Estimate system size, net cost after rebates, annual savings, payback period, and ROI.
Planning an off-grid solar system in Canada? Our Solar Cost & ROI Estimator helps you understand potential system sizes, upfront costs after rebates, and long-term savings based on your energy use and location. Make informed decisions about your renewable energy investment with these preliminary calculations.
| Province | Full Sun Hours (h/yr) | Solar Potential |
|---|
| Province | Cost Range ($/W) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $2.40–$3.01 | Lowest costs, high solar potential |
| British Columbia | $2.60–$3.27 | Net metering available |
| Manitoba | $2.60–$3.27 | Good incentives |
| New Brunswick | $2.60–$3.27 | Growing renewable interest |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | $4.00+ | Remote, higher costs |
| Northwest Territories | $3.00–$3.77 | High electricity rates |
| Nova Scotia | $2.60–$3.27 | Good coastal potential |
| Nunavut | $4.00+ | Extreme conditions |
| Ontario | $2.42–$3.05 | Most competitive market |
| Prince Edward Island | $2.60–$3.27 | Island logistics |
| Quebec | $2.60–$3.27 | Low electricity rates |
| Saskatchewan | $2.60–$3.27 | Excellent solar resource |
| Yukon Territory | $3.00–$3.80 | Seasonal variation |
Understanding your province's unique solar landscape helps set realistic ROI expectations:
Annual Energy Usage (kWh) ÷ Annual Full Sun Hours (h)System Size (kW) × 1000System Size (W) × (Panel Cost/W + Inverter Cost/W + Installation Cost/W)Equipment Cost + Additional CostsTotal Gross Cost × (Rebate (%) ÷ 100)Total Gross Cost − Rebate AmountAnnual Energy Usage (kWh) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)Net Cost ÷ Annual Savings (Year 1)Total Savings − Net Cost) ÷ Net Cost) × 100Note: These are simplified estimations. Actual system performance and costs can vary based on specific site conditions, equipment choices, and market fluctuations.
All data used in this calculator comes from authoritative Canadian sources:
Accuracy Disclaimer: Cost estimates, electricity rates, and rebate percentages are subject to change. We update our data quarterly but recommend verifying current rates with your provincial authorities and local installers. Last updated: February 2026.
Our data comes from:
Update Frequency: We review and update our calculator data quarterly to reflect current market conditions, rebate programs, and installation costs.
Note: All estimates are preliminary. Actual costs vary by location, installer, equipment selection, and site-specific factors. Always obtain multiple quotes from certified installers.
This calculator provides preliminary estimates based on average Canadian data. Actual costs and savings vary by location, installer, equipment quality, and site-specific conditions. We recommend getting 3-5 quotes from certified installers for precise figures. For more detailed system planning, check our complete solar calculators for panel sizing, battery banks, and inverter requirements.
Rebate percentages shown are estimates. The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant ($5,000) closed to new applicants in 2024, but the Canada Greener Homes Loan (up to $40,000 interest-free) remains available. Check with your provincial energy authority for current programs, as many provinces offer additional utility-specific rebates with caps around $3,000-$5,000.
For true off-grid systems, battery storage is essential and typically adds $8,000-$15,000+ to your total cost. Use the "Additional Costs" field to include battery bank expenses. For grid-tied systems with net metering, batteries are optional but provide backup power during outages. Use our battery bank calculator to determine your exact storage needs based on your daily usage and desired autonomy days.
Several factors affect payback: low electricity rates (like Quebec's 7.3¢/kWh), high upfront costs in remote areas, limited sun hours in northern regions, or minimal available rebates. Systems in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario typically have the best ROI due to higher electricity rates and good solar potential. Consider using our load calculator to identify energy-saving opportunities that can improve your overall ROI.
Yes! Optimize ROI by: shifting high-energy activities to sunny hours, maintaining panels for peak efficiency, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, monitoring system performance regularly, and taking advantage of time-of-use electricity rates if available in your area. Proper system sizing is also crucial—use our solar panel calculator and inverter sizing tool to ensure optimal design.
Typical exclusions: extensive roof repairs, electrical panel upgrades (if needed), tree removal for shading issues, trenching for ground-mounted systems, ongoing maintenance costs, insurance adjustments, and property tax impacts. Always get itemized quotes that clearly specify what's included.
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These estimates provide a valuable starting point for your solar journey. For a detailed quote and assessment tailored to your specific property and needs, we recommend contacting a qualified local solar installer. They can provide precise calculations based on a site visit and current equipment pricing.