An exciting new age of solar is among us, with behind-the-meter PV systems leading the charge in a new direction. Recent analysis from the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) indicates that behind-the-meter PV installations are set to surpass last year’s 314 MW total—evidence of a rapidly expanding movement toward self-generation across the country. This shift reflects a broader response to two increasingly urgent realities: rising national electricity demand and a notable increase in power outages affecting communities nationwide.
What Is Behind-the-Meter PV
As population soars along with an incoming haul of energy-hungry data centers, Canada is looking for homeowners to offset and reduce their energy dependency on the grid.
Behind-the-meter differs from the more widely adapted net-metering by keeping all self-generated energy on site. Instead of credits from utility companies, homeowners and businesses are encouraged to install battery storage systems to manage energy generation throughout the day.
The addition of batteries also welcome its own benefits, especially in provinces that have time-of-use (TOU) energy rates. Expensive rates during high-demand periods is no longer a concern thanks to peak shaving. The battery system charges via excess solar power or electricity from the grid when rates are low and is scheduled to discharge during peak periods—all while equipping the property with reliable back-up power during emergencies.
As battery energy storage systems (BESS) become more accessible, the value proposition becomes even clearer: greater resilience, lower operating costs and long-term protection against rising utility rates.
Behind-The-Meter PV Growth Driven By Forward-Thinking Government Programs
Ontario stands at the forefront of this shift, acknowledging that distributed energy resources—particularly behind-the-meter PV and batteries—are essential. With a projected supply shortfall as early as 2026-27, Ontario’s energy planners have highlighted that distributed generation is among the few scalable options capable of meeting near-term needs.
The province launched programs for homeowners and businesses in Early 2025, promoting load displacement behind-the-meter systems..
- Residential properties are eligible for up to $5,000 in solar rebates and $5,000 in battery rebates
- Commercial properties are eligible for up to $860,000 in solar rebates
Rebates are a huge swaying factor that enables more wide-spread adoption and awareness for programs that benefit the country or province as a whole. Our team has successfully secured millions of dollars in rebate funding for Canadian homeowners and businesses through SaveOnEnergy rebates.
The trend in behind-the-meter PV is promising but a greater push for mass adoption needs to carry forward for Canada to meet its energy goals. If you’d like to learn more about behind-the-meter and incentives in your area, sign up with us to connect to a solar specialist for a free consultation.
