Solar Leads in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador's solar market is the newest frontier for residential solar in Canada, driven by the province's evolving energy landscape and the transformative impact of the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project on electricity rates. Historically low electricity rates in the province had dampened solar interest, but the cost overruns associated with Muskrat Falls are expected to significantly increase household electricity costs, fundamentally changing the economics of residential solar for NL homeowners.

The province's solar resource varies significantly by region. Labrador communities receive strong sun hours comparable to the prairies — Happy Valley-Goose Bay receives approximately 1,200 peak sun hours annually — while the island of Newfoundland receives somewhat less due to greater cloud cover, fog, and precipitation. St. John's, with its famously foggy climate, receives approximately 1,000 peak sun hours, which is lower than many Canadian cities but still sufficient for meaningful solar generation, particularly during the province's long summer days from May through August.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro's net metering programme allows homeowners to receive credits for excess solar generation, and the programme has been available since the early 2010s. The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant provides additional financial support. As rate increases materialise, solar installers who have established early market presence in the province will be well positioned to capture growing demand. DashLeads generates verified solar leads from NL homeowners who are proactively researching solar options in anticipation of rising energy costs, delivering them in real time with property details and energy consumption data.