienced ones. Always get multiple quotes before you choose one.
• Equipment quality: The quality of PV panels, solar inverters, batteries, and other tools determines the total cost. High-quality tools may be costlier than the traditional ones.
• Battery storage: If you want to store surplus energy for later use, the addition of batteries to your solar system will add up a significant amount to the total figure.
• Orientation: The tilt and orientation of solar panels has a direct impact on the system's efficiency. You may need to adjust the direction to maximize the production, which may cost you more.
• Local regulations: Some regions may have different fees and requirements for permits and licenses. Therefore, the local rules may influence the total cost of the system.

How Long Does It Take for Solar Panels to Pay for Themselves?

As you know, you need a good amount to install a solar system on your roof, you may be concerned about the pay-back period. Right?

Well, solar panel systems usually pay back the amount invested within 5 to 15 years. It can be less or more depending on the quality of equipment, expertise of the installer, and the way you maintain your system.

If you purchase high-quality solar equipment from a trusted seller like Renogy, hire an experienced installer, and keep it well-maintained, the good news is that your pay-back period will arrive shortly.

A combination of PV panels and solar generators enables you to get the most out of solar energy. Doing this makes your solutions affordable, eco-friendly, and independent. Solar power is the ultimate source of renewable energy with negligible to zero carbon footprint. It is a wonderful step toward protecting our planet - Earth.

What are the Components of a Solar Installation?

A list of necessary and optional components of solar system installation is given below.

• Solar panels: They convert sunlight into DC electrical power to run your devices and appliances.
• Inverter: It is used to convert DC power received from PV panels into AC power for homes and commercial use.
• Mounting structure: The structure holds solar panels firmly, whereas the racking system optimizes the installation angle for maximum production.
• Connectors & wiring: Junction boxes, breakers, and MC4 connectors are used for safety purposes. In contrast, wires connect the grid, batteries, panels, and an inverter.
• Monitoring system: It is a web-based dashboard or an app designed to monitor the performance of your solar system. It detects issues and optimizes the system's performance.
• Charge controller: It is used in off-grid solar systems to regulate power going to the solar battery to prevent deep discharging and overcharging.
• Batteries: Though they are used to store excess energy, batteries are optional.
• Backup generator: It is optional and is needed in hybrid solar systems for an additional power supply.
• Net meter: It is required only for the grid-tied systems to track the power being sent to and received from the utility grid.

Is It Worth Going Solar in Canada?

Installing solar systems in homes wasn't an attractive option until a few years ago in Canada. However, the situation is totally different these days. With the rising supply & demand issues, privatization, increasing natural gas prices, and rising maintenance costs of the aging infrastructure, the demand for solar power has significantly increased in Canada.

Nowadays, a huge dip in the solar panel cost has been seen. Therefore, going solar in Canada is worth it. The major factors behind the decrease in solar panel prices include technological advancements, mass production, reduced costs of raw materials, lower installation costs, battery storage advancements, and increased competition.

The benefits you can get from solar system installation in Canada include lower energy prices, rebates & incentives, protection against rising energy prices, energy independence, increased property value, and the list continues.

Renogy Solar Panels: Reliable and Affordable for Canadian Homes

Do you need high-efficiency solar panels for your home solar system? Searching for an affordable option? Try the Renogy 12V/24V N-Type Solar Panel. It guarantees 80% power output for 25 years and comes with a 10-year warranty.

With 5 to 6 hours of direct exposure to sunlight, this panel can deliver up to 1,000 watt-hours per day. This grade A+ solar cell uses IP65 waterproof technology for safety. You can explore other types of solar panels.

Apart from solar panels, we offer a range of solar equipment, including but not limited to solar inverters, a vast collection of lithium batteries, solar kits, battery chargers, and charge controllers.

Final Thoughts

There is no fixed solar panel installation cost, as it depends on the system size, roof condition, equipment quality, installation angle & tilt, the installer's expertise, and other similar factors (as discussed in detail above). However, $3/watt is the average estimation for going solar in Canada.

If you want your solar system to perform well for many years, and you don't bother investing a slightly higher amount, prefer using premium-quality materials and hiring trained solar installers. Good luck!