How much are solar panels in Canada? Mar 28th

Should you put solar panels on your roof? It sounds like a great idea to generate electricity from the renewable and free resource that is the sun, but the answer depends on many variables, ranging from your household’s energy consumption and where you live to the size of your budget. Let’s dig into the details.

Are solar panels worth the cost in Canada?

A solar panel system can help you to reduce your carbon footprint, but from a financial perspective, solar may or may not make sense for your home. As a starting point, here’s what you’ll need to consider:

Your household’s energy consumption—if your monthly and annual energy needs are low (for example, the monthly bill is well under $100), the cost of a solar system probably isn’t justified, but if your electricity needs are much higher, that’s a stronger argument in favour of going solar

The size and scope of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system needed to match your electricity demands

How efficient your system will be based on the size and angle of your roof and which direction it faces with respect to the sun (southern exposure is best)

How much sunshine and snow your area typically gets

How much you’re willing to spend

The average Canadian household uses 11,135 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, but your usage depends on the climate where you live, the size of your home, how airtight and well insulated it is and—one of the biggest factors—your energy consumption habits…