How Much Do Solar Panels Cost? A 2025 Price Guide

Thinking about switching to solar but unsure about the cost? You’re not alone.

With electricity rates climbing and sustainability top of mind, more homeowners are exploring solar—but understanding pricing can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created this clear, honest, and up-to-date guide to help you make sense of it all.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Average installation costs across Alberta and the Okanagan

• What really drives the price—from roof design to energy use

• Rebates and financing options to reduce your upfront investment

• Long-term savings, ROI, and how solar can boost your home’s value

Whether you're ready to go solar or just starting your research, this guide will give you the real numbers and insights you need to make a confident decision.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Solar Panels?

The cost of solar panel installation varies based on system size, equipment quality, installation complexity, and the solar installer you choose to do the work.

Based on a recent survey of 90 solar systems, and our own internal data, we find homeowners typically install solar systems between 8 kW and 12 kW in size with costs ranging between $18,000 and $30,000.

Solar Panel Cost Breakdown

This table provides a general estimate. Actual pricing may vary based on specific installation requirements and available incentives.

Cost Per Watt varies across Canada, but we generally find solar installations range between $2.30 and $3.50 per watt.

Key Factors That Influence Solar Panel Costs in Edmonton

1. Energy Consumption & System Size

Know Your Energy Usage to Maximize Solar Benefits

The more electricity you use, the larger your solar system needs to be. A home consuming 600-900 kWh per month may require a 5-10 kW system to achieve significant savings. To maximize your return on investment, your system should offset as much of your electricity consumption as possible.

2. Roof Suitability & Installation Complexity

Solar Potential Mapping for Home Installation

Aerial view of a home with a solar production model overlay, showing roof sections with varying solar exposure. The orange areas indicate high solar potential where solar panels are planned, while purple areas show lower production zones. Green lines represent wiring paths to the inverter and electrical connections.

• Roof Angle & Orientation: South-facing roofs optimize solar generation, while east-west orientations may require slightly larger (and more costly) systems to achieve the same production levels.

• Shading Considerations: Nearby trees, chimneys, or buildings can impact efficiency, requiring micro-inverters or optimizers to optimize solar production, increasing costs.

• Roof Material: Asphalt shingles, metal and rubber are the easiest for installation, while clay, slate, or other roof types may require additional labour and materials.

3. Equipment Selection: Panels, Inverters & Batteries

Home Upgraded with Premium Solar Panels

This Alberta home features a professionally installed Greenamp system with Tier 1 solar panels designed for maximum performance and long-term energy savings, even during Alberta’s snowy seasons.

• Solar Panel Type and Quality: Tier 1 panels are the most desirable as they are higher quality, and have better warranties than Tier 2 panels. They are also more expensive than Tier 2 panels. At Greenamp, we only use Tier 1 panels in all our installations.

• Inverter Choice: String inverters are more affordable, but do not optimize solar production. Systems with string inverters and optimizers, or micro-inverters perform best but are slightly more expensive. Systems with string inverters and optimizers like those from SolarEdge are often the most versatile.

• Battery Storage (Optional): Adding a solar battery (e.g., Tesla Powerwall) increases costs by significantly ($15,000-$20,000+) but provides backup power and energy independence.

4. Electrical Panel Upgrades

Is Your Electrical Panel Solar-Ready?

Before installing a solar system, your electrical panel must be evaluated for more than just breaker space. Compatibility depends on three key factors: the size of the solar system, the panel’s bus bar rating, and your home’s electrical service size (typically 100A or 200A). Even panels with open slots may still require a sub-panel or panel upgrade to safely integrate solar.

Older homes may need electrical panel upgrades to support solar energy, adding an extra $2,000 - $4,000 to installation costs.

5. Optional Upgrades and Add-ons

When budgeting for a solar panel system, it’s important to think beyond just the panels themselves. Optional add-ons and upgrades can enhance performance, extend the lifespan of your system, and provide additional protection. While these features may add to the upfront cost, they can offer significant long-term benefits. Here are some popular upgrades to consider:

• Smart Energy Consumption Monitor – Track your electricity usage in real time and optimize your energy consumption.

• Whole-Home Surge Protector – Protect your inverters, microinverters, and home appliances from power surges.

• Rodent Guard – Prevent birds and rodents from nesting under your solar panels and causing damage. Unlike some installers who charge extra for this protection, Greenamp includes rodent guard as a standard feature with every system, ensuring your investment stays protected from day one.

• Snow Guards – Reduce the risk of snow sliding off panels all at once, allowing it to melt gradually.

• Extended Inverter Warranty – Extend your inverter coverage beyond the standard for added peace of mind.

• Enhanced Workmanship Warranty – Upgrade your workmanship (labour) warranty.

• EV Charger – Maximize your solar energy use by charging your electric vehicle with clean, renewable power.

• Home Battery Storage – Store excess solar energy for use during outages or at night with options like the Tesla Powerwall or SolarEdge battery.

While these upgrades are optional, they can improve efficiency, durability, and overall energy savings, making them valuable investments for many homeowners.

6. Labour and Permits

Professional solar installation costs include labor, permits, and grid connection fees. Working with an experienced installer ensures compliance with micro-generation regulations and optimizes long-term performance. Labour and permit costs are included in all our quotes.

Solar Financing, Incentives & Rebates

For homeowners concerned about upfront solar panel costs, several solar financing options are available:

1. Solar Loans

Many financial institutions and solar companies offer low-interest or zero-down loans for solar installations. These loans allow homeowners to pay for their system over time, often with monthly payments lower than their previous electricity bills.

You can apply for financing on your own, or obtain bridge financing through our financing partner FinanceIt.

2. Canada Greener Homes Loan

The Canada Greener Homes Loan is a government-backed program designed to make energy-efficient home upgrades more accessible. This initiative provides homeowners with interest-free financing to help cover the cost of solar panel installation and other energy improvements.

• Loan Amount: Homeowners can access up to $40,000 in interest-free financing for eligible energy efficiency upgrades, including solar panels.

• Repayment Terms: Flexible repayment terms of up to 10 years, allowing homeowners to spread the cost over time without added interest.

• Eligible Upgrades: Solar panels, battery storage, insulation, heat pumps, and other energy-efficient retrofits that help reduce energy consumption.

• Application Process:

• Homeowners must undergo an energy audit to assess their home’s efficiency and qualify for the loan.

• After installation, a post-retrofit evaluation ensures the upgrades meet the program's requirements.

• Stackable with Other Incentives: The loan can be combined with provincial rebates and municipal incentives, to further reduce out-of-pocket costs.

This program helps homeowners make cost-effective solar investments without worrying about high-interest financing, making it easier to transition to clean energy.

3. Clean Energy Improvement Program (Alberta)

Alberta Municipalities’ Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) allows homeowners to finance their solar installation through property tax-based payments, making it easier to afford solar with low-interest, long-term financing.

This program is ideal for those who want to invest in solar with minimal upfront costs while paying it off gradually through their property taxes.

Here are the details:

• The Municipality covers up to 100% of the upgrade cost through CEIP at a competitive interest rate.

• Repayment is made through the property’s tax bill with terms extending up to 20 years.

• Since the financing is tied to the property rather than the owner, it can be transferred to a new owner if the property is sold.

• Residential property owners and multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) can finance up to $50,000 in retrofits.

• Commercial property owners can finance up to $1 million, with potential for higher amounts per project.

By taking advantage of these financing options, homeowners can start saving on their electricity bills immediately while paying for their system over time.

4. BC Hydro Rebates (British Columbia)

British Columbia residents can take advantage of BC Hydro's rebates for installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage systems.

• Solar Panel Rebate: Receive $1,000 per kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity, up to $5,000, covering up to 50% of total installation costs.

• Battery Storage Rebate: Get $500 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of storage capacity, up to $5,000, also covering up to 50% of installation expenses.

To qualify, systems must be grid-connected and approved under BC Hydro's Self-Generation Program.

Solar Payback Period & Return on Investment (ROI)

Maximizing ROI with a Solar System

With generous sunlight hours and available rebates, systems like the one installed on this Edmonton home can achieve full payback in as little as 8–12 years—while delivering $50,000+ in lifetime savings.

Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan boast some of the sunniest cities in Canada—making them ideal locations for solar power and shorter payback periods.

When you request a quote from us, we calculate your home's estimated ROI based on sunlight exposure, system size, local rates, and available incentives.

Here’s what the long-term financial benefits typically look like:

• Monthly electricity bill savings: $75 - $200

• Estimated lifetime savings (30 years): $50,000+

• Break-even period: 8-12 years

• Home Resale Value Increase: Solar homes sell 4.1% faster and for $15,000 - $20,000 more on average.

By installing solar panels, you can cut electricity bills by up to 90% or more while increasing home value and reducing your reliance on the grid.

Is Now the Time for You to Go Solar?

With falling solar panel costs, generous federal and municipal loan incentives, and rising electricity prices, solar power is a smart long-term investment. Whether you aim to reduce your energy bills, increase home value, or contribute to a sustainable future, solar energy offers a high return-on-investment.

Thinking about going solar? Get a free quote from Greenamp Solar & Energy today!