How Much Roof Space Do You Need for Solar in Canada?
Written by Solenery
2 min read
Introduction
Wondering if your roof is big enough for solar panels? You’re not alone. One of the first questions Canadian homeowners ask is: “How much roof space do I need to go solar?”
The answer depends on a few key factors—how much energy your household uses, what kind of panels you install, and how efficient your roof layout is. The good news? Many homes in Canada already have more than enough space to power their daily needs with solar.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to estimate your roof’s solar capacity, how many panels you might need, and what to do if your roof’s a bit tight. You’ll also learn how to quickly check your setup using tools like Solenery Insights.
Average Solar System Size in Canada
Let’s start with the basics: most Canadian homeowners install systems between 4 kW and 10 kW, depending on their energy use.
See Typical Solar System Sizes
| Home Type | Annual Usage | Typical System Size |
|---|---|---|
| Condo or small home | 3,500–6,000 kWh | 4–5 kW |
| Detached home | 7,000–10,000 kWh | 6–8 kW |
| Large home with EV or heat pump | 10,000–14,000+ kWh | 8–10+ kW |
As a rough rule: You need 1 kW of solar for every 1,000–1,200 kWh/year of electricity you use.
How Much Roof Space Does That Require?
Each solar panel takes up about 18–21 square feet, depending on brand and wattage. A typical residential panel produces 350–450 watts.
See Roof Space Requirements
| System Size | # of Panels | Estimated Roof Space |
|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | 10–12 | ~200–250 sq. ft. |
| 6 kW | 15–17 | ~300–375 sq. ft. |
| 8 kW | 20–23 | ~400–500 sq. ft. |
| 10 kW | 25–28 | ~500–600 sq. ft. |
Example: A typical two-storey home in Ontario often has 1,200–1,800 sq. ft. of total roof surface—meaning most can fit a 6–10 kW system without issue.
What Can Limit Your Usable Roof Area?
While your home may have a lot of roof space, not all of it may be usable. Here’s what can reduce the available surface:
Common Roof Space Limitations
- Shade from nearby trees or buildings
- Obstructions like chimneys, vents, or skylights
- Roof shape: Complex multi-pitch roofs may reduce usable area
- Orientation: North-facing sections are usually excluded
- Fire code spacing: Installers must leave buffer zones for safety
Pro Tip: Your solar installer will measure your roof using satellite imagery or drone scans, but you can get a quick estimate using Solenery Insights.
What If You Don’t Have Enough Roof Space?
No need to give up on solar—there are smart solutions if your roof can’t fit a full-sized system:
Solutions for Limited Roof Space
- Use high-efficiency panels
Premium brands (e.g. REC, SunPower) produce up to 450–500W per panel, so you get more energy per square foot. - Install a smaller system
Even a 3–4 kW system can offset 30–50% of your electricity bill. - Combine with energy efficiency upgrades
Adding a smart thermostat or insulation can reduce how much solar you actually need. - Ask about ground mounts
Some homeowners install solar on a pole or ground array in their backyard, especially in rural areas. - Explore community solar
In some provinces, you can subscribe to a shared solar project and get credits on your utility bill.
Estimate Your Solar Size Instantly with Your Postal Code
Want a fast and accurate estimate of how many panels your roof can hold—and how much they’ll save you?
Just use Solenery’s Insights tool:
What Solenery Insights Provides
- We’ll map your roof using satellite data
- Estimate how many panels fit on your sunniest surface
- Show your estimated system size, cost, and savings
Example: A family in Regina entered their postal code and found their south-facing roof could hold a 7.2 kW system—enough to cover 90% of their annual electricity use.
New in 2025: Provincial incentives help offset system size costs:
- BC Hydro: Up to $5,000 rebate + PST exemption
- Nova Scotia: $300/kW rebate through SolarHomes + battery rebates
- Alberta: Edmonton’s $0.50/Watt solar rebate + CEIP financing
- Manitoba: $500/kW rebate + $20,000 loan through Manitoba Hydro
- Ontario: HELP Toronto loans up to $125,000 + Enbridge HER+ rebates
- Yukon: $0.80/Watt rebate up to $5,000 for residential installs
Conclusion
Most Canadian roofs have more than enough space for a solar system that can slash your energy bills. By knowing your energy needs and estimating panel space, you can confidently plan your clean energy journey—no surprises, no guesswork.