Quick quiz: how solar panels work
Ten questions on the technology. Tap an answer to see why.
Solar panels turn sunlight into electricity for your home. How much you save depends on your roof, your shade, your electricity rates and the rules for sending extra power back to the grid.
The rebate rules can matter as much as the panels. Some programs need approval before you buy. Some do not accept systems that sell power under a net metering agreement. Many need a licensed contractor. Read the rules for your utility first, then compare quotes.
What to check before you buy
- Approval first. Some programs want written approval before you buy. Buying first can cost you the rebate.
- How the system connects. Some programs do not accept systems under a net metering agreement. Ask your installer how yours is set up.
- A licensed contractor. Many programs need one, and some also need a program-registered company.
- Your roof. Ask for a shade check and the roof age. A roof that needs work soon changes the math.
- The quote. Compare at least three. Look at panel brand, system size and what is included.
Questions to ask before you sign
Ask each installer how big the system is and what it is meant to cover: part of your bill or all of it. Ask what happens to extra power you do not use, because the answer changes both the rebate rules and your savings. Ask who handles the approvals with your utility, and how long that usually takes.
Ask what the warranty covers for the panels, the inverter and the roof work, and who you call if something stops working. Get the answers in writing, and compare three quotes line by line.
If a company pushes you to sign the same day, take that as a reason to slow down. A good installer will give you time to read the program rules.
Open solar rebates, region by region
Each row is an open program today. Amounts are the most a program pays, and many depend on your home, your income or your utility, so use the calculator for your own number.
| Where | Program | Pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | BC Hydro solar rebate | up to $5,000 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 3, 2026 |
| Ontario | Home Renovation Savings: solar | up to $5,000 (CAD) | Official page, checked Oct 3, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts solar tax credit | up to $1,000 (USD) | Official page, checked Sep 26, 2026 |
Start with these guides
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- GuideWhy Insulation First? The Retrofit Sequence That Saves Most
- GuideOntario Home Renovation Savings Program: 2026 guide
- Guide9 Ontario home energy rebates you can claim in 2026
- GuideBC Hydro vs FortisBC Rebates: Which Pays More?
- GuideHow to Stack BC Rebates in 2026: Real Example
- GuideStacking BC Rebates: Solar, Heat Pump and Water Heater
Common questions
Do I need a battery with solar?
No. A battery is a separate choice. Some programs pay for a battery only when it goes in with new solar.
Is solar worth it for every home?
No. It depends on your roof, shade and rates. We tell homeowners when the math does not work.
Can renters get a solar rebate?
Program rules differ. Most are written for owners, so check the official page.
How do I know the rebate is real?
Each program in the table links to its official page, and shows the date we last checked it.
Sources, read October 3, 2026: Home Renovation Savings: solar and storage requirements, British Columbia: BC Hydro solar rebate, Massachusetts: Massachusetts solar tax credit.