Solar Resources

Find helpful resources below for starting a solar project, including a directory with trusted professionals and tips for choosing an installer.

Directory

Get access to qualified contractors, service providers and professionals through Toronto Hydro's Cleantech Services Directory. This directory includes trusted local professionals who can help implement energy-efficient solutions for your home, business or industrial building. Use the filters to find a contractor for your solar project.

The City of Toronto’s Solar Directory is no longer active. If you would like to receive a copy of the Solar Directory as it was last updated, please request it from SolarTO@toronto.ca.

Choosing an Installer

Getting Quotes from Solar Installers

The installers should provide an assessment of the solar potential of your property based on your information (satellite photos of your property, your electricity bills, etc.). An in-person site visit is strongly recommended. Below are suggested steps to follow, along with examples of questions to ask and information to obtain:

  1. Ask questions and request information
  2. Review and compare quotes
  3. Ask your installer questions
  4. Review your contract

Questions and Requests

  • How long has the installation company been in business?
  • How many systems have they installed?
  • What certification does the company have? The installer or their subcontractor should have an electrical license.
  • What warranty does the company provide on their products and workmanship?
  • Request two to three references from previous projects with similar scope. Be sure to check references.
  • Review independent online customer reviews on websites such as the Better Business Bureau, HomeStars, etc.
  • Request proof of insurance for personal liability, Worker’s Compensation and property damage coverage.

Review and Comparison of Quotes

Ask about system size (measured in kW), annual or monthly energy production (measured in kWh) and how these were determined:

  • Aside from the physical characteristics of your roof, the solar installer should analyze your electricity bills to estimate your annual energy consumption in order to properly size the system and estimate your savings.
  • Your contractor must ensure that your system does not produce more electricity than the property consumes.

Ask for the cost per watt ($/W) of the solar system:

  • Cost per watt is calculated by dividing the total system cost by the number of watts in the system. The cost per watt is the most useful metric to compare quotes. It allows you to make an apples-to-apples comparison of quotes that may differ in solar panel brand, total wattage, etc.

Ask about their financial calculations:

  • The project cost estimate should include a breakdown including:
    • Solar equipment: solar modules, racking, wiring, inverter, etc.
    • Installation (labour)
    • Permitting fees (building permit) and grid connection fee
    • Design engineering and other services
  • What is the payback period and how did they calculate it?
  • How did they calculate the energy bill savings from installing solar?
  • In their calculations, what per cent increase in electricity rate did they assume over the life of the solar system?
  • Do they provide any financing options?

Questions for Installer

  • What is the ideal location and orientation for the solar panels on your property? The contractor should provide a diagram showing the layout of the solar installation that shows the location of the panels, the inverter and how the wiring will be connected to your electrical panel. The layout should also account for:
    • Obstructions on your roof such as vents, chimney, etc.
    • The angle and orientation of your roof
    • Potential shading from nearby trees and buildings
  • Has the solar installer verified that Toronto Hydro has the grid capacity to connect the solar installation?
    • Net metered solar projects feed excess electricity into the grid, so if the grid infrastructure is constrained in your area, Toronto Hydro may not be able to connect your project to the grid. If there is no grid capacity, Toronto Hydro will either instruct you to install a smaller system or to check back at a later date.
    • If the installer requires an upfront deposit at contract signing, make sure it is refundable or payable only after Toronto Hydro confirms that there is capacity to connect your system.
  • Does the roof require replacement or structural reinforcement to support the solar panels?
  • Can your electrical service panel handle the added load of the solar system or does it require an upgrade?
  • How can you monitor performance of the system and ensure it matches your expected energy generation and payback period? Inquire about the cost of monitoring equipment.
  • Confirm that installer will file all required permit applications including the Building Permit, Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) permit and the utility interconnection permit for Net Metering as well as the timeline of these permits.
  • If you are planning any changes that will affect your electricity use, such as buying an electric vehicle (EV), planning an addition to your home or investing in energy efficiency upgrades, discuss it with your installer in advance so they can factor it in the design of the solar system.
  • If interested, inquire about upgrades such as battery storage and an EV charger to accommodate for a future EV purchase. If you decide to postpone the purchase of battery storage, ask your installer to make your installation battery ready.

Contract Review

When reviewing your contract, note the following:

  • Project timeline
  • Which companies (including sub-contractors) will be doing the work?
  • Specification sheets on the system components being installed
  • Amount of energy generation expected annually
  • Warranties for the system and installation
  • Contractor will file all required permit applications
  • Payment schedule
  • Process for amending the contract
  • Resolution process