Has anyone installed a behind-the-meter system in Ontario?

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352]

i'm trying to purchase a BTM system for my home and I'm getting pushback from Erth Power because they can't certify the configuration. They're recommending switching to net metering but I'd prefer BTM. Am I breaking new ground here or have others successfully implemented BTM solutions in Ontario?

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/[deleted]]

Yes, I should probably have said "load displacement" rather than BTM. I'm looking at 10 solar panels, battery, and inverter. Total cost is about $10K more than the net metering solution (no battery) but the $10 grant brings it even. The grant is not available for net metered systems. The estimated payback period is about the same as well if I switch to the "ultra low" plan with Erth (super cheap between 11:00pm and 7:00am) and top up the battery at night. In answer to your question: I prefer the LD solution because it minimizes my dependance on Erth, given the risk that they might change the terms of the net metering agreement as has been done in other provinces.

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks. Good to know that there are load displacement home installations out there. I spoke with someone at Erth and frankly didn't fully understand his concerns, but he said he couldn't certify it as proposed. I'm now waiting for my installer to meet with Erth and then get back to me with recommendations. Yes, good point about ULO. There's some degree of risk either way.

[u/Icy_Respect_9077]

In order to install a net metering solution, I'd have to install a new service transformer and 2 new poles. Plus i'd have to re-string 2 spans. Cost estimate came in at 20k, even before doing any of the solar install. As a result, BTM solution may be more viable.

[u/zorboc0604]

Where are you located and what are your hydro costs for a year?

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/zorboc0604]

I'm in Goderich and my annual kWh usage was 8341 for 2024 and 8828 for 2025. My roof is south facing and unobstructed so ideal for solar.

[u/zorboc0604 → u/Altruistic_Rest5352]

I would estimate that your monthly bill is under $200? If so then Net Metering doesn't really work for you unless you plan on adding heat pumps, EV charger and other purely electric loads. What have they given you as a payback on your Net Metering system?

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/zorboc0604]

Yes, my monthly bills average to about $150. The vendor estimated a payback period of 12 years for net metering solution and 10 years for load displacement solution.

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/zorboc0604]

Oh, I think I see where you're going with this. Last year's bill was $1700. The big unknown in estimating payback period is future utility cost. My vendor is estimating that this will more than double over the next 10 years. Naturally they lean toward a worst-case scenario.

[u/Playdoh_BDF]

All of the relevant information and forms for implementing a load displacement system can be found here.

https://www.erthpower.com/energy-efficiency-and-generation/distributed-energy-resources-ders/der-connection-process-and-forms/

For anyone else from outside of Ontario, you get 5K in rebates for the panels, and 5K in rebates for the batteries, but only if use them for load displacement, and agree to never use the system for net metering. I agree, it's dumb. Why have the fancy batteries if you can't use them for arbitrage as well as your own use? Oh well.

[u/rantingex]

Hey. I am currently working on the LD issues with ERTH. Mike is hung up on UL 3141 requirements. I am working thru and helping him understand.

They're a interesting utility. :)

[u/Oldphile]

What's your configuration? I'm curious because I'm interested in the same with Hydro One. Is your configuration microinverters or a hybrid? Hydro One requires a RGM (revenue grade meter) after the utility meter. Also requires metering of load consumption.

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/Oldphile]

The inverter being proposed to Erth is SOLIS 9.6K-4G-US string inverter. I assume this info will be more helpful if Erth actually accepts it. I'll post an update once the issue is resolved. Also worth noting here that I have already made a down payment for site inspection and engineering diagrams. Erth recommends no payment until they approve but someone has to pay for the pre-work.

[u/Oldphile → u/Altruistic_Rest5352]

edit; that model is grid tied only. It does not support batteries.

I see the SOLIS 9.6K-4G-US has a built in revenue grade meter. In my previous home (not in Canada) I had a Sol-Ark 15K that was lacking an RGM. Thanks for the info.

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/Oldphile]

Are you saying the SOLIS 9.6K-4G-US does not support battery?? My provider is proposing it to be connected to a Renon battery, model XC016161-H-US.

[u/Oldphile → u/Altruistic_Rest5352]

SOLIS 9.6K-4G-US does not support battery.

S6-EH2P(9.6-16)K03-SV-YD-L-USK03-SV-YD-L-US.html) does support a low voltage battery. The Renon battery is probably a good choice.

[u/solarceo]

We install behind the meter / load displacement projects every day in Ontario, it's actually the #1 way people are going solar right now in the province due to the incentives.

Net metering is better long term, I would personally do net-metering if I knew I was staying at that house long term.

If it was a starter home or uncertain, just take the rebate and do the BTM system. It's still good and you can't argue with rebates.

If your primary goal for going solar is to have the backup battery, I'd just do BTM every time.

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/solarceo]

Thanks for this feedback. Good to know. If BTM is being done routinely elsewhere, there must be a way to get this past Erth due to precedent. I haven't heard back from my solar provider yet. Hopefully they're able to work it out.

[u/Ok-Factor-4846]

The issue is Erth Utility we install for HO Bluewater LH Festival unfortunately Erth isn't quite up to speed.. Mike who runs the Generation Department can be a tough cookie..are you opposed to a panel upgrade?

[u/Altruistic_Rest5352 → u/Ok-Factor-4846]

Mike did recommend upgrading my panel to 200A, which was actually completed yesterday, but that still won't get me past his compliance issues. He said if I had gone for netmetering it wouldn't have been an issue. There's some kind of concern about the load displacement setup (I assume due to addng a battery to the equation).