The solar interconnection process is how your utility approves a home solar system to connect to the electricity grid. Once connected, the system can send surplus power to the grid in exchange for bill credits. The steps are similar across Canada: apply to your utility, install and inspect, then get the utility’s go-ahead. The credit rules and size limits are what differ by province.
Why interconnection matters
A grid-tied system is connected to the same wires that serve your neighbours. The utility needs to confirm that your equipment will shut off safely during an outage, that the local grid can accept the power, and that your meter can measure electricity flowing both ways. Without that approval, you can’t legally export power or earn credits.
The solar interconnection process in five steps
Apply to your utility. Your installer submits your system size, equipment and site details, usually before installation. Some utilities first check whether the local grid can accept more generation.
Get approval to proceed. The utility approves the connection, sometimes with conditions such as a size limit or specific equipment settings.
Install and get permits. Your installer completes the work under an electrical permit, and a building permit where required. See do you need a solar panel permit in Canada?
Pass the inspection. The electrical inspection authority checks the installation. In Ontario, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) authorizes the connection.
Meter and permission to operate. The utility installs or reprograms a bidirectional meter and confirms you can start operating. Don’t switch the system on for export before this.
How the solar interconnection process differs by province
Province
Program and utility
Key facts (as of September 2026)
Ontario
Net metering through your local distribution company (LDC)
Governed by O. Reg. 541/05; solar is an eligible renewable source; surplus earns bill credits; ESA inspects and authorizes the connection
Programs change, so confirm the current rules with your utility before you sign a contract.
How long does interconnection take?
It depends on your utility, the size of the system, how busy the season is and whether a grid study is needed. Small residential systems are usually faster than larger ones. Ask your installer how long recent approvals have taken with your utility, and see our solar installation timeline for the full project.
Common causes of delays
Most delays in the solar interconnection process come from a few avoidable issues:
Missing or inconsistent information on the application
An inverter or other equipment that differs from what was approved
Inspections booked late
Limited capacity on the local grid in areas with lots of solar
A system switched on before the utility’s approval
How to keep your project on track
Choose an installer who handles the interconnection from start to finish.
Ask for copies of every approval and the connection agreement.
Check that the equipment installed matches the equipment on the application.
The solar interconnection process follows the same pattern across Canada: apply, install, inspect, then connect. What changes is how your utility credits your surplus power and how large a system it allows. Check the current program with your utility first. If you’re in Ontario, read our detailed guide to solar interconnection in Ontario.
Frequently asked questions
What is solar interconnection?
It’s the utility’s approval process for connecting a home solar system to the grid, so it can safely send surplus electricity to the grid and receive credits.
Is net metering still available in Canada?
It depends on the province. Ontario and Quebec offer net metering. BC Hydro replaced net metering for new customers with its self-generation rate on July 1, 2026. Alberta uses micro-generation rules.
Can I turn on my solar panels before the utility approves them?
No. Wait until the inspection is passed and your utility confirms you can operate. Switching on early is a safety risk and can jeopardize your connection approval.
