Compare costs, benefits, and energy independence across three solar system types
Should you connect to the grid or go fully off-grid? Or split the difference with a hybrid system? This calculator compares upfront costs, 25-year total expenses, net metering benefits, and energy independence to help you make the right choice for your property.
Best For:
Key Benefits: Lowest cost, utility credits, no battery maintenance, infinite backup (via grid), net metering earnings.
Key Drawbacks: No power during grid outages, dependent on utility company, less energy independence.
Best For:
Key Benefits: Backup power during outages, partial energy independence, still earn net metering, battery arbitrage for time-of-use rates.
Key Drawbacks: Higher upfront cost (+$8,000-$15,000 for batteries), battery replacement every 10-15 years, more complex system.
Best For:
Key Benefits: 100% energy independent, no monthly electricity bills, no grid dependency, works anywhere.
Key Drawbacks: Highest cost (2-3x grid-tied), no net metering credits, battery maintenance required, must size system for worst-case scenarios, generator backup often needed.
Grid-tied solar is best for most homeowners with reliable grid access. It costs 60-70% less than off-grid, earns net metering credits, and requires no battery maintenance. Choose off-grid only if: grid connection is unavailable or costs $15,000+, you prioritize 100% energy independence, or grid power is highly unreliable in your area.
A hybrid system combines grid connection with battery storage. You stay connected to the grid for net metering benefits, but batteries provide backup power during outages. Hybrid systems cost 30-50% more than grid-tied but offer energy security without full off-grid expense. Ideal for areas with frequent power outages or time-of-use electricity rates where you can charge batteries with cheap off-peak power.
Net metering savings depend on your province, system size, and excess generation. In Ontario, a 10kW system earning credits at 13.1¢/kWh could save $600-1,200 annually. BC (15.8¢/kWh) and Alberta (13.5¢/kWh) see similar benefits. Quebec's lower rates (7.3¢/kWh) reduce net metering value to $300-500/year. Alberta's micro-generation program compensates at retail rate minus distribution charges.
Off-grid is worth it only in specific situations: grid extension costs exceed $15,000-20,000, you're building a remote cabin/property, or energy independence is your primary goal regardless of cost. For typical homes with grid access, off-grid costs 2-3x more over 25 years due to battery replacement, larger system sizing, generator backup, and no net metering benefits.
Yes, but it's more expensive than installing hybrid from the start. Retrofitting batteries requires: new hybrid inverter ($2,000-4,000), electrical panel upgrades, additional permits and inspections. Total retrofit cost: $8,000-15,000 vs $6,000-10,000 if installed initially. Consider future battery addition when selecting your initial inverter — choose a "battery-ready" hybrid inverter even if not installing batteries immediately.
Yes, hybrid systems maintain full net metering benefits. Excess solar generation is sent to the grid for credits, just like pure grid-tied systems. Batteries store energy for backup use during outages or to shift consumption away from peak rates, but don't affect your net metering arrangement. You get the best of both worlds: utility credits when generating excess, and backup power when needed.
Lithium-ion batteries (most common for solar) last 10-15 years or 5,000-7,000 charge cycles. Lead-acid batteries last 5-8 years. Budget for battery replacement in your total cost calculations. A 10kWh lithium battery bank costs $6,000-10,000 to replace. This is the main ongoing cost difference between grid-tied (no batteries) and off-grid/hybrid systems (regular battery replacement).
Disclaimer: Calculations are estimates based on typical costs and provincial averages. Actual system costs, net metering benefits, and savings vary by installer, equipment quality, property specifics, and utility policies. Consult certified solar installers for accurate quotes. Solar irradiance data sourced from PVGIS / Forecast.Solar public API (location-specific) or provincial averages where postal code is not provided.