Why we’re launching the Home Solar Accelerator

I’m one of the few people in Toronto who went solar last year. I’ve been obsessed with the tech since living in a solar-powered homestead on the Mekong River 15 years ago. Last year, I was already knee-deep in a renovation that included heat pumps and a new roof. I work for a climate org, and my nerdy industry friends made me custom spreadsheets.  

And it was still painful. If someone like me barely made it through the process, how are we expecting the average homeowner to follow through? 

Of the 400,000 low-rise homes in Toronto, only 1,500-2,500 rooftops in the city have solar panels. The GTHA has similarly low numbers, estimated at well below 1%.  

The low rate of solar adoption is a problem given Ontario’s growing electricity needs. The provincial grid is getting dirtier at exactly the moment it needs to get cleaner. And rooftop solar is the fastest way to add clean capacity without waiting for costly utility-scale projects. 

Why solar? The benefits go far beyond emissions.

1. Solar can be built faster than large power plants

Conventional utility‑scale generation takes many years (even decades) to plan, approve, and construct. Rooftop solar can be installed in weeks. It scales quickly, neighbourhood by neighbourhood, keeping pace with local population growth and incremental demand. In a period where Ontario needs new supply urgently, speed matters.

2. Solar reduces pressure on transmission and distribution systems

Every kilowatt-hour generated on a rooftop is one that doesn’t need to travel long distances across expensive infrastructure. Distributed solar helps defer costly system upgrades by generating electricity where it is needed, easing the burden on the transmission and distribution network. That means savings for ratepayers and a more efficient grid overall.

3. Solar improves community resilience

Extreme weather—heat waves, floods, wildfires, and storms—is becoming more frequent. Local generation reduces reliance on long‑distance power lines that are vulnerable to disruption. When paired with battery storage, rooftop solar can help keep essential loads running during outages, strengthening neighbourhood‑level resilience.

4. Solar empowers households to participate in the energy transition 

Many people want to take climate action but feel stuck. Going solar empowers homeowners to generate their own energy and join a larger movement toward distributed local energy. Solar also triggers other household decisions to reduce emissions; the business case improves when solar is paired with other home electrification measures and energy efficiency.  

So why isn’t everyone going solar? 

While the costs have gone down significantly, the upfront capital is a huge barrier for most people. And even for those who can get financing or pay up front, the process of getting connected in Ontario is harder than it should be. There are currently no attractive incentives available, and homeowners face confusing rules, financial and technical complexity, and a lack of trusted guidance. Don’t even get us started on access for renters and multi-family buildings (TAF’s usual focus) — the regulatory environment is currently prohibitive. 

At TAF, we see rooftop solar and home storage as a critical part of the solution, but many interested homeowners face unnecessary barriers. That’s why we’re launching the Home Solar Accelerator: a free, non‑profit service that helps GTHA residents navigate the entire solar journey with confidence. 

TAF is working on both sides of the problem to help scale solar and storage

Behind the scenes, we collaborate with municipalities, utilities, and provincial policymakers to advocate for: 

• Streamlined permitting and interconnection
• More consistent rules and fees across regions
• Better user experience for homeowners and contractors
• A regulatory environment that supports distributed energy
• A fairer system where renters can participate 

We’re meeting all kinds of innovative and motivated people within these institutions who are making great progress. But system change takes time, and we need more solar now. 

Enter the Home Solar Accelerator! 

TAF’s program offers free, personalized, end‑to‑end support from a dedicated advisor who guides homeowners through assessment and a quote comparison from three high-quality installers. Our goal is to enable at least 1,000 rooftop solar systems, or over 8 megawatts of clean, local power installed across the GTHA in four years. From there, we aim to see solar and storage scale even further. 

Ontario needs more electricity. Let’s build it in a way that benefits our neighbours.  Sign up here to get the exclusive scoop on the Home Solar Accelerator on launch day.  

An update on my solar journey: Once our project got connected, it was smooth sailing. I finally get to live-monitor my panels like I’ve dreamed about for over a decade. Now, if I could only understand my utility bill…

Photos from my 7.6 kW system in Little Portugal, Toronto, June 2025.