Solar Rebates & Incentives Available in Canada
Canada offers a variety of government programs and financial incentives to encourage the adoption of solar energy, with specific initiatives varying by province and territory. Below is an updated breakdown of available solar incentives across Canada. Below is a breakdown by province:
Federal Solar Rebates & Incentives:
• Canada Greener Homes Loan: Offers interest-free loans up to $40,000 for homeowners undertaking energy-efficient retrofits, including solar panel installations.
• Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit: Provides a 30% refundable tax credit for businesses investing in clean technologies like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage.
Provincial and Territorial Solar Rebates & Incentives:
British Columbia:
• BC Hydro Rebates: Up to $5,000 for solar PV installations ($1,000 per kW) and up to $5,000 for battery storage systems ($500 per kWh).
• PST Exemption: Provincial Sales Tax exemption on the purchase of renewable energy equipment, including solar panels.
• Regional District of Nanaimo Renewable Energy System Incentive: Homeowners in unincorporated areas can receive up to $250 for installing renewable energy systems like solar PV.
Alberta:
• Banff Solar Production Incentive: Offers $750 per kilowatt (kW) installed, up to a maximum of 20 kW.
• Edmonton Change Homes for Climate Solar Program: Provides multi-unit residential property owners with $0.50 per watt towards the cost of a solar energy system, with a maximum rebate of $4,000 per dwelling and up to $100,000 per property owner each year.
Saskatchewan:
• Saskatoon Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): Offers homeowners low-interest financing between $1,000 and $60,000 for energy-efficient upgrades, including solar panel installations, repayable via property taxes over terms of 5, 10, or 20 years.
Manitoba:
• Efficiency Manitoba Solar Rebate: Provides $500 per kW for residential solar installations, up to a maximum of 10 kW or $5,000.
• Manitoba Hydro Home Energy Efficiency Loan: Offers financing up to $20,000 at 6.20% interest for solar projects, with a maximum repayment term of 15 years, repaid monthly through hydro bills.
Ontario:
• Home Renovation Savings Program: Provides rebates for rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems, up to $5,000 each.
• Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP): Offers up to $125,000 in low-interest financing for home energy improvements, including solar panels, repayable via property taxes.
• Ottawa Better Homes Loan Program (BHOLP): Provides low-interest loans up to $125,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, including solar installations, with a fixed interest rate of 4.33% over 20 years.
Quebec:
• Currently, there are no specific provincial solar incentives available.
New Brunswick:
• Total Home Energy Savings Program (THESP): Offers rebates of $200 per kW for solar PV installations, up to a maximum of $3,000, provided installations comply with NB Power’s net metering regulations.
Nova Scotia:
• SolarHomes Program: Provides homeowners with rebates of $300 per kW, capped at $3,000, for approved solar PV systems.
• Home Battery Pilot: Offers rebates of $300 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of installed energy storage capacity, up to $2,500.
Prince Edward Island:
• Solar Electric Rebate Program: Offers $1,000 per kW installed for residential installations, up to 40% of installed costs or $10,000.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
• Currently, there are no specific provincial solar incentives available.
Yukon:
• Rural Electrification and Telecommunications (RET) Program: Provides financing up to 25% of a property’s assessed value, to a maximum of $50,000, for renewable energy installations like solar panels.
Northwest Territories:
• Arctic Energy Alliance Renewable Energy Program: Offers rebates of $400 per kW, or up to 50% of project costs (whichever is lower), with a maximum of $20,000 for residents and $50,000 for businesses and other organizations.
Nunavut:
• Renewable Energy Home Improvements Program: Provides 50% rebates up to $30,000 for homeowners installing renewable energy systems, including solar panels.
• Renewable Energy Cabin Improvements Program: Offers rebates up to $5,000 for renewable energy improvements on cabins, including PV systems.
Please note that program availability and details can change. It’s advisable to consult official government sources or local utility providers for the most current information before proceeding with any installations.
| Province/Territory | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | Canada Greener Homes Loan | Interest-free loan up to $40,000 for energy-efficient retrofits |
| British Columbia | BC Hydro Rebates\nPST Exemption\nRDN Renewable Energy System Incentive | Up to $5,000 for solar PV and $5,000 for battery storage\nPST exemption on renewable energy equipment\nUp to $250 for renewable energy installations |
| Alberta | Banff Solar Production Incentive\nEdmonton Solar Program | $750 per kW installed, max 20 kW\n$0.50 per watt, max $4,000/dwelling, $100,000/owner annually |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatoon HELP | Low-interest loans $1,000–$60,000 repayable via property taxes |
| Manitoba | Efficiency Manitoba Rebate\nManitoba Hydro Loan | $500/kW up to 10 kW ($5,000 max)\nUp to $20,000 at 6.20% interest over 15 years |
| Ontario | Home Renovation Savings\nToronto HELP\nOttawa BHOLP | Up to $5,000 each for solar panels and battery storage\nLow-interest loans up to $125,000 repayable via property taxes\nLoans up to $125,000 at 4.33% interest over 20 years |
| Quebec | None | No provincial incentives available |
| New Brunswick | THESP | $200/kW up to $3,000, must meet NB Power regulations |
| Nova Scotia | SolarHomes\nHome Battery Pilot | $300/kW up to $3,000 for approved solar PV systems\n$300/kWh for storage, max $2,500 |
| Prince Edward Island | Solar Electric Rebate Program | $1,000/kW up to 40% of cost or $10,000 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | None | No provincial incentives available |
| Yukon | RET Program | Financing up to 25% of property value, max $50,000 |
| Northwest Territories | Arctic Energy Alliance | $400/kW or 50% of costs, max $20,000 (residents), $50,000 (businesses) |
| Nunavut | Renewable Energy Home Improvements\nCabin Improvements Program | 50% rebates up to $30,000 for homeowners\nUp to $5,000 for cabin energy improvements |