Compare the top solar kits in Canada
Solar is having its moment right now. Of all the different technologies we are looking towards to reduce out greenhouse gas emissions, solar has been one of the most promising, with more mainstream adoption in both industrial and residential purposes over the past number of years.
Additionally, solar is one of the most promising methods for remote locations to be electrically powered, granting remote locales all over see the benefits of sustainable electricity. For these reasons and more, more and more people are adding solar to their homes, cabins, RVs and everything in between.
While installations are the most popular way for solar customers to have solar added to their roofs or in their yards, there are many whose handiness outweighs their willingness to pay the price of installation. For those of the above who are reading: Have you considered adding solar yourself? By purchasing a kit including all of the different components you will need, you will be able to add solar and potentially save some money doing it too.
For off-grid applications and DIY set-ups, a solar kit might be the perfect way. Designed to include components meant to be put together, these types of solar packages simplify the more complex task of installing solar yourself – granted you get some help with the electrical side of the process.
For the best sellers of solar kits in Canada, read on.
What to look for in a solar kit
Included components
The point of these solar kits is that they provide a designed system with all the components necessary. However, not every kit has everything included; some systems do not include batteries, some might exclude mounting equipment.
It is important to find a system that meets all of the checkmarks for what you need. It is also important to understand the role of each component, as well as what you need and what you do not. A grid-tied setup does not need batteries, an off-grid or hybrid system will.
Some of the components to look for in a kit include:
- Solar modules – Or also known as solar panels, these are the equipment that creates electricity when sunlight shines on them.
- Inverters – Takes the electrical current from direct current (DC) which is created by the solar panels, and changes it alternating current (AC), which power most electrical devices.
- Charge controllers – Controls the current and voltage input into batteries or electrical loads within the home.
- Battery or a battery bank – Used in off-grid or hybrid set-ups to store electricity for when the sun is not shining.
- Connectors – Consists of the wiring and any components that connect these devices to each other or to electrical infrastructure in the home.
- Mounting components – Which mounts the solar equipment (primarily panels) to a rooftop or on the ground.
System energy rating
The amount of energy your solar installation will provide depends on many factors. Your energy uses, the size of your yard/rooftop, optimal solar placement and your budget will guide you towards the power the system should be rated for and the size and number of solar panels you will need.
You will need to do some math to figure out exactly how much energy you will need to power your home. Check out the considerations here.
Keep in mind that off-grid systems will have a completely different use-case than that of those who can choose to be grid-tied. A grid-tied system will not worry about exceeding daily usage beyond what their panels can produce. This is not true for off-grid solar systems.
Solar Tiers
The company that makes a solar panel can tell you a lot about the perceived quality of solar panels. The qualification of Solar Tiers was the project of Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) in 2012. Bloomberg looked at the financial dependability of the companies, rather than the quality of the panels.
The companies that are designated as Tier 1 do have the benefits of industry leaders – they are more dependable in terms of performance, service and warranty, but are premium priced. They are commonly publicly listed. These panels are ones you can often trust. Tier 1 companies include names such as Canadian Solar, LONGI, Trina and Maxeon. Tier 2 is not a standard defined by Bloomberg but are an unofficial term for those companies are any that do not meet Tier 1 criteria. This is not to say that these solar panels are worse quality – some of the most cutting-edge solar products are coming out of Tier 2 producers. However, there is a certain guarantee when going with a Tier 1 producer.
Price
Price is always going to matter to customers. However, when a lot of the marketing that has pushed solar has been about the “big energy savings” and the promise that the system will pay itself off in years, the price of solar becomes an even more important talking point.
Let’s be upfront, solar is a big upfront investment, and is one that has many variables about the term to pay it off.
Off-grid is more expensive to install typically because of required components like batteries. Of course, installation is a big cost itself, so if you have the skills and resources required for some good old do-it-yourself, you can save some money doing it that way. That’s the idea of the products within this article, at least.
Warranty support
Is your solar installation covered with a warranty in case some components prove defective? If a key component fails, not only might you be on the hook for a replacement, but you might be out of power until you get the replacement.
Especially since DIY installations are not going to be covered by the same type of support that professional installers offer, making sure you have a warranty you trust in can go a long way. With that being said, choosing a company that has stuck around for a long time means they will likely still be around by the time your warranty expires.
If you are looking to install solar yourself, these are some companies that will be good for you to reach out to for an all-in-one, ready to install purchase.
Things to Account For
DIY is going to prove much more challenging than professional installation for many reasons, but one to definitely consider is the ease they can navigate the bureaucracy
In each province, there will be a number of permits, assessments, and applications that will need to be completed before you install. A company hired to install solar will do all of these things for you.
This is a (non-exhaustive) list of some of the different permits and processes you will need to go with.
- Approval from the Wire Owner – needed for any Grid-tied set-up.
- Structural assessment
- Applicable permits (contact your Municipality’s permit office).
- Micro-generation applications: This will apply to grid-tied systems.
- Check with your insurance if you are covered.
- Final electrical inspection.
Safety & Liability Note
Electricity is dangerous to work with and can be especially dangerous if it is installed improperly. It is against the Canadian Electrical Code for non-indentured electricians to work on a solar installation or pull the permits for this type of installation.
It is recommended in the industry that off-grid solar installations be completed by an experienced Journeyman electrician, and that all mounting and racking required for your system be verified by a professional Engineer.
While DIY can be an effective way to save some money on installations, the risks associated with improper installation is too much for those risk if you do not have roofing or electrical experience.
If you have this experience, or know someone who you can hire to do the installation for you, then this should not be a challenge and you have the basis for the installation covered. If you do not, you do not know exactly what you don’t know, which could cause major issues for a major system.
If you do not believe that you have the skills or connections necessary to go along the DIY route, we also have our list of our favourite solar installers for all areas in Canada coming soon.
The best solar panel kits in Canada
The best small solar kits
Rocksolar
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Rocksolar is an American solar and renewable energy company with a significant presence in Canada. Since 2017, Rocksolar has served North America with quality solar solutions, including off-grid and DIY offerings. Rocksolar offers a wide range of solar and battery related products, for home or cottage sized-systems, RV or cabin-sized systems, and individual components including modules, batteries and inverters. Rocksolar primarily sells their own equipment including modules, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers. However, they sell a lot of third-party equipment, including LONGI modules and Growatt batteries and inverters.
In terms of solar packages, Rocksolar sells numerous different kits of different sizes for both larger buildings like homes and cottages, or smaller (structures) like cabins and RVs. These packages include solar panels, an inverter, a number of batteries designed to support the system, as well as mounting brackets and cables. Some of Rocksolar’s smaller systems (designed for RVs and cabins) also include MPPT controllers within the package.
At their smallest, Rocksolars kits range from smaller 500W kits for outdoor utility, at between, while the company’s larger solar kits up to 1200W at a range of prices. Alone, these kits all are too small for a house, but can easily be a strong choice to energize a cabin, marine or RV project.
In partnership with PayPlan by RBC, Rocksolar offers 0 APR financing, which can help homeowners add solar to their home by paying affordable monthly plans.
They offer free standard ship across Canada and the continental US.
Rocksolar products purchased from an authorized seller have a non-transferrable 12-month limited warranty. For more warranty information, click here. Rocksolar additionally offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for products directly purchased from Rocksolar.
The best solar kits for houses
Solar Online
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Solar Online is a Canadian solar company that specializes in solar kits for installation on your home or property. With quality products, competitive prices, and shipping across Canada, we find Solar Online one of the best retailers in Canada for sourcing components and solar packages.
Solar Online sells individual solar components, pre-designed systems, or will work with you to create a system that will fit your home needs perfectly. To get an idea of your requirements, you can fill out your information here.
While some companies offer only a handful of solar kits, Solar Online shines in the diversity of equipment and sizes of their selection. Kits range from 425W (for a RV or marine application) starting at a hair over $600, to very large 26-panel 10kw systems at around $28k.
Their kits usually include panels from a Tier one producer, an inverter, a charge controller (most of the time), and the necessary odds and ends for installation. Additionally, Solar Online offers kits for Hybrid and Off-Grid systems, which do include batteries. Solar Online sells a wide range of products from highly regarded companies so you can source the components you need, including solar panels from Tier 1 names such as JASolar, LONGI, and Thornova; batteries from companies such as Amensolar, Surrette Rolls, and Xterra; and inverters from companies such as Victron, Growatt and APsystems. Kits do not include Mounting components, as Solar Online offers different choices for their mounting kits
If nothing meets your eye, Solar Online offers free system design and consultation. Their kits are designed to be easy to install yourself and pass Canadian electric codes. Solar Online provides guidance through the install so you aren’t left second guessing yourself.
Solar online offers shipping across Canada, through one of the major couriers across Canada. A standard one-year limited hardware warranty will protect your purchases, unless you opt to upgrade the warranty.
The best solar kits for cabins
Eco-Worthy
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Eco-Worthy is an American manufacturer and supplier of solar panels and technology, with 15 years of experience and service to over 60 countries. Shopping with a bigger company has lots of advantages, and Eco-Worthy is a fantastic way to shop for your Off-grid needs. Their prices are competitive, their equipment is good quality, and they regularly have great deals across their product lines.
Eco-Worthy offer many different types of solar panel kits and sustainable energy products, from small 100w-1kw solar kits to larger 2kw-5kw kits, and even hybrid wind kits.
Using (primarily) components from Eco-Worthy’s own product line, these kits include 100W or 195W monocrystalline solar modules, charge controllers (often built into the Inverter, if included), Lithium-ion battery or battery bank, Z-mount brackets and the prerequisite wiring and connectors.
Since ECO-Worthy’s solar panels are smaller and ergo generate less power, you will need more of them to generate larger projects, such as your home. This is one consideration you should prepare to weigh against other companies: How will the requisite solar panels you need fit? More compact panels, or larger, more individual ones?
In terms of pricing, their low-end is under $200 for their most basic, least powerful 200W system, and their largest 4kW, 48v set is $7000.
ECO-Worthy ships throughout the continental provinces for free, but other provinces might be excluded at the time (Expensive shipping costs are cited for this). Shipping is guaranteed in 30 days after delivery, but most locations in the served areas should receive their order within 3 to 5 business days.
A limited Warranty backs each ECO-WORTHY product, with a year long term for almost all products. ECO-WORTHY backs up their products with a 14-day DOA Product guarantee for defective equipment returned in their original packaging, and a 30 day No Reason return policy (more info).
Eco-Worthy exclusively deals with selling and does not offer any type of installation service, but offer some web material to help customers, like blogposts, instruction videos, a discussion forum and downloads of materials for all of ECO-WORTHY’s available products.
The best off-grid solar kit in Canada
Kuby Energy
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Kuby is a highly regarded western Canadian solar installation company, but they offer solid solar packages too. Whether you are steadfast committed to do the install yourself or are considering the ease of having installation be done for you, it’s worth getting a Free Quote from Kuby.
Kuby sells one main solar kit for DIY solar installation, with three different sizes, sized to generate 2.5 kWh, 5.0 kWh, and 15.0 kWh per day, and are priced (as of writing between 13,365 and $39,925. They all use 395W solar modules, and include a Pre-Wired Pure Sine Wave inverter, charge controller, and batteries. They also all include roof racking, combiner box, battery cables, PV cables, connectors for provided-cabling, breakers, auto-generator start module and installation manuals. Kuby also has two systems designed for off-grid that they will install themselves, for larger systems with steeper energy needs.
Kuby utilizes Tier 1 brands for their installations and off-grid kits, including panels from Longi, as well as APsystems DS3L microinverters. Their professionally installed off-grid systems utilize Tesla Powerwall batteries, for more energy storage.
Kuby’s OG DIY packages do not include installation or troubleshooting services, but Kuby states that support may be provided upon request.
The best solar panels for camping in Canada
Renogy
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Renogy is a multinational renewable energy company and producer of solar technology. With 14 years of business, Renogy has established itself for their ubiquitous, inexpensive product. With many products designed to electrify your outdoors life, Renogy is an ideal place to look if you want to find a solar solution for your RV or other camping set-ups on a budget.
Renogy sells their own products almost exclusively. Renogy’s product line of solar panels, deep cycle batteries, inverters, charge controllers and beyond has all you need for your small solar installation, but their solar packages with all you need for a complete system will make the process easier.
Kits range from minimal 100-watt kits designed for charging batteries in your favourite camping locale, that cost $179.99 ($339.99 full price) to multi-panel 400-watt systems and above with wider-used cases that cost just over $1k. Their solar kits exist solely on the smaller side of things, with systems under 1kW – Perfect for an RV or small cabin set-up, as Renogy has honed-in on those markets.
Since Renogy sell their own panels, they can pass savings onto the customers, with impressive sales being a regular occurrence. Additionally, shopping on their website gets you “Rays”: a type of credit system which you earn at a rate of ten Rays per dollar spent. You can use these Rays to redeem coupons for future orders or redeem for products through the DC Home App. Finally, check out if you qualify for any of the following discounts, available to Renogy customers here.
Renogy offers fast shipping within Canada, citing 2-5 business days on their website. Renogy backs their equipment with warranties that range between one- and seven- years. However, note support regarding warranty, as well as other kinds customer support, has been one point of contention amongst customers. We have read reviews from customers that critiqued their customer service, with some stating of their staff should be more knowledgeable, some citing disorganization, and some frustrated with the lack of timely response. With this being said, we can appreciate Renogy’s inexpensive product lines, but to simplify the process, we highly recommend their panels but also recommend expanding your search for compatible inverters and controllers.
The best solar kit selection
Solar Power Store
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Solar Power Store is a Canadian distributor and wholesaler of solar products, based out of Barrie, Ontario. Solar Power Store sell a number of different kits for house, cabin, or RV use. Whether you want a pre-designed system, or to work with Solar Power Store to create a custom solar energy system, Solar Power Store will provide you with the support, guidance and equipment Required for installing off-grid, grid-tied, and hybrid solar solutions.
Solar Power Store maintains a varied storefront with large selection of solar equipment, but the main reason we are here are their pre-designed solar kits. Solar Power Store’s kits overall are bigger installations that pack a lot of power, with systems on their smaller end starting at between 1-3kw, and going to systems exceeding 10kW, with price ranges varying between $5k to $30,000k Canadian. The components of both pre-designed systems and custom systems feature many top-of-the-line Solar panels from Tier one companies including Canadian Solar, and other reputable companies, such as Maple Leaf, Lux Power, Sol-Ark, Eco-Flow and more.
Regardless of which stage you are in your solar journey, Solar Power Store can help you along the entire process, even when it comes down to obtaining the required permits, certifications, approvals and inspections. Solar Power Store can work with you to create a custom design for your specific requirements, following a consultation (which you can book here). You can also go through Solar Power Store to get a Structural Roof Assessment for before you get started, or pre-designed line diagrams for when applying for the necessary permits.
Shopping for solar is a big investment, one that people invariably look to help to pay it off. While listing the different Solar incentives is a great start, for some it might not be enough. Solar Power Store offers a number of financing options through them, for both consumer financing or business financing, through partnerships including RBC PayPlan, Affirm, Humm and more.
Solar Power Store ships goods from the US and Canada, and delivers across Canada, offering Free shipping on orders above $5,500.
If you are having some second thoughts regarding installing a kit or equipment you purchased yourself, Canada Power Store can connect you with an installer.
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