Solar for townhouses, semis and condos

Solar is simplest on a detached house where you own the whole roof. If you live in a townhouse, semi-detached home or condo, it can still work, but you have more people to talk to and more paperwork. And sometimes the honest answer is that a different option makes more sense.

Semi-detached homes

On a semi, you usually own your half of the roof outright. Solar is often straightforward, with a few points to watch:

• The dividing line. Panels should stay clearly on your side, with room for the installer to work.
• Your neighbour. It is courteous, and often useful, to tell them before work starts. Installers may need to access the roof near the shared wall.
• Fire separation. The shared wall between semis is a fire separation. Installers need to keep wiring and penetrations away from it as required by local codes.

Freehold townhouses

Freehold townhouses are owned like detached homes, but roofs are joined. Smaller roof areas mean smaller systems, so efficient panels and good layout matter more. See solar panel types and efficiency.

Check your title and any registered agreements. Some freehold townhouse developments have shared roof maintenance arrangements or architectural controls that need approval for exterior changes.

Condo townhouses and condominiums

In a condominium, the roof is usually a common element owned by the corporation, even if it sits on top of your unit. You can't install solar on it without the board's permission.

In Ontario, owner changes to common elements fall under section 98 of the Condominium Act. In general:

1. The change must fit the declaration and the Act, and the board must approve it by resolution before work starts.
2. You and the corporation sign a written agreement, often called a section 98 agreement, which is registered on your unit's title.
3. The agreement sets out who owns the panels and who pays for repair, maintenance and insurance, including what happens when the roof needs replacing.
4. You usually pay the corporation's costs to prepare and register the agreement, plus any engineering review.

Larger changes may need notice to, or approval from, other owners. Other provinces have their own condo rules. A condo lawyer can explain what applies to your building.

Making a strong request to your board

• Bring a written proposal from a licensed installer with a layout, weight and attachment details
• Offer to pay for an independent engineer's review
• Explain how the roof will be protected and what happens at roof replacement
• Confirm insurance coverage and liability
• Offer a draft agreement or ask the board's lawyer for their template

Boards worry about leaks, liability and the cost of future roof work. A proposal that answers those concerns up front is much more likely to be approved.

Fire access and setbacks

Some municipalities and fire services require clear pathways on roofs with solar, so firefighters can reach and ventilate the building. These rules vary by jurisdiction. On small townhouse roofs, setbacks can reduce how many panels fit. Your installer should know the local requirements and design to them.

Apartment-style condos

For units in a tower or mid-rise, a personal rooftop system is rarely practical. A building-wide system is possible, but it is a corporation decision, usually led by the board with engineering and legal input. If you are interested, raise it with the board as a project for the whole building.

Alternatives when rooftop solar isn't practical

Community solar

Community solar lets you subscribe to a share of a solar array located elsewhere and receive a bill credit. Availability in Canada is limited and varies by province.

Nova Scotia launched a Community Solar Program in 2024, aimed partly at people who rent, live in condos or apartments, or have shaded roofs. Subscribers receive a credit of 2¢ per kWh on their power bill for their share of the garden's output. Check the province's community solar page for which gardens are open to subscribers.

In other provinces, ask your utility whether any community solar program exists.

Buying green power

Some companies sell renewable electricity products that match your use with renewable generation, tracked through renewable energy certificates. Bullfrog Power is one example. You keep your current utility and pay a monthly amount on top. This does not lower your bill, but it supports renewable generation without any equipment on your home.

Efficiency and rate plans

If solar isn't possible, you can still cut your bill. In Ontario, choosing the right rate plan can make a real difference. See our rate plan tool and Time-of-Use vs Ultra-Low Overnight.

Next step

Check your roof to see what your section of roof could produce. That estimate is also useful to bring to a condo board.

Common questions

Can I put solar panels on my condo townhouse?

Usually only with board approval, because the roof is a common element. In Ontario this typically means a board resolution and a section 98 agreement registered on title.

Do I need my neighbour's permission for solar on a semi-detached house?

Usually not if the panels are fully on your side of the roof and nothing restricts exterior changes. Telling your neighbour first is still wise, and the installer may need access near the shared wall.

Is community solar available in Canada?

In a few places. Nova Scotia launched a Community Solar Program in 2024, and other provinces have limited or no programs, so ask your utility.

What can condo owners do if they can't install solar?

Options include community solar where it exists, a green power product, or lowering costs through efficiency and a better rate plan.

Sources

• Ontario Condo Law Blog: Owner alterations to common elements (section 98)
• Government of Nova Scotia: Province launches Community Solar Program
• Bullfrog Power: Green electricity for homes