The Ultimate Guide to Going Solar in Nova Scotia (2025)

A Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Nova Scotia

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1. Introduction: Solar Panel Energy in Nova Scotia

As the average Nova Scotia household pays roughly $146 on the variable part of their electric bill, it makes sense to go solar in the province. If you are looking for ways to reduce your energy bills and increase your energy independence, a solar system may be the right solution for you. Depending on the size of your system, you could offset almost the entire energy bill. At the same time, you can reduce your carbon footprint and increase your home value.

Key Takeaways

  • Average solar array cost for 5kW: $14,000 – $16,500
  • Solar cost per watt of installed power: $3.15
  • Nova Scotia solar incentives and rebates: Federal Greener Homes Grant, SolarHomes Program and net metering
  • Average price of solar per sq.foot: $13.26 per sq. foot (average 5kW system valued at $15,250 and home size of 1,150 sq feet

2. How Solar Systems Work in Nova Scoria

The Basics of Solar Energy

During day, sunlight hits your solar panels and generates electricity. The electricity that’s generated in this process is direct current or DC. Before you can use it in your household, it has to be converted to AC or alternating current. This conversion happens in solar inverters, an integral part of every solar panel system. On top of this, your system can also have a solar battery, but as they are very costly, most people decide not to install them.

So what do you do with excess electricity that you generate but cannot use up? This electricity can be fed back into the grid. The program that allows this is called net metering and you will need an interconnection to be able to do so. However, if you live off grid, a solar battery is really the only way to store energy and be able to use it even after the sun is out.

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1. Sunlight shines on solar panels, generating DC electric current.

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your applainces to 2. The inverter converts DC power into AC power for home use.

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3. You use as much energy as you need, pulling less electricity from the grid.

solar net metering

4. Excess electricity is fed into the grid, o stored in a solar battery.

3. Nova Scotia's Solar Energy Potential

Although Nova Scotia is not very sunny, there is still plenty of sunshine: almost 1,900 hours annually. That is enough to satisfy 100% of your energy needs with a solar system as small as 10 kW. This way, you will be producing your own electricity, gaining energy independence, securing low energy prices, and reducing your carbon footprint.

Province Average Annual Sunlight Hours Solar Potential (kWh/kW per year)
British Columbia 1,500 - 2,000 900 - 1,100
Alberta 2,300 - 2,600 1,200 - 1,400
Saskatchewan 2,400 - 2,700 1,300 - 1,500
Manitoba 2,100 - 2,500 1,150 - 1,300
Ontario 1,800 - 2,200 1,000 - 1,200
Quebec 1,700 - 2,100 1,000 - 1,150
New Brunswick 1,890 - 2,000 1,000 - 1,150
Nova Scotia 1,700 - 1,900 1,073 - 1,200
Prince Edward Island 1,800 - 2,000 1,100 - 1,125

Solar Potential and Viability in Nova Scotia

January is the least sunny month in a year with 66 kWh produced for every kW installed. June, July, and August are the sunniest months in a year when almost double the amount of solar energy can be produced. This discrepancy between the sunniest and the least sunny months of a year is exactly the reason why you should seriously consider net metering instead of a solar battery.

An average solar battery can store anywhere between 5 and 10 kWh of power, and while this is great, it can help you push through the night, it’s simply not enough to supply your house with all the energy it needs during the winter months.

Month kWh/kW of installed capacity in Nova Scotia Energy Production of a 5 kW system in kWh Energy Production of a 10 kW system in kWh
January 66 330 660
February 89 445 890
March 105 525 1,050
April 98 490 980
May 106 530 1,060
June 112 560 1,120
July 111 555 1,110
August 111 555 1,110
September 102 510 1,020
October 82 410 820
November 56 280 560
December 52 260 520
Total - Annual 1,090 5,450 10,900

Energy Output per 1kW, 5kW and 10kW of installed solar capacity in Nova Scotia. Source: Energy Hub

Not all places in Nova Scotia receive exactly the same amount of solar energy. So, for example, if you live in Halifax, you can expect that your solar array will produce 1,073 kWh/kW. At the same time, Dartmouth produces 1,076, while Amherst is the absolute winner with 1,125 kWh produced.

City 1 kW System 5 kW System 10 kW System
Halifax 1,073 5,365 10,730
Dartmouth 1,076 5,380 10,760
Truro 1,095 5,475 10,950
Amherst 1,125 5,625 11,250
New Glasgow 1,081 5,405 10,810

Estimated Energy Production in different Nova Scotia cities, with a 1kW, 5kW and 10kW solar system

Is Solar Good in Nova Scotia's Climate?

Despite Nova Scotia not being the sunniest province in Canada, solar makes sense in this province. Long summer days are perfect to build up energy credits using net metering and to have surplus energy to use during the winter months. On top of this, the relatively affordable solar panels are the cheapest that they’ve ever been.

4. Solar Rebates and Incentives in Nova Scotia

There are three basic incentives and rebates in Nova Scotia that can help you reduce the upfront costs and reduce the payback time of your solar system. They are the Federal Greener Homes Grant, the Solar Homes Grant, and net metering program.

1. Canada Greener Homes Grant

The Federal Greener Homes Grant, or Canada Greener Homes Grant, allows you to receive up to $5,000 in solar rebates. This money is applicable to solar arrays and all the solar equipment that you need to actually connect the panels to the grid and to your home. This money is non-refundable and can help you significantly reduce your upfront costs.

2. SolarHomes Program

The SolarHomes Program is a very generous program in Nova Scotia that allows you to receive up to $0.30 per watt of installed power. The minimum size of your solar system should be 1kW, while the maximum size for the system to be eligible is 10kW. This means that you can receive up to $3,000 in solar rebate and further reduce your costs. Combined with the Federal Greener Homes grant, it allows you to save roughly $8,000 even before you start the installation process.

3. Net Metering

The last and probably the best solar incentive there is in Nova Scotia is its net metering program. This program allows you to feed excess solar electricity into the grid for which you receive credits. You can use the credits whenever the sun is down and whenever your solar system isn’t producing any electricity but your home is using some. 

The excess electricity and the credits that you receive during the summer are saved up for up to a year and you can use them during winter time. As the variable part in an average energy bill in Nova Scotia is roughly $146, this is the amount of money that you could be saving every single month. 

Although it may not seem like much, you should understand that these savings add up throughout the year so that you can expect to be saving between $1,400-1,600 with an average energy consumption and a 10 kW system. Over time, this really adds up and you could save even more than you can even by combining the Federal Greener Homes Grant and SolarHomes Program.

Pro Tip: Always check your current buyback rates as they tend to change. Check in with your local utility company or municipality office.

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5. The Cost of Solar in Nova Scotia

Solar Panel Installation Costs in Nova Scotia

One issue that you may notice with solar panels is the high upfront cost. However, generous rebates and Nova Scotia net metering can help you significantly reduce these costs so that your solar panels can pay for themselves within 7 to 12 years, depending on the system size. After this pay-off period, all the electricity that you generate will be completely free. Most solar panels last some 25 to 30 years, so that you will be able to enjoy free electricity for 15+ years after the installation.

Average Price Range for Solar in Nova Scotia

The average household in Nova Scotia uses roughly 10,000 kWh of electricity per year. Considering that most solar panel systems in Nova Scotia can produce roughly 1,000 kWh of electricity for every kW installed, you will need a 10 kW solar system to power your home. The average cost for a solar installation of this size will be anywhere between $28,000 and $35,000 before incentives. 

If you include the incentives and rebates, you can reduce this cost by roughly $8,000 and end up paying anywhere between $20,000 and $27,000 for this installation. On top of this, you will be able to save anywhere between $100 and $200 every month so that your solar system will pay for itself in 7 – 10 years. This means that you will receive anywhere between 15 and 18 years of free electricity.

System Size Average Cost (Before Incentives) Average Cost (After Incentives) Estimated Monthly Savings Payback Period
5 kW $14,000 - $16,500 $5,500 - $8,500 $50 - $100 8 - 12 years
10 kW $28,000 - $35,000 $20,000 - $27,000 $100 - $200 7 - 10 years
15 kW $42,000 - $51,000 $36,500 - $43,500 $150 - $300 6 - 9 years
* A 5 – 10kW system will be enough to offset the majority of your energy needs. Most homeowners choose system size within this range.

Key Factors That Influence Solar Costs in Nova Scotia

There are a number of factors that can influence the price of your solar array system. Among this is the equipment (solar panels, solar inverter, wiring), labor, permitting and admin fees, and some other connected costs. If you live in a particularly old house with an old roof that may not be able to support the weight of the panels, we recommend replacing the roof first. Let’s consider some other factors now in more detail:

Needless to say, the higher your energy needs are, the larger the solar system you will need. Although for most households a 10 kWh system is going to be just enough, some larger homes may have higher energy use and need a larger system. This will increase the price. 

Not all solar panels are made the same. Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film solar panels all come with different efficiencies and different price tags. For this reason, carefully consider your energy needs and contact experts to help you find the best solar panel type for your solar installation.

Another factor that can significantly increase the price of your solar array is the solar battery. Solar battery storage is optional, but it is recommended if you would like to go off-grid, gain even greater energy independence, or rely solely on your electricity using the grid as backup power.

Installation costs should be considered as well as they make up roughly 16-27% of the total costs. We recommend that you do not try to save any money on labor costs, as you may end up with lower quality installation and possible malfunction.

As not all rebates and incentives are available to everybody in all regions and at any given moment, we recommend that you ask around before committing to go solar. This way you can be certain that you will receive all the available incentives and rebates and significantly decrease the cost of your solar installation.

Savings Potential and Return on Investment (ROI)

In most cases, solar panels will pay for themselves in 7 to 12 years. You may want to consider calculating your annual energy needs, and deducting from that number the number of kWh you will be able to produce in an average year. If you reach zero, congratulations! An average household in Nova Scotia will be able to save roughly $146/month.

6. Financing Options for Solar Panels in Nova Scotia

There are financing options to help with the upfront costs: 

1. Property Assessed Clean Energy

You can get low-interest financing tied to your property rather than your name. Offers change depending on municipality. Halifax offers Solar City (4.75% interest for 10 years), Bridgeewater (up to $40,000 for up to 10-15 years), while other municipalities offer similar plans, usually with 10-15 years payment period and $15,000 – $40,000 that you can borrow. 

2. Lease and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)

Under a PPA agreement, you do not own the solar system, nor the credits from net-metering. However, you will be able to enjoy lower electricity rates in exchange for your roof space. 

3. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC lets you borrow against the equity in your home, and you can use this money to finance your solar system. Current interest rates in Nova Scotia are around 7-8%.

7. How Many Solar Panels Do You Need?

In most cases, for an average Nova Scotia household, a 10kW system will suffice. If you go for 330W solar panels, you will need roughly 33 of them. If you go for 500W, you will need around 20 of these solar panels. A lot of household owners will choose a solar panel system that is slightly larger than what they need to get a few extra years of usable service life, even after the 25-year warranty has expired.

1. Choosing the Right Solar Panels

There are two basic types of panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline.

Monocrystalline Panels (Best for Efficiency and Cold Climates)

Monocrystalline solar panels come at highest efficiencies of around 18-22%. This means that you will need the least number of them on your roof to produce the power outputs that you need. However, they come at the highest price tag, so some homeowners prefer to install polycrystalline solar panels.

Polycrystalline Panels (Budget-Friendly)

Polycrystalline solar panels come at lower efficiencies, between 16 – 18%, but also at a lower price tag. Most homeowners prefer these solar panels, as just a few more panels give you the same power output as monocrystalline panels.

Solar Panels Comparison

Both types of solar panels will do their job equally well. Monocrystalline panels are the best solution if you have limited roof space or high energy needs. Polycrystalline solar panels are lower in efficiency, so you will need more of them, but they are a more affordable option.

Panel Type Efficiency Cold Weather Performance Lifespan Watts per Sqft Cost
Monocrystalline 18-22% Excellent 25+ years More Higher
Polycrystalline 16-18% Decent to Good 25+ years Fewer Lower

Pro Tip: Monocrystalline solar panels with microinverters are especially good for Nova Scotia’s climate as you want the highest possible efficiency and lowest possible losses in your system, especially during winter months. .

2. Selecting the Right Solar Inverter

Solar panels produce electricity that comes in the DC form. DC stands for direct current. However, all your household appliances can only use AC or alternative current. To convert one into the other, you need a solar inverter. There are three basic types of solar inverters: string inverters, microinverters, and hybrid inverters.

1. String Inverters (Most Common & Affordable)

  • Lower costs and lower installation costs. 
  • One inverter can handle the power output of your entire solar system. 
  • Partial shading reduces the efficiency of the entire system. 
  • Cheap and reliable lasting up to 10 years. 

2. Microinverters (Best for Roofs with Shade or Different Angles)

  • More expensive, but the top of the technology. 
  • Each solar panel comes with its own microinverter. 
  • Higher efficiency. 
  • More expensive than string inverters.

3. Hybrid Inverters (For Battery Storage Integration)

  • They allow for system expansion later on. 
  • They can handle a solar battery.
  •  They can work without a solar battery. 
  • General recommendation for all homeowners. 
  • The best solution after microinverters. 

Solar Inverters Comparison

Inverter breakdown by type:

Inverter Type Best For Efficiency Expandability Battery Storage Cost
String Inverter Roofs with no shade Good Limited expandability; additional inverters are suggested No Lower
Microinverter Roof with partial shading or multi-slope High Yes No Higher
Hybrid Inverter Full sun with systems designed for future expansion High Yes Yes Higher

Pro Tip: If you have a full-sun roof, string inverters are the best option. If you have a partially shaded roof, microinverters are the best option. 

3. Solar Storage – Is It Worth It?

Solar batteries can store anywhere between 5 – 10 kWh of energy. For most households this is enough for day-to-day operations, but a battery of this size cannot store solar power for multiple days at a time.

This makes them difficult to use during the winter months as they simply won’t have enough energy stored to power your home. We recommend solar batteries for those that are looking to go off-grid or those that want to rely on their own power generation for as long as possible.

Final Thoughts

  • Monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient solution there is.

  • Microinverters are the best type of solar inverters.

  • Hybrid inverters are the best solution if you want a solar battery.

8. Choosing a Solar Installation Company in Nova Scotia

There are many solar installers working in Nova Scotia. Each of these companies offers different packages coming at different prices. For this reason, let’s consider some important factors in choosing the proper solar installer to do your job.

Why Choosing the Right Solar Installer Matters

Finding a professional solar installer is important because they will be able to handle all the necessary building permits and the electrical code of your area. Not doing so can result in penalties or a fire hazard.

A professional solar installer will be able to present to you all the possible incentives and rebates that you can get in Nova Scotia. They will also be able to apply for those in your name. 

A solar installation that is done well will serve you for many decades to come. The thing is that solar installation is not an easy or a cheap project, so you should always look for the best possible installer. Installers that are not professional can damage your system and cause higher costs in the long run.

Unreasonably cheap solar quotes often come at a very low quality of installation. As solar equipment is very sensitive and expensive, we always recommend going for a reasonable price.

What to Look for in a Nova Scotia Solar Installer

If you are looking for a solar installer in Nova Scotia, here are some factors to consider when choosing the one to do your job.

They should have at least three years of prior experience, and they should be certified. The certification body in Canada is CSA, or the Canadian Solar Industries Association, CanSIA.

 

You should always check out SolarGuide.ca and Google local services in search for customer reviews. With reviews, you should stay away from overly positive or negative ones and rather pay attention to those delivered in a moderate tone with testimonials.

A good solar installer will be able to offer transparent pricing and warranties. When it comes to the pricing, there should be no hidden fees and the quote you receive should be itemized. Make sure to double check for warranties as solar panels come with the 25-year warranties while solar inverters come with a 10-year warranty. Anything below this shouldn’t be accepted.

Your solar installer should also specialize in Nova Scotia’s solar programs. They should be aware of all the incentives and rebates and help you access those.

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Want to find a trusted solar installer in Nova Scotia? We’ve done the research for you. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-ranked, pre-vetted solar installer in your local area today!

9. Top 3 Solar Companies in Nova Scotia

Based on customer reviews, we’ve compiled a list of top three Nova Scotia solar companies. They offer a range of comprehensive solar solutions and may be just the right solution for your solar needs.

Company Customer Rating # of Reviews Contact
1st Electric 5 / 5 224 Get a Quote
Greenfoot 4.9 / 5 1,100 Get a Quote
Polaron 4.7 / 5 361 Get a Quote

10. The Solar Installation Process in Nova Scotia

Once you have found the best solar installer in your area, it is important to understand the necessary steps in the solar installation process. Here they are, broken down.

  • A rooftop inspection is done by a specialist.
  • An energy audit of your home is performed to better understand your energy needs.
  • You receive a detailed itemized quote with no hidden fees.

Pro Tip: Always seek multiple quotes and carefully compare their offers. 

  • Municipal permits are obtained.
  • Electrical permits are obtained as well.
  • There is no application for utility company approval in Nova Scotia.

Pro Tip: Some  experienced installers can fast-expedite the process of getting the permits, as they are more experienced and can halde paperwork faster.

  • Mounting the solar panels,

  • doing the wiring of your solar power system,

  • installing the solar inverter,

  • installing the solar battery if you chose to install one,

  • system pre-testing. 

Pro Tip: In most cases, it takes up to three days to finish a solar installation. 

  •  The system inspection is carried out.

  • The utility company approves and activates your net metering.

  • The system is turned on. 

Pro Tip: Inspection and interconnection usually take 1 – 4 weeks. 

  • Most solar systems come with a solar generation monitoring app that you can install on your phone and track generation in real time.
  • Regular maintenance is carried out.
  • Regular inspections are carried out as well.
  • There is almost no maintenance besides an occasional cleaning of the panels.

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11. Net Metering in Nova Scotia

Net metering is one of the best solar incentives in Nova Scotia. With this program, you can feed your excess electricity into the grid during the summer months, when it is very likely that your solar generation will exceed your consumption. For doing so, you receive energy credits that you can use at night, or during winters when the generation is lower. 

Selling Excess Solar Power

Nova Scotia has enabled the net metering program for all its residential customers. One benefit that Nova Scotia has introduced is that you can use your excess solar generation from one household to supply energy credits to your other households for as long as they’re in the same distribution area.

How Does Net Metering Work in Nova Scotia?

  1. Your solar panel system generates electricity for as long as there is sunlight. 
  2. You use some of this electricity. 
  3. The excess is fed into the battery if you have one. If not, the excess is sent to the grid. 
  4. You receive energy credits. You use these credits when the sun isn’t shining.

Pro Tip: Energy credits save energy for later use. The grid serves as a virtual battery for you. 

Nova Scotia's Solar Net Metering Buyback Rates (2025)

When you feed energy into the grid, you’re credited at a 1:1 rate. This rate is based on the current retail electricity price, not just the wholesale price. This is great for you as a customer because you will basically get back the same value when you start pulling energy from the grid.

Pro Tip: On average, utilities in Nova Scotia pay up to $0.18 per kWh.

Pro Tip: Always check mutiple energy providers in your area – some may offer higher buyback rates than others.

Key Considerations

  • Seasonal Rate Switching: Nova Scotia doesn’t allow seasonal rate switching, as they offer a flat rate that is the same during the day and night and between the seasons. With this, it is easy to conclude that you cannot switch rates to save.
  • Administrative Fees: When it comes to administrative fees that you have to pay to actually use net metering, most of those have been prohibited in Nova Scotia. Before, people used to pay $8 per kW of installed power every month, but this system was withdrawn. So if you own a residential system that is under 27 kW of power, you are not required to go through any approval process or to pay any fees. However, you will still need to undergo safety inspection and the interconnection meter setup.
  • Program Flexibility: The program is very flexible as it allows all residential users with solar systems up to 27 kW of power to be connected to the grid without asking for any special permits. However, it is important to note that whatever your system size is, your annual energy production cannot go over your energy needs.
    You can even connect multiple generators to one net metering agreement or you can use the power produced in a single location to give energy credits on multiple sites for as long as the sites are within the same distribution area. The program also allows for battery storage to be installed with no additional payments and without influencing your cap.
    Another important thing to notice is that Nova Scotia Power allows you to register and document Renewable Energy Certificates on your behalf annually. Then, once you have obtained these RECs, you can either put them out of circulation, which would mean that you gather all the benefits of carbon emissions that haven’t been produced, or that you can sell them. Selling RECs is a viable way of increasing your income and further reducing your ROI.

12. Common Myths & Misconceptions About Solar

Although solar power has been around for a while, there are still some myths surounding it that we should debunk. Let’s head straight on.

Fact: Nova Scotia is not the sunniest province in Canada, but it can still offer plenty of sunshine for your solar panels. In fact, each installed kW of solar power on your roof will be able to produce anywhere between 1,000 and 1,100 kWh annually. 

 

Fact: Solar power works for as long as there is any kind of light reaching solar panels. Of course, the amount of energy produced will depend on the intensity of the light that hits solar panels, so you cannot expect moonlight to give you the same power output as sunlight can. However, cloudy days can only reduce the energy that is generated by your solar panels but cannot nullify it.

Fact: Solar is not too expensive. In fact, the price of solar has dropped around 80% in the past decade. Solar systems are not cheap, but it is always important to consider that they last for more than 25 years and that the ROI period on them is anywhere between 7 and 12 years.

Fact: No, solar panels will not damage your roof for as long as you choose a good and reliable solar installer. They will be able to mount solar panels on your roof without damaging it.

Fact: No, solar panels do not require a lot of maintenance. In fact, an occasional brushing off of any debris or caked up dust is more than enough to keep them in tip-top shape. 

Fact: Solar does increase your property value. Properties in Canada that have solar installed generally sell for higher prices and sell faster than properties with no solar panels installed.

 Fact: Solar is very efficient. With efficiencies reaching 22%, it is easy to see how the plentiful Nova Scotia sunshine can easily power your home. 

Fact: Solar panels can be recycled because they are made of easily recyclable materials. Glass, aluminum, and silicon are all the materials that go into the making of solar panels.

13. Conclusion: Is Solar the Right Choice for You?

High energy prices, generous net metering policies, federal government incentives, and rebates are all the reasons for which you should go solar in Nova Scotia.

The short ROI, high quality panels and installation, the ease of obtaining all the necessary permits, and the ability to connect to the grid are all the factors that you should consider when deciding to go solar in Nova Scotia.

Pro Tip: Always get multiple quotes before making a final decision.

Key Benefits of Going Solar:

  • Reducing your energy bill by 90%. No need to install a solar battery with net metering practices. 
  • The ability to access generous rebates and incentives on both federal and provincial levels. 
  • Reducing your carbon footprint. 
  • Increasing your property value and home resale value. 

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