Understanding costs and incentives

Costs

Solar hot water systems cost in the range of $7,000 to $10,000 for a system that can serve a family of four year round. Actual price will depend on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.   For the average family of four, a solar water system could reduce utility bills by $325 per year if you use an electric water heater and by $200 a year if you use a gas water heater.

Incentives

We are no longer offering the Solar Neighbourhoods incentive or financing — due to popular demand, our program has been sold out. However, there are still valuable incentives available for solar hot water systems. See the information below.

Toronto SOLAR NEIGHBOURHOODS  Incentive:  Sorry - the Solar Neighbourhoods incentive program has now been fully subscribed.

ecoENERGY Incentive:  The federal ecoENERGY program will provide a $1,250 rebate on the cost of a solar hot water system, but you must complete the two-part ecoENERGY Home assessment (cost of approximately $225 after provincial rebate) carried out by our ecoENERGY program experts, Windfall Ecology Centre.  Your ecoENERGY assessment will also qualify you for rebates on other home upgrades, such as improved insulation, a new furnace, and new windows and doors. Please Note: As of April 1, 2010, the federal government will only provide incentives to those who completed an initial audit before that date. If you had an ecoEnergy audit before April 1st and have not completed your final assessment, you are still eligible for this incentive. If you have an audit after March 31st, you are eligible for the Ontario Home Energy Savings program incentive only (see below).

Ontario Home Energy Savings program: The Ontario Home Energy Savings program will provide a $1,250 rebate.  You will receive the federal and/or provincial rebates as a single payment once you have completed the ecoENERGY assessment. (See note above about eligibility)

Financing: Some suppliers, including the Bullfrog-Enbridge solar program, offer special financing or you can talk to your bank about options like a secured line of credit. This can reduce the cost of solar to what you pay for cable TV every month

Click here for a full list of energy conservation and renewable energy incentives

**System must meet NRCan performance standards to receive ecoENERGY incentives. See the Solar Neighbourhoods supplier list for more information.