Can Ontario Businesses Make Money From Solar in 2026? + Is MicroFIT Still Available?

making money with solar

If you’re a business owner researching solar in Ontario, you’re probably asking two direct questions:

• Can my business actually make money from solar?

• Is MicroFIT still active, and can we get paid for excess power?

Let’s break this down clearly and honestly.

Can a Business Make Money From Solar?

The short answer: Yes — but not in the way most people think.

Solar today is less about getting paid premium rates for electricity, and more about reducing operating expenses and increasing profitability.

Here’s how businesses benefit financially.

1. Reduced Electricity Costs (Immediate Impact)

Every kilowatt-hour your system produces is one you don’t buy from the utility.

If your facility spends:

$30,000–$100,000+ per year on electricity,

a properly sized solar system can offset a large portion of that.

That reduction goes straight to your bottom line.

Lower overhead = higher profit margins.

For many Ontario businesses, this creates a 5–8 year payback period with 20+ years of ongoing savings.

2. Improved EBITDA & Valuation

Energy savings improve your operating income.

That increases:

• EBITDA• Net Operating Income• Overall business valuation

For property owners, solar can increase commercial property value due to reduced operating costs and long-term energy stability.

For multi-site operators, solar becomes a portfolio-level cost control strategy.

3. Net Metering Credits (How Solar Works Today)

Ontario currently operates under a net metering system.

Here’s how it works:

• Your system produces electricity• Excess power is sent to the grid• You receive energy credits• Credits offset future electricity usage

You are not paid cash — but you reduce future bills.

Think of it as banking energy instead of banking money.

This system works best when properly sized to match your facility’s annual consumption.

4. Tax Advantages & Depreciation

Commercial solar systems may qualify for accelerated depreciation under federal tax structures.

Depending on how your accountant structures it, solar can provide:

• Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) benefits• Depreciation advantages• Potential clean energy incentive programs

This can significantly improve overall return on investment.

Always consult your accountant, but from a financial perspective, solar is often treated as infrastructure — not an expense.

Is MicroFIT Still Active in Ontario in 2026?

No.

The MicroFIT program — which paid a guaranteed premium rate per kWh exported to the grid — is no longer available for new commercial installations.

MicroFIT contracts that were signed years ago are still active for those who secured them at the time.

However, new projects today fall under net metering rules.

That means:

• No fixed premium rate payments• No high feed-in tariff revenue model• No guaranteed cash-per-kWh contracts for new applicants

If someone is promising MicroFIT-style payments today, that is incorrect.

Pros and Cons of Solar for Businesses in 2026

Pros

• Reduces operating expenses• Creates long-term energy stability• Protects against rising hydro rates• Improves property valuation• Strong long-term ROI• 25+ year system lifespan

Cons

• Upfront capital required (unless financed)• Not ideal for short-term property holders• Roof condition and shading matter• MicroFIT revenue model no longer exists

Solar is a strategic financial decision, not a quick flip.

When Does Solar Make the Most Sense?

Solar tends to make the strongest financial impact when:

• Your annual electricity spend exceeds $20,000–$30,000• You have a large, usable roof• You plan to operate in the building for 5+ years• You want predictable long-term energy costs

Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, auto dealerships, farms, cold storage, long-term care facilities, and hotels often see strong returns.

So… Can You Make Money From Solar?

If by “make money” you mean:

Reduce overhead, improve profit margins, stabilize future energy costs, and increase asset value — then yes.

If you mean:

Get paid a high guaranteed export rate like the old MicroFIT program — no.

Today’s model is about financial efficiency and long-term strategic return.

How to Know if It Makes Sense for Your Business

The only way to know for sure is through proper analysis.

A real commercial evaluation should include:

• 12 months of utility bills• Demand charge breakdown• Rate class review• System sizing based on annual consumption• 25-year savings projection• IRR and payback calculation

Generic quotes don’t provide that.

Data does.

Request a Commercial Solar Financial Assessment

If you are seriously evaluating solar for your facility, the first step is understanding your numbers.

Solar Canada provides structured commercial assessments designed for business owners, CFOs, and multi-site operators.

We analyze your usage and show you:

• Real savings• Real payback• Real long-term projections

No pressure. No generic estimates.

To request your assessment:

Phone: 226-339-9308Email:

info@solarcanadainc.caWebsite:

www.solarcanadainc.ca

Or click {HERE} to get a quote or more information