Is Solar Worth It in New Brunswick in 2026?

Not for most homeowners. At New Brunswick's rates, a 19.5-year payback means you are betting on rate increases and equipment longevity to earn the money back.

Payback

19.5 yrs

25-Year ROI

28%

Rank in Canada

#8/13

Annual Savings

C$1,211

What drives the verdict in New Brunswick

Your rate matters more than your sun. New Brunswick averages C$0.138/kWh and 3.5 peak sun hours. Canada's cheapest electricity (Quebec) makes solar a lifestyle purchase, not an investment; high-rate provinces pay back fastest regardless of latitude.

Net metering sets your export value. NB Power net metering credits exports at retail rate, with annual true-up.

No federal credit to lean on. Canada's Greener Homes program has wound down; the programs that remain are provincial and utility-level, listed on the New Brunswick payback page.

System cost. About C$23,600 for a typical 8 kW system (C$2.95/W) before incentives. Sources: NB Power residential rates; NREL PVWatts irradiance as of 2026-07-01.

Fastest paybacks in Canada

ProvincePayback25-Year ROI
Nunavut12.4 yrs102%
Northwest Territories13.5 yrs86%
Alberta14.6 yrs71%
Nova Scotia15.9 yrs58%
Saskatchewan16.2 yrs55%
Prince Edward Island17.4 yrs44%

Run your own numbers

Averages hide your situation. Free ROI calculator in Canadian dollars, no sign-up.

Open the ROI Calculator โ†’

Written & reviewed by

EnergyTools Research Team โ€” Solar Energy Research Group

The EnergyTools Research Team compiles and verifies residential solar data from NREL, EPA, and state utility commissions. Methodology is reviewed quarterly.

  • Source data: NREL PVWatts V8 + Utility Rates V3 APIs
  • Source data: EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle efficiency data
  • Methodology reviewed quarterly

Methodology & data sources:NREL PVWatts, provincial utility commissionsยท Updated 2026.