What solar costs, and when it pays back
Price is only half the story. Payback depends on what you pay for electricity, how much sun you get, and what your province pays for power you send back.
Payback by province
The same sample house in each province’s largest city, with a $180 monthly bill on the default rate plan, sized for the best return. Sorted fastest payback first.
| Province | Installed $/W | kWh per kW | Exports | Year-1 savings | Payback | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OntarioToronto | $2.42–$3.05 | 1,086 | Net metering | $1,471 | 11.9 years | Good fit |
| Nova ScotiaHalifax | $2.60–$3.27 | 1,007 | Net metering | $1,988 | 13.6 years | Good fit |
| Prince Edward IslandCharlottetown | $2.60–$3.27 | 1,007 | Net metering | $1,845 | 14.4 years | Marginal |
| AlbertaCalgary | $2.40–$3.02 | 1,246 | Net billing | $1,005 | 14.8 years | Marginal |
| New BrunswickMoncton | $2.60–$3.27 | 1,027 | Net metering | $1,828 | 15.5 years | Marginal |
| SaskatchewanRegina | $2.60–$3.27 | 1,304 | Net billing | $925 | 16.8 years | Marginal |
| British ColumbiaVancouver | $2.60–$3.27 | 964 | Net metering | $2,028 | 18.8 years | Not recommended |
| QuebecMontréal | $2.60–$3.27 | 1,074 | Net metering | $970 | 21.9 years | Not recommended |
| ManitobaWinnipeg | $2.60–$3.27 | 1,267 | Little or none | $431 | 22.3 years | Not recommended |
| Newfoundland and LabradorSt. John's | $4.00–$4.60 | 873 | Net metering | $1,813 | 23.8 years | Not recommended |
Prices: midpoint of Green Building Canada’s 2026 ranges. Rates: current default plans; delivery charges approximate. See how we calculate.
How to read a solar quote
Divide the price before rebates by the system size in watts. That’s the price per watt, the fairest way to compare quotes of different sizes.
- Size: kW DC (the panels). A quote for 8 kW of 430 W panels is about 19 panels.
- Production: a good quote states first-year kWh. Compare it with our estimate for your roof.
- Equipment and warranties: panel model, inverter type, and how long each is covered.
- What’s included: permits, electrical inspection, utility connection, monitoring, roof work.
- Financing: the rate and term, total interest, and whether there’s a lien or penalty for early payoff.
What moves the price
Bigger systems cost less per watt because the fixed costs (permits, design, a crew visit) spread over more panels. Steep or complex roofs, microinverters, batteries and electrical-panel upgrades add cost.
Ready to compare? Check a quote you’ve received or see the numbers for your roof.