Generation Solar

Did you know there are two ways to connect your solar system to the grid?

1) Net Metering: lets you export surplus electricity to the grid for credit.

2) Load Displacement: does not let you export surplus - you can only use what you produce on site.

Don't let a solar contractor railroad you into just one way of connecting - we see this a lot: load displacement gets presented as THE option, because it’s easier to sell when there’s money on the table, such as a government grant or rebate (like the current OHRS Program). But that doesn’t always make it the right fit.

The right choice depends on your priorities, not the current incentive program, and a reputable solar provider will always explore the best option for YOUR unique solar needs.

Looking to explore solar for your property? Let's connect about a custom solar solution that best serves you.

OK. Here’s the deal. The Province of Ontario has unveiled the Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program (OHRS), which includes up to $10k for solar + batteries (among other important home energy efficiency upgrades). BUT NOTE: net metered solar energy systems are not eligible for this program.

Recap: Net metering is the simplest, most efficient, most cost effective way to deploy clean energy on your property. Using net metering, you can be net zero for electricity on an annual basis, minimizing your monthly bills and maximizing your protection from future electricity price volatility. Surplus energy generated in the sunny summer is banked with your utility and used up in the winter. This does rely on the electric utility to act like a giant seasonal battery, and that does mean added cost and complexity for the utility system, as a whole and over time, but it also means less pollution, waste, and emissions from fossil fuel and nuclear energy, which is the ultimate goal, right?

The OHRS program does not fund net metered systems.

The ORHS program will fund zero-export solar energy systems. Zero-export systems offer far less benefit to most homeowners compared to net meter systems. Benefit can be extended by introducing a battery into the mix to save extra solar energy during the day for use later.

Compared to net metering, zero-export systems are: more complex, more expensive, less cost effective, less efficient, and, when batteries are included, harder to deploy. In areas where grid capacity is limited, zero-export is the only way to deploy solar. But everywhere else: net metering is the clear winner.

So yes, you can get up to $10k from the OHRS program. But it won’t save you anything compared to a simple net metered solar energy system. The additional cost of making a project grant-compliant (including batteries) will be *more than* the value of the grant, and the system will give you less benefit. And you also preclude your ability to net meter in the future.

Want to talk further about your solar options and the OHRS program? Let's connect.

Meet Simon

Simon co-founded Generation Solar back in 1998 and has been hands-on ever since. As a Civil Engineer with experience in Local Hydro Utilities and Construction, plus years spent teaching and shaping Canada’s solar industry, he’s got the know-how to tackle any project—especially the complex ones.

Beyond solar, Simon is a lifelong problem solver, tinkerer, and environmental advocate. Whether he’s restoring old, broken things, building with reclaimed materials, or off on a canoe trip, he’s always thinking about how to do more with less.

At Generation Solar, Simon leads new solar builds and oversees maintenance and service operations. He’s not one to stand on the sidelines—if there’s a wrench to turn or an issue to fix, he’s in the thick of it.

Want to connect with Simon further about your solar energy goals? Let's start a conversation today.

Meet our co-founder J.P

JP has been in the clean energy game for over 20 years, helping homeowners, businesses, and farmers make the switch to solar. With a degree in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University and qualifications as a Professional Engineer in Ontario, licensed Journeyman Electrician, and Master Electrician, he brings both deep technical expertise and a big-picture approach to sustainable energy.

Since joining Generation Solar shortly after it’s founding, JP has been passionate about making clean energy simple and accessible. He loves educating people about their options and believes every solar install is a step toward a stronger, more sustainable community.

JP’s philosophy? Smart decisions today create a better future for everyone. Whether he’s designing a system or troubleshooting a tricky issue, he’s always focused on delivering quality, reliability, and a cleaner energy future.

Want to connect with J.P further about your solar energy goals? Let's start a conversation today.

The cheapest maintenance is preventative! Our proactive approach keeps your solar system in top shape, reducing downtime and maximizing performance, while extending the life of your system.

Plus, peace of mind knowing your energy will always be there, when and where you need it.

Schedule your system check today

Spot the solar tech hard at work on one of our residential roof arrays.

The service van has been busy making house calls to perform scheduled preventative maintenance on our systems big and small - a great time of year for it, before the weather turns, you'll have peace of mind knowing your system is in tip-top shape and ready for anything the Canadian winter can throw at it.

Schedule your peace of mind today

Generation Solar provides complete solar solutions—from consultation and design to installation and maintenance. Our approach ensures your system runs efficiently and reliably, making the switch to clean energy simple.

For over 25 years, Generation Solar has been more than just a solar energy company—we’ve been pioneers in building a sustainable, community-focused future.

Thinking about solar? So are we— Let's chat about your solar solution.