The renewable energy industry across Canada has seem some big steps in the last couple years. Check out the programs below to learn what energy programs and incentives are available federally, provincially, and municipally when planning your next solar install.
There are several Canada-wide solar power incentives including:
- Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit: A refundable tax credit of 30% on the capital costs of investments until 2034.
- The Federal tax provision for clean energy (extended until 2025): under this provision, businesses (including farms) can depreciate the cost of their solar power system at an accelerated capital cost allowance rate of 100% in the first year, exempt of the half-year rule.
- Agriculture Clean Technology Program: the Adoption Stream will provide non-repayable contributions (up to 50% of $2M) to support the adoption of clean technology by Canadian farmers and processors, to reduce carbon emissions. Find out more
- Canada Greener Homes Grant: the federal government’s Greener homes grant encourages home owners to make energy efficient updates, creates new job and grows Canada’s domestic green supply chain. Find out more
- Grants available of up to $5,000 for upgrading heaters, installing solar panels, and replacing windows and doors. EnerG
- EnerGuide Evualuations (up to $600) and expert advice
- Recruitment and training of EnerGuide Energy Advisors
- Canada Greener Homes Loan: offering interest-free financing in additional to the Canada Greener Homes Grant to help you complete some of the more major retrofits recommended by your energy advisor. Find out more
- Up to $40,000 loan, with a repayment term of 10 years interest-free
- Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program: Find out more
- Provide direct financial support to eligible renewable energy and grid modernization projects during the construction phase.
Provincial and municipal solar programs help Canadians to affordably find the means to go solar and reduce their energy bills. While not all provinces offer cost savings programs, check with your municipality to ensure you are not missing out on a local solar rebate program.
- British Columbia
Although BC does not currently have a solar rebate at the provincial level, it is the only province with a TAX exemption for all solar panels. The Alternative Energy Sources PST Exemption also covers any necessary equipment needed for installation including wiring, controllers, and inverters. The innovative clean energy fund is designed to support BC’s energy, economic and environmental priorities and to advance their clean energy sector.
Energy, Energy Conservation and the ICE Fund Tax
Summerland Net Metering Program
Residential customers are able to offset their own electricity needs each calendar year, after which the District of Summerland will purchase any excess energy that is put back onto the grid at the wholesale rate.
BC Hydro Net-Metering
Apply for this net metering program, for homeowners who over-generate power on their home. This program allows homeowners to either sell back their power to the grid or purchase power should they not be able to generate enough power for their homes.
Renewable Energy Systems Rebate
Homeowners in the RDN Electoral Areas can apply to receive a rebate on upgrading to energy-efficient technology in their homes. Homes that to not qualify for RDN Electoral Areas are the following
- Nanaimo
- Lantzville
- Parksville
- Qualicum Beach
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Alberta
Although the Residential and Commercial Solar program has ended, the province has extended funding for
Clean Energy Improvement Program
CEIP provides financing to residential and commercial property owners to cover up to 100% of project costs and makes repayments convenient through your property’s regular tax bill.
Banff Solar PV Rebates
Eligible participants install a solar PV system on their home or business, and then receive a financial rebate from the Town, based on the size of the solar system installed. The Town provides eligible participants with a rebate of $750/kilowatt (kW) of solar capacity installed, to a maximum of 20 kW
Farm Owners
Alberta Ecotrust Climate Innovation Fund Grant Program
In 2021, $425,000 is available in Calgary and $552,500 is available in Edmonton for local not-for-profits.
Clean Energy Improvement Program
This renewable energy program allows homeowners in the Alberta Municipality region, to cover the cost of upgrading your home, to produce cleaner energy. This program allows you to cover up to 100% of your project while paying it back through your property tax bill.
Clean Energy Improvement Program, is unique in that the debt of these improvements is tied to the property, not the property owner.
Light Up Alberta - Solar Club Loyalty Program
Residential, farm, and small commercial customers can sign up for the Solar Club Loyalty Program, which produces an abundance of power through their micro-generators. Members can sign up for High Export Rate and Low Export Rate.
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Manitoba
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Ontario
Ontario Net Metering Program
Net metering is a program that allows you to send your excess energy to the grid for a credit. This gives you the flexibility to receive credit when towards your power bill and still be able to use grid power, whenever you need it. These credits are valid for subsequent bills for a maximum of 12 months after receiving them.
b). Hydro Ottawa
c). Hydro One
d). Toronto Hydro
e). North Bay Hydro
Durham Greener Homes Deep Retrofit Rebate
Incentive program for homeowners reducing their Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, by a certain percentage or obtaining from EnerGuide evaluations. Incentive amounts could range from $5000 to $10,000. Incentives increase by $100, for every 1%.
Guelph Greener Homes
The city of Guelph is offering homeowners an interest-free loan to help offset GHG emissions. These loans can reach as high as $50,000, with a 10-year payback, added to the property tax bill.
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Quebec
Net Metering
This program allows customers to remain connected to the grid. They can sell back their electricity to the grid and remain on the grid whenever they require power from the grid as well.
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New Brunswick
Net Metering
The NB Power's net metering program allows customers to connect the renewable energy system to the grid. Customers are allowed to keep connected to the grid while either giving their surplus electricity back for credit or use power whenever they require it.
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Nova Scotia
Net Metering
Nova Scotia Power, Self-Generating Option
Customers using Nova Scotia Power, now have the option to use their Self-Generating program. All excess power production is banked for the next bill until year-end.
Commercial Net Metering Program
The Commercial Net Metering Program allows homeowners and businesses alike that are looking to produce their power fully. Customers can then offset excess power back into the grid, for credit or use power from the grid whenever needed.
Rebates & Incentives
Nova Scotia is offering customers renovating renewable their property to be more renewable energy fiendly with rebates. These rebates apply to different homes, non-profits, and SolarHomes Program, that install a full solar PV system and with a registered installer.
- Solar for Non-Profits Pilot
- Home Battery Pilot
- SolarHomes Program
Municipal Incentives
The Solar City program, offers property owners solar energy options such as support and guidance to choose the correct technology and system, financing options, and meeting the municipal Community Energy Plan.
Homeowners, in selected municipalities, programs with low-interest financing for solar upgrades to your home. This program provides:
- Help getting provincial and federal rebates
- Energy savings that pay for retrofits
- Simple enrollment
- And more
PACE Atlantic SwitchPACE Program
The SwitchPACE program allows for property-based financing in participating municipalities. They offer 10-year term, up to $40,000 or 25% property financing and a 5% fee.
Participating Municipalities:
- West Hants
- Colchester
- Municipality of Pictou County
- Wolfville
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PEI
Net Metering
This allows customers to supply a portion of their solar PV-generated power, and supply it back to the grid. When you sign up with Maritime Electric a second meter is installed, to measure out how much power is being fed back into the grid. You receive a credit depending on what your grid reads.
Rebates & Incentives
PEI Solar Electric Rebate Program
Applicants must be legal property owners, business owners and/or farmers, to be eligible for the program.
Homes - $1,000/kilowatt DC installed, up to 40% of installed costs, to a maximum of $10,000
Businesses - $350/kilowatt DC installed, up to 40% installed costs, to a maximum of $10,000
Farm Buildings - $1250/kilowatt DC, up to 40% of installed costs, to a maximum of $35,000
Municipal Incentives
PACE Atlantic SwitchPACE Program
The SwitchPACE Program allows for affordable financing for renewable energy upgrades to your property.
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Saskatchewan
No current financing is available in this province.
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Northwest Territories
Net Metering
Northland Utilities Limited (NUL)
This program allows homeowners to pay back into the grid with the overabundance of power their solar PV system produces. This is then turned into credit for later use and allows you to still be plugged into the grid, in case you need power.
The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC)
Residential and businesses alike can accumulate energy credits, whenever an excess of electricity is produced by their solar PV system.
Rebates & Incentives
Residents are eligible for up to $20,000 in rebate funding.
Businesses, community governments, Indigenous governments, and non-profit organizations are eligible for up to $50,000
