A resident-led community energy pilot — Ottawa
Lower energy costs. Backup power. Less confusion.
Many homeowners are interested in solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, insulation, and EV charging. Most do not know where to start. We are exploring whether neighbours can work together to get better information, better pricing, better warranties, and a simpler process.
No sales pressure. No commission. No surprises.
This project is intended to create a transparent, community-led process. The goal is not to push one vendor or one technology. The goal is to help homeowners make informed decisions together — and eventually, to make it easier to act on those decisions.
Why this matters
Ottawa homeowners face real complexity across federal, provincial, and municipal incentive programs. A neighbourhood approach can help cut through that confusion and reduce soft costs for contractors.
We are looking for residents interested in:
- Solar panels
- Battery backup during outages
- Insulation and air sealing
- Heat pumps and home electrification
- EV charging
- Better financing and warranty options
- Transparent comparison of contractor proposals
Battery backup instead of a gas generator
Many households are considering generators because of storms and power outages. A battery backup system can provide quiet, automatic emergency power without gasoline storage, engine maintenance, fumes, or noise.
Batteries are not the right answer for every home. They can be expensive. But if several households are already considering generators, a coordinated solar-plus-battery option may be worth comparing clearly and honestly.
Could roof insulation be added at the same time as solar?
When a crew is already on your roof installing solar panels, it may be practical to add insulation underneath before the panels go on. We don't yet know if this is standard practice or how much it would add to the cost — it's one of the questions we want to put to contractors as part of this process.
How the process could work
- Register interest. Share your name, email, and general location. No purchase commitment.
- Build a local cohort. Once enough nearby homes are interested, we organize an information session.
- Invite qualified contractors. Contractors are asked to provide transparent pricing, equipment options, warranty terms, and group pricing thresholds.
- Compare options openly. Residents see the trade-offs before deciding whether to proceed.
- Sign individual contracts. Each homeowner makes their own decision and signs directly with the selected contractor.
- Publish lessons learned. Results are shared so other neighbourhoods can improve the model.
Possible group targets
5 homes, 10 homes, 20 homes. Larger groups may create stronger pricing, scheduling, and procurement advantages.
What we may ask for
Upgraded equipment options, a group price reduction of around 10%, and a 10-year workmanship warranty.
What we will avoid
Hidden referral fees, exclusive backroom deals, vague savings claims, and pressure tactics.
Available incentive programs — Ottawa–Gatineau region
These programs may reduce costs. Verify eligibility directly with each program before relying on them in your planning.
- Canada Greener Homes Grant Federal
- Ontario Electricity Rebate Provincial
- Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus Utility
- Ottawa Community Energy Plan Municipal
Interested in learning more?
Register your interest. No purchase commitment. We will contact you when enough nearby homes have signed up to organize an information session.
Register your interest