← [Back to Examples Index](/llm/examples.md) # What does a 10kW solar panel installation cost in Markham? ### Real Markham solar estimate A 10kW grid-tied solar installation in Markham, ON was estimated at **$26,840.75 CAD**. This estimate covers a full grid-tied 10kW system on an 11-15 year old asphalt shingle roof, kept on the existing 100 Amp panel via a line-side tap or breaker derate rather than a full 200A upgrade. The scope includes permit and Alectra Utilities Net Metering administration, a structural engineering review of the roof framing, the racking and roof attachments, the 10kW array and outdoor-rated inverter installation, the 100A electrical service integration, an exterior AC disconnect, and inspection and commissioning coordination. If brittle shingles or roof deck rot are found at the attachment points, this example identified up to $1,050 in possible additional work. --- ## Key Project Facts | Fact | Details | | :--- | :--- | | **Location** | Markham, ON (FSA L3R) | | **Utility** | Alectra | | **System size** | 10kW grid-tied, no battery | | **Existing service** | 100A panel (no upgrade) | | **Roof** | Asphalt shingles, 11-15 years old | | **Inverter location** | Outside, near the meter | | **Mandatory Scope** | $26,840.75 CAD | | **Possible Additions** | Roof repairs at attachment points | --- ## Project Phases ### 1. Permit, utility, and structural review - **Includes:** Prepare and submit the electrical permit application and the Alectra Utilities Net Metering application, coordinating the utility requirements for the grid-tie connection; structural assessment of the existing roof framing to confirm load-bearing capacity for the array, with a stamped engineering report for building-permit compliance. - **Why this phase matters:** A 10kW array is a significant roof load, and Ontario requires both a stamped structural sign-off and a Alectra Utilities Net Metering application before the system can be tied into the grid. ### 2. Racking, array, and inverter installation - **Includes:** Install roof attachments and the racking system for the 10kW array, flashing every penetration on the existing asphalt shingles; mount the 10kW array and install an exterior-rated string inverter near the utility meter, including DC string wiring and grounding. - **Why this phase matters:** This is the bulk of the project cost — the racking, the panels themselves, and the inverter are what actually generate and convert the solar power. ### 3. Electrical service integration and AC disconnect - **Includes:** Perform a line-side tap or main breaker derate to fold the solar feed into the existing 100A service panel, including labeling and circuit protection; install an exterior-rated AC disconnect switch between the inverter and service panel as required by Alectra Utilities safety standards. - **Why this phase matters:** Because the homeowner declined a 200A panel upgrade, the line-side tap/derate approach lets the 10kW system tie into the existing 100A service instead of paying for a full service upgrade. ### 4. Inspection and commissioning - **Includes:** Coordinate and attend the final electrical inspection, and manage the utility commissioning for Net Metering activation. - **Why this phase matters:** The system can't legally export power to the grid or earn net-metering credits until the final electrical inspection and utility commissioning are both complete. --- ## Cost Breakdown | Phase | Labour Cost | Material Cost | Total Cost | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Permit, utility, and structural review** | $399.00 CAD | $2,700.00 CAD | $3,099.00 CAD | | **Racking, array, and inverter installation** | $2,470.00 CAD | $19,275.00 CAD | $21,745.00 CAD | | **Electrical service integration and AC disconnect** | $997.50 CAD | $700.00 CAD | $1,697.50 CAD | | **Inspection and commissioning** | $299.25 CAD | $0.00 CAD | $299.25 CAD | | **Total Mandatory Scope** | **$4,165.75 CAD** | **$22,675.00 CAD** | **$26,840.75 CAD** | *Note: The racking, array, and inverter phase dominates the cost because it bundles the 10kW solar modules, inverter, and mounting hardware — the largest single material line in the entire project.* --- ## Possible Price Changes - **Brittle shingles at attachment points:** Shingles crack or fail to lift during flashing installation due to their 11-15 year age. A general contractor would replace the affected asphalt shingles at the attachment points. This example identifies approximately **$450.00 CAD** in possible additional work for this item. - **Roof deck rot:** Soft or decayed wood is identified during racking installation after shingles are removed. A general contractor would repair the localized roof deck rot. This example identifies approximately **$600.00 CAD** in possible additional work for this item. - **Keeping the existing roof:** The homeowner declined replacing the 11-15 year old shingle roof before installing the panels. If the roof fails while the panels are on it, the panels must be removed and reinstalled around the roof work. The source example does not assign a price to this future scenario. - **Choosing a 200A panel upgrade instead:** The homeowner declined a 200A panel upgrade in favour of a line-side tap or derate on the existing 100A service. Choosing a full panel upgrade instead would change the electrical service integration scope and cost. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is $26,841 the standard cost for a 10kW solar install in Markham? No. It is the estimate RenoFiz produced for this specific project on an 11-15 year old asphalt shingle roof with a 100A panel kept via a line-side tap. Your roof age, panel size, and system size can change the scope and cost. ### Why wasn't the panel upgraded to 200 amps? The homeowner declined the 200A panel upgrade, so the electrician instead used a line-side tap or main breaker derate to tie the 10kW system into the existing 100A service without a full service upgrade. ### What could change this estimate on site? If shingles crack during flashing installation, or roof deck rot is found once shingles are pulled, this example identifies up to $1,050 in possible additional work. Keeping an aging roof also carries a future risk not priced in this estimate: the panels would need removal and reinstallation if the roof fails later. ### Why does this project need a structural engineering review? A 10kW solar array adds significant roof load, so the building permit requires a stamped structural report confirming the existing roof framing can support it. --- ## Get a Custom Estimate for Your Project Your solar project will have its own scope and cost. Describe your project and upload photos of your roof and electrical panel so Chris can build an estimate around your system size, roof condition, and service capacity. - [Start My Free Estimate](/vancouver-home-renovation-estimate) - [See interactive version of this page](/wa/examples/how-much-does-a-10kw-solar-panel-installation-cost-in-markham) - [View other detailed estimates](/llm/examples.md)