When considering switching to solar energy in Canada, determining the right number of panels is an important decision, which is influenced by different factors. In this guide, we will explore the key considerations to help you find out how many solar panels for a house in Canada are required. We will also look at the estimated cost of solar panels for a 1500 and 2000-square-foot house.
How Many Solar Panels for a House in Canada?
An average household in Canada (Ontario), according to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), consumes about 9000 kWh of energy per year. For better performance and efficiency, an 8 kW solar system is enough for most households. It requires approximately 20 solar panels, assuming a capacity of 400W each. However, the size of the solar system sizes may range from 5 to 10 kW, based on the specific energy requirements of the households.
How to Calculate the Number of Panels Needed for Your House

If you’re unsure about how many solar panels your house requires, you can consult your solar installer or a solar company in your area. However, if want to find it out on your own, first consider these factors.
1. Determine your household’s hourly energy requirement: It talks about the electricity your house consumes in an hour. You can find this tad bit of information on your monthly bill or estimate it using an online energy calculator.
If interested, take a look at this blog – Solar Panels Not Reducing Bill: Common Issues and Solutions.
2. Find the peak sunlight hours for your area: The amount of sunlight your solar panels will receive depends on your location. You can find info on peak sun hours for your town or surroundings from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory or your solar installer.
3. Determine the wattage of your solar panels: The wattage of a solar panel signifies its capacity to generate electricity. Typically, this information is readily available from the manufacturer, allowing you to determine the specific wattage of your solar panels. By understanding the wattage, you can effectively gauge the power output of your panels and make informed decisions about your solar energy system.
Here are the steps you can follow to find out how many solar panels for a house in Canada are required.
Step 1: Analyse your bills to calculate the yearly power (kWh) consumed by adding up the monthly bill amounts. Let’s assume the annual consumption is 10 kWh.
Step 2: Next, to find the size of the solar system, you can divide the annual power consumption by the solar irradiation value of your area (average solar power generation potential).
For instance, your area receives 1166 kWh/kW.year.
The required solar power system size = 10,000 kWh ×· 1166 kWh/kW.year = 8.57 kilo-watts.
Step 3: Now, you will find the number of solar panels. Let’s say, you are using 400 W panels (or 0.4 kW), so, the number of panels needed to power your house in Canada is,
The number of panels = 8.57 kW ׷ 0.4 kW ≈ 22 panels.
Note that you must consider solar panel efficiency, which is influenced by roof orientation, and the seasonal tilt of panels. Now, let’s understand how much do solar panels cost for a 1500 and 2000- square foot house in Canada.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost for a 1500 Square Foot House in Canada?

The cost of installing solar power in Canada varies and can be influenced by multiple factors, such as the size of the system needed, the type of equipment used, the province you reside in, and your eligibility for solar incentives. The average cost of a solar power system, including all components, is approximately between $3 and $3.5 per watt of installed capacity. This is the solar energy cost per kWh in Canada. If you have an 8 kW solar system, the price would be around $24,000, with potential reductions from incentives and rebates. To know more about the incentive programs, take a look at the Ontario Solar Panel Program.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost for a 2000 Square Foot House?
The cost of solar panels or solar energy cost per kWh in Canada for a 2000-square-foot home depends on various factors such as the location, type, and quality of solar panels, installation costs, and incentives or rebates available. You can find it using the solar panel cost calculator in Canada. Getting a personalized quote from a reputable solar panel installer in your area is also important to get an accurate estimate. However, as a rough estimate, a 5-kW solar panel system for a 2000-square-foot home in Canada can approximately cost $10,000 to $25,000 before incentives or rebates.
Cross-Reference: The Government of Canada invests in the installation of solar panels on Hiawatha First Nation Cultural Centre
Is it Worth Going Solar in Canada?

Yes, you can have access to a reliable energy supply, empowering you to maintain your daily activities and enjoy uninterrupted power during emergency situations. Here are the other reasons why solar energy is worth it in Canada.
1. Reduce Energy Bills: Through the installation of solar panels, you have the power to generate your own electricity, reducing your dependency on the traditional grid. This transition towards self-sufficiency can result in substantial savings on your energy bills, allowing you to take control of your energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future.
2. Renewable Energy Source: Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable energy source that produces no emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
3. Government Incentives: Canada has several incentives and rebates available for those who install solar panels, which can offset the upfront costs and make it more affordable for homeowners.
Also See: How to Claim Solar Rebate in South Africa?
4. Increase Home Value: The inclusion of solar panels can elevate the value of your property, as an increasing number of homebuyers prioritize sustainable and energy-efficient features when seeking their dream homes.
Now, you know how many solar panels for a house in Canada are required. You can estimate this number required by calculating the hourly energy requirement, the peak sunlight hours, and the wattage of panels. To explore more solar content, click here.