OTTAWA SOLAR POWER

10/14/2026

See that mesh under the panels? Here's why it's there.

On many Ottawa Solar Power rooftop installs, a wire mesh critter guard runs along the edge of the array. It closes the gap between the panel frames and the roof so squirrels, birds and nesting debris stay out from under the panels.

It's a practical detail you can see on real OSP jobs — metal roofs and shingle roofs alike. Clips hold the mesh to the panel edge so it stays tight to the roof surface.

Dust, leaves and snow can block sunlight (our Maintenance page covers those). Critter guard is about keeping animals and nesting debris out of the underside of the array. We don't invent production-loss percentages or warranty claims.

Wondering what your roof needs? Book a free site evaluation: https://www.ottawasolarpower.com/contact or call (613) 728-2412.

Thinking about Home Renovation Savings or net metering for a new rooftop system? It's one or the other (written pre-approval first on the rebate path): https://www.ottawasolarpower.com/net-metering

10/12/2026

This Thanksgiving, we're grateful for the community we proudly serve.

For more than 30 years, Ottawa Solar Power has had the privilege of helping homeowners across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario make informed choices about their energy future.

We're thankful for the trust of our customers, the dedication of our team, and the opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community.

From our team to your family, Happy Thanksgiving!

10/03/2026

Saying yes to solar is just the start. Here's what happens next, from site evaluation to utility connection. Using Home Renovation Savings? Get pre-approved first. Book your free site evaluation at ottawasolarpower.com/contact ☀️

09/29/2026

Thinking about solar in Ottawa? Read your Hydro bill first ☀️

Most "average savings" claims skip what your bill actually charges. Three things worth knowing:

Electricity prices reset every November 1. The Ontario Energy Board sets them once a year, and new prices are usually announced in mid-October.

Some charges don't go away with solar. Hydro Ottawa's fixed daily service charge (in effect since June 1, 2026) stays on your bill no matter how much power you make.

You have to pick one path: the rebate or net metering.

Home Renovation Savings rebates are for systems that power your own home, and people who take them can't sign up for net metering.
Net metering earns credits for power you send to the grid, but unused credits are written off after 12 months.

Also on the radar: Hydro Ottawa has applied to raise distribution rates starting January 2027. It's an application, not an approved increase, so we won't build savings estimates on it.

We'll look at your bill and your home, then help you choose the right path.

09/24/2026

When your Ottawa panels are making power at noon, do you want that energy available later , overnight, on cloudy stretches, or when you need backup for essentials?

Under Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings program, a battery paired with new solar PV can qualify for up to $5,000 ($300/kWh, up to 50% of costs), alongside solar PV incentives of up to $5,000. Those HRS solar/battery systems are designed for load displacement, supporting the home’s own use.

If you take those HRS incentives, you are not eligible for an LDC net-metering agreement. Net metering is a separate path where surplus can earn bill credits through your utility (for example Hydro Ottawa).

Same roof. Different rules. We’ll help you compare.

Source: https://www.homerenovationsavings.ca/without-assessment/solar

09/23/2026

When your Ottawa roof is making power at noon, where should that electricity go?

That’s the real fork, not “do I want solar,” but how the system is set up to use what it produces.

Load displacement (Home Renovation Savings path): generation is designed to support the home’s own use first. Official HRS incentives can include up to $5,000 for solar PV and up to $5,000 for a paired battery, and written pre-approval is required before you buy or install. Taking those incentives means you are not eligible for an LDC net-metering agreement.

Export credits (net metering): a different setup where surplus can go to the grid and come back as bill credits through your local utility (for example Hydro Ottawa).

Same panels can sit on the roof either way. The program rules, the bill outcome, and whether incentives apply are not the same, and HRS solar/battery incentives do not stack with LDC net metering.

If you want that explained against your usage and roof, book a free site evaluation.
https://www.ottawasolarpower.com/contact | (613) 728-2412

09/22/2026

Ottawa homeowners: solar isn’t just “how many panels?”

It’s which path:
HRS rebate - up to $5,000 for solar PV ($1,000/kW, ≤50% of costs) and up to $5,000 for a paired battery ($300/kWh, ≤50% of costs), with pre-approval before purchase/install.
Net metering with your LDC (e.g. Hydro Ottawa) - export credits for surplus generation.
Critical rule: If you receive the HRS solar/battery incentive, you are not eligible for LDC net metering. Choose rebate or net metering, not both.

Want a clear recommendation for your home? Book a free site evaluation.
(613) 728-2412 | https://www.ottawasolarpower.com/contact

09/12/2026

Thinking about solar in Ottawa? The first decision isn’t always which panels to buy.

Start with what matters most to your household:

Lower electricity costs?
Backup power?
Or both?

Net metering and battery storage play different roles. Net metering can provide bill credits for eligible excess electricity sent to the grid, while battery storage allows you to keep more of the solar energy your home produces and can add backup capability.

The right design depends on your electricity use, property, priorities and current program requirements.

Swipe through the carousel, then talk with our team before choosing your system.

Visit ottawasolarpower.com to compare your solar options.

07/24/2026

View our 45-second drone video of the whole process to see exactly how it's done from start to finish. 👇

For this recent residential solar project in Greely, Ontario, the homeowner needed a complete shingle replacement. Watch how our team at Ottawa Solar Power executed a seamless "detach and reset" process so the roofers could complete their work safely.

🛠️ Our 3-Step Residential Solar Detach & Reset Process:
Step 1: Careful System Removal, Our qualified team safely powers down the residential solar system, disconnects the wiring, and detaches the panels and racking.

Step 2: Safe Storage & Roof Prep, We store your equipment safely out of the way, leaving the roof clear for the roofing crew to remove old shingles and lay down fresh ones.

Step 3: Precision Re-Installation, Once the roof is ready, we return to install fresh roof mounts, re-secure the racking, remount your residential solar panels, and safely reconnect everything back to your home's electrical system.

Your residential solar array is restored to top working condition, safe, leak-free, and back to lowering your electricity bills! ☀️⚡

📺 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/FJwN5dt2Lzk

If you're in the Ottawa Valley and need your solar panels temporarily removed for roof repairs, send us a message! We handle the heavy lifting safely and professionally.

Need a new roof but already have residential solar panels installed...

07/20/2026

Some projects remind you why 25+ years in solar still feels fresh.

Last month we took a boat to an island cottage 2 hours from Ottawa - no roads, no utility connection, powered entirely by solar for 20 years.

The mission: upgrade a system that had done its time.

Out: 300lb lead-acid batteries and 20-year-old Xantrex inverters. In: 36kWh of Sigenergy lithium storage and an 11kW inverter - clean, compact, and built for the next two decades.

2,000 lbs of gear. A 20-minute boat ride. Twelve hours on site. One very happy family now running modern power at a remote cabin.

That's the difference between a system that works and a system that performs.

Full walkthrough here: https://youtu.be/KdsyWIBbnD0

What happens when a beautiful, 20-year-old off-grid home needs a ma...