The battery was the sole partner of solar power in the 1990s. Off-grid systems, which used solar power and lead-acid batteries to provide electricity to remote areas, thrived with little support from the government.

The Rise of Grid-Tied Solar

Programs in California, Germany, and Japan helped make grid-connected solar systems commence by the early 2000s. As grid-tied systems took over, batteries were left behind.

Now, solar + battery systems are becoming more popular in Canada for both residential and commercial buildings as energy costs increase and storage technology becomes more accessible.

Batteries Make a Comeback

Since 2013, the cost of lithium-ion batteries has decreased by over 80%, making energy storage both feasible and affordable. In 2024, battery capacity doubled globally, and storage is now a feature of more than 30% of new solar systems.

In order to help homes and businesses save more money and become less dependent on the grid, solar power is being stored in batteries in Canada during the day and used during peak pricing hours.

Load Displacement — What it Means

Load displacement enables home owners and businesses customers to use solar energy directly on-site to reduce peak energy costs rather than exporting it to the grid for lower credits.

In Ontario, solar systems installed behind the meter and intended to displace on-site load are eligible for rebates of up to C$860 per kW-AC (or 50% of project cost) for businesses and up to $5000.00 for home owners through the IESO Save on Energy program. Home owners are also eligible for $5000.00 for energy storage under this program.

Unlike older backup systems, today’s batteries store energy when it’s cheap and use it when prices peak — cutting costs and boosting energy independence.

Powering a Smarter Future

The way Canadians use electricity is changing as a result of solar and storage. Both businesses and homeowners can produce, store, and use their own clean power with the help of new technology and compelling incentives, which will reduce costs, increase dependability, and create a more sustainable future. The grid is evolving into a backup source rather than the primary one.

Government Incentives in Ontario

Here are some key current programs you should know about:

• Ontario – Home Renovation Savings Program

  Up to C$1,000 /kW for solar PV (max C$5,000) and C$300 /kWh for batteries (max C$5,000) — systems must be behind the meter for load displacement (no net metering).

• Ontario – IESO Save on Energy (Commercial)

  Up to C$860 /kW-AC or 50% of project cost for load-displacement solar systems.

• All Canada – Clean Technology (CT) Investment Tax Credit for Businesses
  and not for profit organizations

  A refundable tax credit of up to 30% on the capital costs of investments on solar and storage
  
  100% accelerated capital cost allowance rate in the first year.

Ready to see what solar + storage could do for you?

New Dawn Energy Solutions can provide a no-obligation, customized assessment and proposal.

To get our service:
Call us at – +1 (416)-855-9377
Email us at – info@newdawn-es.com