Clear answer
Clear answer, explained.
Commercial solar payback measures how long it takes for electricity savings to recover the initial system cost. Businesses with high daytime energy consumption and favourable utility rates generally see faster payback. Incentives, system size, and whether the system is purchased outright or financed also influence the final payback period.
Key points
What this means in practice.
- GI projects: 4.6–7.6 year payback range (Ontario C&I, depending on size and incentives)
- GI projects: 15–21% IRR when efficiency + solar are combined
- Larger systems usually achieve faster payback
- Incentives reduce upfront cost and improve returns
- Daytime energy usage increases solar self-consumption
- Financing models can change cash flow but not system performance
When this applies
Best-fit environments.
- Commercial buildings with consistent daytime electricity use
- Offices, warehouses, retail, and industrial facilities
- Rooftop solar systems without battery storage
- Projects assessed using standard grid-connected designs
Q·01
