A Scarborough homeowner thought he was doing the right thing, cutting his hydro bill and helping the planet by installing solar panels. Four years later, he’s warning others to be cautious.

After paying $40,000 for installation, his system broke within a year, and the installer stopped responding. He spent another $10,000 on repairs and now saves about $100 a month, meaning it’ll take decades to break even.

The story highlights a growing issue in Canada’s solar boom: homeowners rushing into installations without checking warranties, insurance coverage, or the reputation of the company. Experts say panels can absolutely pay off, but only with proper research, good contracts, and clear understanding of maintenance and resale risks.

The full story includes a video interview with the homeowner and expert insights on what to watch out for.

https://pvbuzz.com/ontario-man-frustrated-solar-panels/

Have you installed solar panels in Canada? Did your experience live up to the savings promised, or were there hidden costs no one mentioned?

Ontario homeowner says his $50K solar investment turned into a nightmare after system failure and costly repairs
byu/team_pv inenergy



by team_pv

4 comments

  1. Understanding the value proposition is paramount. If you have cheap hydro power and are in a far northern climate it will be tough. Generally you want to aim for 10 years or less system payoff after all incentives are applied.

    My system in New Hampshire, United States is paying off in less than 6 years. We have expensive and unreliable power and no hope in the near future for lower power bills.

  2. >After paying $40,000 for installation

    That system cost him 40k four years ago?! It’s like 16 to 20 panels! I put a dozen on my garage in 2010 for 12k, and the prices have fallen four times since then.

    >Have you installed solar panels in Canada?

    Yes.

    >were there hidden costs no one mentioned?

    No.

    I’ve been meaning to put them on this house too, so now I’m going to look at that loan program. Combine that with the ultra-low-overnight power plan.

  3. Yeah. This scares me. When a Mitsubishi or a Panasonic or any recognizable brand wants to put their name on these panels I will be more inclined to get home solar. All these brands are unrecognizable which makes the warranty see like toilet paper.

  4. These home solar nightmare stories are just what the power companies want. Are there some? Sure nothing is without issue. Saw one talking about how it ruined the roof. Hmm, does every install leak and run the roof? No, then maybe that is your fault and not a problem with solar on the roof.

    Reality is if done right the outcomes are usually good. It’s like carriage makers highlighting bad cars and using only lemons.

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