Ontario's Solar Panel Promise: Why Did It Lose Its Shine?

Ontario's Solar Panel Promise: Why Did It Lose Its Shine? By Dale Jodoin Once upon a time, Ontario promised a greener future. The government introduced the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) and microFIT programs, which encouraged homeowners and businesses to install solar panels on their rooftops. The dream was simple: generate clean energy, reduce dependency on oil, and earn money by feeding electricity back into the grid. But today, many feel betrayed. What went wrong? A Promising Start In the early days, the Ontario government offered significant financial incentives for those who participated. Homeowners could earn as much as 80.2 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated. For many, this was a no-brainer. Solar panels became a symbol of hope—a chance for individuals to fight climate change while earning extra income. However, as years went by, the shine of this promise dulled. By 2017, the payments had been slashed to as low as 19.2 cents per kilowatt-hour. The program itself was discontinued, leaving thousands who invested in solar panels wondering why the government had changed course. Broken Promises and Angry Homeowners For people like Sarah Clarke of Oshawa, the program was more than just an investment; it was a commitment to a greener future. "I believed in it," she said. "I wanted to do my part, but now I’m stuck with a leaky roof from the solar panels, and there’s no help to fix it. Sarah isn’t alone. Many homeowners who took part in the program now face expensive repairs. Solar panels can cause roofing issues, and without the financial benefits initially promised, homeowners feel abandoned. "We trusted the government," Sarah said. "Now they’ve moved on, and we’re left with the mess." Cheaper Panels, Higher Costs The solar panel industry has also changed dramatically. Panels manufactured in China have made solar installations more affordable, but there’s a catch. The Canadian government has imposed tariffs on some imported goods, including solar panels, which could drive up prices. Critics argue this will increase costs for those who want to install panels in the future. "If the government wants us to go green, why are they making it harder and more expensive?" asked Sarah. "They talk about green energy all the time, but where’s the support for people like us who took the leap years ago?" The Shift Away from Rooftop Solar The Ontario government has shifted its focus to other green energy initiatives, such as large-scale solar farms and energy efficiency programs. While these efforts aim to address climate change on a broader scale, they leave individual homeowners feeling left out. "The FIT program made us feel like we were part of the solution," Sarah said. "Now, we’re just ignored." The Bigger Picture Ontario’s shift reflects a broader trend in green energy policy. Governments are moving away from small-scale initiatives in favor of larger projects that are easier to manage and more cost-effective. But for people like Sarah, this shift feels like a betrayal. "We did what they asked us to do," she said. "We believed in the green dream. But now they’ve taken it away and left us with nothing." What’s Next for Solar in Ontario? The rising cost of solar panels, combined with the lack of support for homeowners, has left many wondering if the promise of green energy was ever genuine. Critics argue the government has talked a good game about climate change but failed to deliver meaningful support for individuals who want to make a difference. "The government loves to talk about green energy," Sarah said. "But it feels like it’s all talk. Where’s the action? Where’s the help for people like me?" The dream of a solar-powered Ontario hasn’t disappeared, but for many, it feels out of reach. Homeowners who embraced the government’s vision of rooftop solar feel abandoned, stuck with costly repairs and dwindling financial benefits. If Ontario is serious about green energy, it must do more than talk. It must listen to people like Sarah Clarke and provide the support they need—not just for the future, but for the promises made in the past. Until then, the shine of Ontario’s solar promise will remain dimmed.