Cost guides › Solar panels
Canada
Solar panel installation cost
A 6 kWp rooftop solar system with a hybrid inverter and a 4.8 kWh battery typically costs $25,500 installed, with most quotes between $19,900 and $33,100 before GST/HST. The same array without a battery comes in around $18,000, and a larger 9.6 kWh battery on a heavier-duty inverter runs about $31,500.
Most homeowners pay
Estimate your project
Cost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $18,500 | $26,000 | $32,000 |
| Alberta | $18,200 | $25,700 | $31,700 |
| Saskatchewan | $18,100 | $25,600 | $31,700 |
| British Columbia | $17,900 | $25,400 | $31,400 |
| Manitoba | $18,000 | $25,400 | $31,500 |
| Ontario | $17,900 | $25,400 | $31,400 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $17,700 | $25,100 | $31,200 |
| Nova Scotia | $17,700 | $25,100 | $31,200 |
| New Brunswick | $17,500 | $24,900 | $30,900 |
What's included
Mid-range
- About 13–14 all-black monocrystalline panels of 450 W each
- Aluminum racking with roof attachments for a pitched roof up to about 25 degrees
- 6 kW hybrid inverter with a 4.8 kWh lithium battery
- DC combiner box with disconnects and surge protection, panels wired in two strings
- Solar cable in conduit from the roof to the inverter, and AC wiring to the main panel
- Dedicated breaker for the solar feed in the main panel
- Wi-Fi monitoring of production and home consumption
- Scaffolding and two permanent roof anchor points for safe access
- Installation, connection and commissioning
What affects the cost
Battery or no battery
The battery is one of the biggest single line items. Without it the system costs around $18,000; with it you store daytime solar for the evening and can keep essential loads running in an outage, depending on how the system is wired.
System size
Larger systems cost more in total but less per watt, because design, permits, inverter and labour are partly fixed. The right size depends on your annual electricity use and how your utility credits power you send to the grid.
Winter production and snow
Canadian systems produce most of their energy from spring to fall; short days and snow cover cut winter output. Size the system on a full year of bills, and expect panels to shed snow on their own rather than being cleared by hand.
Roof type and condition
The estimate assumes a sound pitched roof facing roughly south. Metal and other roof types need different attachments than asphalt shingles, and a roof that needs replacing within a few years should be redone before panels go on.
Electrical panel
Older 100 A panels often can't take a solar breaker without a panel upgrade. A main-panel replacement is not included.
Permits and grid connection
Building and electrical permits, utility connection fees and any structural review are not in this estimate. They vary by municipality and utility.
How to save
- Get at least three itemized quotes and compare them per watt, with and without the battery.
- Size the system to your actual usage from the last 12 months of bills, not the largest array the roof can hold.
- Fix or replace an ageing roof first, so panels don't have to be removed and reinstalled later.
- In Ontario, compare the rebate against net metering before you sign, because the solar rebate can't be combined with it.
Grants, tax and rules
Canada Greener Homes is closed
The Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan, which covered solar, are closed; the deadline for grant documents was 31 December 2025. Quotes that still subtract that grant are out of date.
Ontario Home Renovation Savings
As of September 2026 the Ontario program pays $1,000 per kW of solar, up to $5,000 and at most 50% of the cost, but not together with net metering. A battery installed with new solar earns $300 per kWh, up to $5,000. Pre-approval and a participating contractor are required.
Licensed trades, permits and GST/HST
Solar involves electrical work and roof attachments, which need a licensed electrician and usually a permit. GST/HST applies; our figures are before GST/HST (13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 6 kW solar system cost in Canada?
With a 4.8 kWh battery, a 6 kWp system costs about $25,500 installed, before GST/HST. Without the battery, expect around $18,000. Permits and utility connection fees come on top.
Is there a federal grant for solar panels?
Not any more: the Canada Greener Homes Grant is closed, and its document deadline was 31 December 2025. Provincial programs such as Ontario Home Renovation Savings may still apply.
Does solar make sense with Canadian winters?
Panels work in cold weather, and cold actually helps their efficiency, but short days and snow cut output in December and January. The system earns most of its value over spring, summer and fall, so judge it on a full year.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
No, the panels work without one. A battery makes sense if your utility pays little for exported power, charges more in the evening, or if you want backup during outages.
How many panels is a 6 kW system?
With 450 W panels it is about 13–14 panels, needing roughly 27 m² of unshaded roof. Lower-wattage panels mean more of them.
How long does a solar installation take?
The physical installation usually takes one to three days. Permits, utility approval and final inspection often take several weeks before the system can be switched on.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 24.8 · Labour: $2,738 · Materials: $22,725
Sources: Job Bank wages (Employment and Social Development Canada); Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates.