Top solar incentives, programs and rebates in Canada

Solar panels are a solid way to save on electricity bills in Canada. If high upfront costs are what stopped you from going solar, bring them down with the help of solar programs and incentives in Canada in 2024! Learn more in the article.

Canada-wide solar programs

The government has proactively promoted renewable energy sources, including solar power for a long time. Canada solar incentives and programs are in place to encourage people to make the switch to solar. Two notable initiatives, encompassing the whole country, are the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Canada Greener Homes Loan, providing financial support to homeowners for energy-efficient home improvements.

Canada Greener Homes Grant

• Residential

• Grant of $5,600

The federal government supports Canadians going solar and helps homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient and save some money from purchasing their solar systems. With the Canada Greener Homes Grant, all homeowners in Canada are eligible for a grant of up to $5,600 total: up to $5,000 for qualifying energy-efficient retrofits and up to $600 for EnerGuide evaluations. To qualify, you need to own your house and first receive an EnerGuide home evaluation.

Canada Greener Homes Loan

• Residential

• Interest-free loan up to $40,000

To make the switch even better, homeowners can also receive the Canada Greener Homes Loan. A 10-year interest-free loan from $5,000 to $40,000 is just the perfect addition to the Canada Greener Homes Grant.

On top of that, many provinces and cities offer their own incentives and rebates to further encourage the adoption of solar technology. Let’s explore the most interesting of them.

Ontario solar programs

Ontario has been one of the leaders in adopting photovoltaics and pushing solar energy incentives in Canada forward. The moderate sunlight and supportive policies make it a favorable location for solar panels. The province offers various incentives and programs to encourage solar installations.

City of Durham

• Residential

• Rebate of $5,000 – $10,000

Durham Greener Homes offers rebates from $5,000 to $10,000 for achieving 50% or greater greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Incentives increase by $100 for every 1% of greenhouse gas emissions saved over 50%.

City of Toronto

• Residential

• Low-interest loan from 3.72% to 4.29%

Home Energy Loan Program offers a loan of up to $125,000 for rooftop solar panels. You can choose from four options available: for 5 years at 3.72%, 10 years at 4.00%, 15 years at 4.27%, and 20 years at 4.29%.

City of Ottawa

• Residential

• Low-interest loan of 4.33%

Better Homes Ottawa offers low-interest, 20-year loans of either up to $125,000 or 10% of the current home value, whichever is less to cover the cost of home energy improvements. The minimum loan amount is $10,000 and the rate is fixed at 4.33%.

British Columbia solar programs

British Columbia, being a coastal area, might have milder temperatures but may experience more cloudy days. However, it offers several solar programs for both homeowners and businesses.

PST Exemption

• Both residential and commercial

• Tax exemption of 7%

British Columbia provides a 7% sales tax exemption for clean energy equipment, including solar. In other words, your panels become 7% cheaper.

RDN Electoral Area

• Residential

• Rebate of $250

RDN Renewable Energy System Program offers homeowners living in an RDN Electoral Area a $250 rebate for solar system installation. Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville and Qualicum Beach do not qualify for this rebate.

Vancity Bank

• Residential

• Low-interest loans from 0.50% to 3.0%

Vancity Bank offers its customers three low-rate Planet-Wise borrowing options for making qualifying renovation. With the frost option, you can get from $3,500 to $50,000 for up to 15 years at the rate of 0.75%. The second option offers an open-ended loan at the rate of 3.0% for $5000 and even more, depending on what you qualify for. The third gives you from
$25,000 to up to 65% of your home’s equity at the rate of 0.50%.

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Alberta solar programs

Alberta has a high solar potential due to its sunny climate – it tops the sunniest places in Canada, receiving over 300 days of sunshine a year. The province has been actively promoting renewable energy, making it a nice location for going solar. It is also home to a few of the best solar energy programs in Canada.

Alberta Clean Energy Improvement Program

• Both residential and commercial

• Low-interest loan covering up to 100% of solar project costs

Alberta offers a low-interest solar financing program, covering up to 100% of solar project costs and repaying through regular property tax bills. The program is currently available in Canmore, Edmonton, Rocky Mountain House, Devon, and others.

Many cities in Alberta also offer their own programs that can greatly support homeowners and businesses in their switch to solar. Let’s take a closer look at them.

The Town of Banff

• Both residential and commercial

• Rebate of $750/kW with a maximum of 20kW

The Town of Banff offers a post-install rebate, with funding based on the size of solar system installed. The rebate is $750/kW of solar capacity installed with a maximum of 20kW or $15,000 — one of the strongest solar rebates in Canada.

The Town of Canmore

• Both residential and commercial

• Rebate of $1,250 with a minimum system size of 3kW

The Town of Canmore offers a solar rebate program for purchasing and installing rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. The rebate is $1,250, regardless of the size of the system, with a minimum of 3kW.

The City of Medicine Hat

• Residential 

• Rebate of $200/kW with a maximum of $1,000

The Solar Electric Incentive Program offers rebates to residential utility customers for purchase and installation of solar systems, based on the size of solar system installed. The rebate is $200/kW DC of solar capacity installed with a maximum of $1,000 of 5kW.

Manitoba solar programs

Manitoba experiences a mix of weather conditions but is still a good place for solar energy. It also offers its residents a few solar programs.

Efficiency Manitoba Solar Rebate Program

• Both residential and commercial

• Rebate of $500/kW DC

Efficiency Manitoba offers rebates on solar systems for homes and businesses connected to Manitoba Hydro’s grid. The rebate is $500/kW DC installed, with a maximum of 10 kW or $5,000 for homes and 50 kW or $25,000 for businesses.

Manitoba Home Energy Efficiency Loan

• Residential

• Low-interest loan of 7.6%

Manitoba Hydro offers a convenient and affordable financing option of up to $20,000 for solar projects for 15 years. The loan rate is 7.6% for the first 5 years with monthly payments made through your energy bill.

Nova Scotia solar programs

Nova Scotia has a moderate climate with a reasonable amount of sunlight, making solar projects quite viable. The province also has several programs to encourage renewable energy adoption.

SolarHomes Program

• Residential

• Rebate of $200/kW

Efficiency Nova Scotia offers a $300/kW for solar photovoltaic systems up to 10kW or $3,000. Eligible system costs include all costs related to system equipment and installation.

Clean Energy Financing

• Residential

• Low-interest loan

The Clean Energy Financing offers low-interest loans for home upgrades, including solar. As part of the program, you can receive not only low-cost financing, but also expert advice on upgrades, help getting provincial and federal rebates, and exclusive access to the company's greenhouse gas reduction incentive.

The City of Halifax’s Solar City

• Residential

• Low-interest loan of 4.75%

Solar City offers a 4.75% fixed interest loan for 10 years. The property owner can pay the balance in full and subsequently remove the lien at any time without penalty.

New Brunswick solar programs

New Brunswick has a moderate climate and a fair number of sunny days, making solar panel installation a worthwhile investment. Incentives and programs offered by the province can also support your solar project.

NB Power Total Home Energy Savings Program

• Residential

• Rebate of $200/kW

NB Power offers a rebate of $200/kW for solar photovoltaic systems. The rebate is available through the Total Home Energy Savings Program.

NBTA Credit Union’s Greener Home Loans

• Residential

• Low-interest loan of 1%

NBTA Credit Union offers a low-interest loan to homeowners upgrading their homes to more efficient technology, including solar. The rate is as low as 1%.

Prince Edward Island solar programs

Prince Edward Island’s temperate climate makes it a good place for solar installations. The province also has quite a few initiatives supporting renewable energy development for both homeowners and businesses.

Solar Electric Rebate Program

• Both residential and commercial

• Rebate of $1,000/kW DC for homes and $350/kW DC for businesses up to $10,000

EfficiencyPEI offers financial incentives for Island homeowners, farms and businesses to install solar PV panels. The rebate is $1,000/kW DC for homes and $350/kW DC for businesses, up to 40% of installed costs and to a maximum of $10,000.

Energy Efficiency Loan Program

• Residential

• Low-interest loan of 5%

The Energy Efficiency Loan Program offers a low-interest loan for Prince Edward Island homeowners, qualifying for the Solar Electric Rebate Program. The loan amount is up to $10,000, towards 100% of invoiced costs, and the interest is 5% repayable over a period of up to 7 years.

PACE Atlantic

• Residential

• Low-interest loan of down to 0%

PACE Atlantic offers residents of West Hants, Colchester, MOPC, Stratford, Wolfville, and Charlottetown low-interest loans for solar installations. Some loans have fixed and some even 0% interest rates. The period ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on where you live. The maximum amount can be either up to $30,000 – $40,000 or 15% - 25% of the property value.

Northwest Territories solar programs

The Northwest Territories, known for being vast and remote, can also benefit from solar power to address energy challenges in these areas. Solar installations can provide a reliable and clean energy source, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the territory’s energy infrastructure.

AEA Renewable Energy Program

• Both residential and commercial

• Rebate of either 50% of the total project cost or $4,000/kW

The Arctic Energy Alliance offers a 50% rebate for renewable energy sources, including solar. The rebate is either 50% of the total eligible costs of your project or $4,000/kW, whichever is lower. Residents are eligible for up to $20,000, while businesses can receive up to $50,000.

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Yukon Territory solar programs

In Yukon, where remote locations and challenging terrains can limit traditional energy access, solar power provides a reliable and sustainable solution. Residents can enjoy solar energy to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on non-renewable sources, and save some money with solar programs available.

Renewable Energy System Rebate

• Residential

• Rebate of $800/kW to a maximum of $5,000

The Government of Yukon supports its residents going solar. They offer a rebate of $800/kW up to $5,000 for residential solar systems.

Rural Electrification and Telecommunications Program

• Residential

• Low-interest loan with a maximum of $50,000

The Government of Yukon also offers a low-interest loan that can be used to fund solar projects outside of any municipality. Funding is limited to 25% of the property assessed value with a maximum of $50,000.

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Nunavut solar programs

In Nunavut, where remote locations present unique energy challenges, solar power can save the day and family budget. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can provide your family with a reliable energy source, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and save the nature of this beautiful region.

Renewable Energy Homeowner Grant Program

• Residential

• Rebate of $200/kW

The Nunavut Housing Corporation offers a non-repayable grant of either up to 50% of total solar project costs or up to $30,000, whichever is less. Funds will be provided upon completion of system installation.

Renewable Energy Cabin Grant Program

• Residential

• Grant of $5,000

The Department of Environment’s Climate Change Secretariat offers a grant of up to $5,000 for cabin owners in Nunavut to help them offset the cost of installing a solar system on their cabin. The grant is non-repayable and only available once per cabin.

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Julia Zaraeva

Author

Years of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.

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