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:
- 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.
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
HAT Smart 2021 Residential Incentive Program
$1.00 per watt installed, to a maximum of $6,000.
Edmonton Solar PV Incentive Program
The City is offering Edmonton homeowners $0.40/watt towards the cost of the system, which covers approximately 15% of the costs of going solar. Newly constructed homes and residential buildings are also eligible for a City of Edmonton rebate of $0.30/watt.
Canmore Solar PV Incentive Program
A limited number of solar incentives of $1,250 are available to residents and businesses to help offset the cost of purchasing and installing a solar electric system in Canmore.
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.
Solar for Schools Program
Receive funding to install solar on schools to generate power, teach students about renewable energy, and reduce your environmental impact. Funding is available until April 30, 2022.
Manitoba
Solar Rebate Program
Efficiency Manitoba has recently announced their new rebates on solar PV systems for homes and business connected to their Hydro Grid:
- For your home: Receive up to $5,000 in rebates, $0.50 per DC watt installed, up to a maximum of 10kW and $5,000 per home
- For your business: Receive up to $25,000 in rebates, $0.50 per DC Watt installed on businesses, up to a maximum of 50 kW and $25,000 per building
Ontario
The GreenON Solar Rebate Program has ended and there are currently no provincial rebate programs offered in Ontario.
Quebec
The largest solar incentive in Quebec is the RenoVert Tax Credit.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick has several programs currently available:
Total Home Enegy Savings Program (THESP)
The Total Home Energy Savings Program (THESP) offered by Energy NB Power is one of the most comprehensive energy incentive programs in all of Canada.
Plug-In NB
Electric Vehicle rebates are available to individuals who purchase or lease a qualifying new or used electrical vehicle are eligible to receive a rebate on both the purchase of the vehicle and the installation of a home chargin station.
Nova Scotia
The Solar Homes Program is administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia.
Low Carbon Communities Program
Supports community-led, innovative solutions to create long-lasting greenhouse gas reductions. Project funding categories include building effiency, clean electricity, clean transportation, and education. Low Carbon Communities funding will cover up to 75% of the total project cost.
PEI
Efficiency PEI’s Solar Electric Rebate Program provides incentives for Island homeowners, farms and businesses to install solar PV panels.
Saskatchewan
SaskPower Net Metering Program allows you to install a solar PV system which will generate energy to decrease your monthly power bill and receive credits for excess power generated. You'll receive 7.5 ¢/kWh (instead of the standard retail rate) for any excess power you use and provide back onto the SaskPower power grid.
Northwest Territories
The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) provides funding for renewable energy such as solar, wind, wood pellet heating, biofuel/synthetic gas and ground source heat pumps. Residents are eligible for up to $20,000 in rebate funding, while businesses, community governments, indigenous governments and non-profit organizations are eligible for up to $50,000.
