Solar Cost & ROI Estimator

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.

System Requirements

Annual Energy Usage (kWh)

Province

Annual Full Sun Hours Auto-filled by province (adjustable based on your specific location)

Cost Components (per Watt)

Solar Panel Cost ($/W) Typical range: $1.25–$1.75/W

Inverter Cost ($/W) Typical range: $0.40–$0.60/W

Installation Cost ($/W) Typical range: $0.85–$1.25/W (includes mounting, wiring, permits)

Additional Costs ($) Batteries, monitoring, electrical upgrades, etc.

Financial Parameters

Available Rebate (%) Auto-filled by province (check current programs)

Current Electricity Rate ($/kWh) Auto-filled by province (check your utility bill)

Annual Rate Increase (%) Historical average: 2-3% annually

Analysis Period (years) Typical solar panel warranty: 25 years

Annual Full Sunlight Hours by Province

Province	Full Sun Hours (h/yr)	Solar Potential

Average Installation Cost by Province

Province	Cost Range ($/W)	Notes
Alberta	$2.60–$3.27	High solar potential
British Columbia	$2.52–$3.17	Net metering available
Manitoba	$2.72–$3.42	Good incentives
New Brunswick	$2.89–$3.64	Strong rebate programs
Newfoundland & Labrador	$4.00+	Remote, higher costs
Northwest Territories	$3.00–$3.77	High electricity rates
Nova Scotia	$2.51–$3.16	Good coastal winds
Nunavut	$4.00+	Extreme conditions
Ontario	$2.42–$3.05	Mature market
Prince Edward Island	$2.98–$3.75	Island logistics
Quebec	$2.65–$3.33	Low electricity rates
Saskatchewan	$2.88–$3.63	Excellent solar resource
Yukon Territory	$3.02–$3.80	Seasonal variation

Show Calculation Formulas

System Size (kW): Annual Energy Usage (kWh) ÷ Annual Full Sun Hours (h)
System Size (W): System Size (kW) × 1000
Equipment Cost ($): System Size (W) × (Panel Cost/W + Inverter Cost/W + Installation Cost/W)
Total Gross Cost ($): Equipment Cost + Additional Costs
Rebate Amount ($): Total Gross Cost × (Rebate (%) ÷ 100)
Net Cost ($): Total Gross Cost − Rebate Amount
Annual Savings (Year 1): Annual Energy Usage (kWh) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)
Total Savings (with rate increases): Sum of annual savings over analysis period, accounting for rate increases
Simple Payback Period (years): Net Cost ÷ Annual Savings (Year 1)
Return on Investment (ROI %): ((Total Savings − Net Cost) ÷ Net Cost) × 100

Note: These are simplified estimations. Actual system performance and costs can vary based on specific site conditions, equipment choices, and market fluctuations.

References & Data Sources

Solar Resource Data: Energy Hub - Solar Energy Maps Canada
Provincial Electricity Rates: Energy Hub
Rebate Information: Check your provincial energy authority for current programs

Note: Data for sun hours, electricity rates, and rebates are indicative and may vary. Always consult local authorities and suppliers for the most current information.

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.