Power Your Home and Lower Your Bills with Canadian Grid-Tie Solar Systems
Power Your Home and Lower Your Bills with Grid-Tie Solar Systems
If you're looking to lower your electricity bill in Canada and harness clean, renewable energy, a grid-tie solar system might be your smartest investment yet. But how do grid-tie solar systems work? Are they worth it in 2025? And what role do microinverters, like those from Northern Electric Power play in boosting system efficiency?
Let’s explore how a grid-tied setup can benefit your home or business.
What Is a Grid-Tie Solar System?
A grid-tie solar system (also called a grid-connected or on-grid system) is designed to work in tandem with your local utility grid. It generates solar power from your rooftop panels and supplies it directly to your home, reducing your demand for electricity from the grid.
If your solar panels produce more energy than you use, the excess power is sent back to the utility grid. In provinces like BC and Ontario, this surplus energy can earn you credits through net metering programs.
Every kilowatt-hour generated by your solar array reduces your home’s environmental impact, helping Canada transition toward a greener grid.
Advantages of Grid-Tie Solar in Canada:
- Immediate reduction in utility costs, especially during peak usage months
- No need for batteries (unless using backup options)
- Low maintenance and beginner-friendly — no batteries or off-grid sizing required
- Access to net metering credits
- Ideal for urban and suburban homeowners
What Equipment Is Needed for a Grid-Tie Solar System?
A typical grid-tie setup includes:
- Solar panels (e.g., JA Solar 445W modules) - Shop Solar Panels
- Microinverter or string inverter (e.g., NEP BDM-800) - Shop Inverters
- Roof mounting system (e.g., Sunmodo) - Shop Solar Panel Mounts
- Wiring and safety disconnects
- WiFi Gateway
Optional upgrades:
- Battery backup (for hybrid-ready setups) - Read Battery Backup Blog
How to Size and Install a Grid-Tie System
To correctly size your system, follow these steps:
- Calculate your average daily energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You can use the Fortis BC Electricity Calculator
- Divide by the average sunlight hours in your region (usually 3–5 hours/day in Canada).
- Account for system losses (~20%).
Example: If your home uses 900 kWh/month (30 kWh/day) and you get 4.5 sun hours/day:
Required solar array = (30 kWh ÷ 4.5 hours) × 1.2 = ~8 kW system
How to Calculate Roof Area for Number of Solar Panels
To estimate how many panels you can install:
- Each 500W panel takes ~27 sq ft of roof space
- An 8 kW system (16 panels) needs ~432 sq ft
Contact us for a free roof layout and solar system estimate—we'll help you determine how many panels your roof can support based on usable space and sun exposure.
Why Add a Microinverter Like the NEP BDM-800?
One of the most powerful upgrades to a modern grid-tie system is the microinverter. Unlike traditional inverters that connect all panels in series (so one shaded panel reduces total output), microinverters operate independently on each panel.
The NEP BDM-800 microinverter stands out in Canada for its:
- Optimized performance per panel
- Plug-and-play WiFi booster monitoring
- Reliability in Canadian climates
- Compliance with current grid safety standards
Microinverters allow you to track panel-level performance and reduce downtime. This makes them ideal for homes with partial shading or complex roof angles.
How Grid-Tie Compares: Grid-Tie vs Off-Grid vs Hybrid
"Which is better: grid tie, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems?" Here’s a quick breakdown:
System Type
Grid-Tie
Best For
Homes with stable grid access
Needs Battery?
Optional (backup only)
Key Feature
Uses net metering, low upfront cost
System Type
Off-Grid
Best For
Remote cabins or RVs
Needs Battery?
Yes
Key Feature
Independent from grid, must size for all loads
System Type
Hybrid
Best For
Homes prone to outages
Needs Battery?
Yes
Key Feature
Combines solar, grid, and battery storage
For most Canadians living in cities or suburbs, grid-tie systems offer the best value and the simplest setup.
Is Grid-Tie Solar Worth It in Canada?
Absolutely—especially as electricity rates rise. A properly sized solar array paired with a high-efficiency inverter (like NEP’s) can pay for itself in 6–10 years, depending on your province, roof space, and daily energy consumption.
Common questions we hear:
- Can I add a battery later? Yes, with hybrid-ready inverters.
- What happens if the grid goes down? Your system shuts off unless you have a backup battery.
- Can I monitor my solar output? Yes, NEP microinverters include wireless monitoring tools.
Ready to Take Control of Your Energy Use?
At CDN Solar, we supply grid-tie solar kits built for Canadian homes, complete with trusted brands like NEP, Thornova, and Sunmodo. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your inverter, we offer tailored support and fast shipping across Canada.
Explore Our Complete Grid-Tie Kits Here
Why Trust CDN Solar?
At CDN Solar, we don’t just sell solar—we live and breathe it. Our team includes certified solar technicians and off-grid system designers who’ve helped hundreds of Canadian homeowners reduce their energy bills with solar.
This guide was written based on first-hand experience and backed by industry insight from brands we partner with—like NEP, Sunmodo, and Thornova. Whether you’re new to solar or upgrading your system, our advice is rooted in real-world applications, not just theory.
We believe in transparency, quality, and long-term value—core pillars that build trust with our customers across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens to a grid-tie system when the power goes out?
A: Without battery backup, your system will shut off during an outage to protect utility workers. A hybrid inverter and battery can keep your lights on.
Q: How many solar panels do I need for a grid-tied home in Canada?
A: It depends on your daily electricity use. Most Canadian homes need a 6–10 kW system, or 12–20 panels. Contact us for a free layout.
Q: Can I install grid-tie solar myself in Canada?
A: DIY installation is possible, but local code often requires a certified electrician for final connection. Our kits come pre-wired and labeled.
Q: What’s the difference between a microinverter and a string inverter?
A: Microinverters (like NEP BDM-800) are installed on each panel, increasing efficiency and monitoring. String inverters handle all panels as one.
Q: Is grid-tie solar worth it in provinces like BC, Alberta, or Ontario?
A: Yes. Grid-tied systems qualify for net metering and help offset rising energy costs in all major provinces.
Q: Can I add batteries later to my grid-tie solar system?
A: Absolutely. Many modern systems are hybrid-ready, so you can integrate battery storage later if needed.
