A common question we hear from customers is whether it’s worth adding a battery backup system when installing solar panels. The short answer? Yes—and for a few good reasons. One major benefit is having peace of mind during power outages. With a backup battery, essentials like your fridge or freezer can keep running even if the grid goes down.
Another advantage, depending on the size of the battery system, is the potential to take advantage of Hydro Ottawa’s ultra-low overnight rates. Here’s how it all works:
Understanding the Ultra-Low Overnight Rate
Hydro Ottawa introduced the ultra-low overnight rate to encourage more balanced energy usage throughout the day. By offering electricity at a significantly reduced cost—just 2.8 cents per kWh—between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., the program is designed to shift some of the demand away from peak daytime hours. This not only helps ease pressure on the grid but can also lead to noticeable savings for consumers who can take advantage of these off-peak hours.
Here’s a look at the full rate breakdown from Hydro Ottawa:
How Much Can You Really Save with a Battery?
Let’s break it down with a real-world example. Say your household uses around 40 kWh of electricity per day. With a battery system that has a usable capacity of 10–15 kWh, you could charge it overnight at the ultra-low rate of 2.8¢/kWh and then use that stored energy during the day—when electricity rates can hit as high as 28.4¢/kWh. By shifting just 10 kWh of your daily usage from peak to off-peak, you could save about $2.56 per day, or roughly $75–$80 a month.
Of course, the actual savings depend on your current usage patterns, the time of day you’re consuming most of your energy, and how much of that load can be offset by battery power. If you’re curious what that looks like for your home, we’re happy to take a look at your current usage and provide a personalized estimate—completely free of charge.
Net Metering vs. Off-Grid Battery Use – And a Potential $10,000 Rebate
In Ontario, net metering is optional—so you’re not required to send your excess solar energy back to the grid. Many homeowners instead choose to pair their solar panels with a battery system, allowing them to store and use their energy when it’s most cost-effective, or during outages. If you go this route without enrolling in net metering, you may be eligible for up to $10,000 in provincial rebates: up to $5,000 for installing solar panels, and an additional $5,000 for adding battery storage. These grants are part of Ontario’s efforts to support clean energy and improve energy independence for homeowners.
Ready to Add Solar with Battery Backup?
If you’re thinking about going solar, now’s the perfect time to consider adding battery storage, too. Not only can it help you save more by using stored power during peak hours, but it also gives you backup protection during outages—and makes you eligible for up to $5,000 more in Ontario rebates (up to 10,000 total). Every home’s energy needs are unique, and we’d be happy to help you figure out the right system for yours. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation assessment and see how solar with battery backup can work for you.
