The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) launched the 2025 edition of its annual Go Solar Guide today, encouraging Canadians to go solar. The 2025 version is new and improved: Now a web portal, it is free and accessible to everyone, anytime.
"CanREA is proud to produce an annual consumer guide containing everything homeowners and small business owners need to know when planning their solar installation projects," said Phil McKay, CanREA's Senior Director, Distributed Energy Resources and Grid Integration. "This is the go-to resource for Canadians looking to install solar on their property."
Consumers are increasingly choosing to generate their own solar energy on-site. In the past five years, Canadians installed more than 600 MW of solar at their residences and small businesses. There are now nearly 96,000 on-site solar energy installations across Canada, providing more than 1 GW of direct solar power, and this number continues to grow.
"It's clear why more and more Canadian consumers are choosing to generate their own solar energy on-site: In addition to the environmental benefits, it increases a family's energy independence and saves them money on their utility bills. And when paired with energy storage, a solar home is better prepared for power outages, as well as to take advantage of sunny days," said McKay.
CanREA's Go Solar Guide covers important information Canadian consumers need to consider when to deciding to go solar, such as determining their solar potential, net metering, incentive programs, financing their installation, questions to ask their installer, and much more.
One of the most popular features of the Go Solar Guide is its detailed, useful and current information on how to finance a solar project across Canada. Generating their own energy from the sun allows home and business owners to save money on electricity bills, and the cost of solar energy technology has fallen by more than 83% since 2009. This is making solar more affordable for Canadians, but installing an onsite solar system is still a significant investment.
"There are many different incentive programs available across Canada to help you save money on your installation," said McKay. "Our new Go Solar Guide is updated to contain all the significant savings programs available to Canadians from coast to coast today. Distributed solar energy is beneficial for all Canadians, so it is not surprising that governments across the country are supporting home- and business-owners who invest in Canadian energy."
The consumer guide also encourages Canadians to assess their solar potential before jumping in, stressing that the amount of energy a rooftop solar system can generate depends on a number of factors, such as the size of the system and the location, configuration, orientation, obstructions and roof conditions.
For those who decide to take the plunge, the Go Solar Guide also helps Canadians decide who to hire to install solar panels at their home or business. It contains everything to consider when choosing an installer, such as a list of important questions to ask all candidates, the red flags to avoid, and a directory of reputable solar installers and equipment providers, making it easy to find a local CanREA member company to install their new solar PV system.
For more information
Access the complete CanREA Go Solar Guide 2025 for free here.
Quotes
"CanREA is proud to produce an annual consumer guide containing everything homeowners and small business owners need to know when planning their solar installation projects. This is the go-to resource for Canadians looking to install solar on their property."
"It's clear why more and more Canadian consumers are choosing to generate their own solar energy on-site: In addition to the environmental benefits, it increases a family's energy independence and saves them money on their utility bills. And when paired with energy storage, a solar home is better prepared for power outages, as well as to take advantage of sunny days."
"There are many different incentive programs available across Canada to help you save money on your installation. Our new Go Solar Guide is updated to contain all the significant savings programs available to Canadians from coast to coast today. Distributed solar energy is beneficial for all Canadians, so it is not surprising that governments across the country are supporting home- and business-owners who invest in Canadian energy."
Phil McKay, Senior Director, Distributed Energy Resources and Grid Integration, Canadian Renewable Energy Association
For media contact:
Bridget Wayland, Senior Director of Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
communications@renewablesassociation.ca
About CanREA
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada's energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada's energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult "Powering Canada's Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA's 2050 Vision." Follow us on LinkedIn here. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
