Are there any Government incentives available for solar?

There is currently a nation-wide solar incentive offered by the Federal Government for eligible homes that are planning to convert to solar energy. Qualified homeowners can receive up to $5,000 as a rebate and up to $40,000 in financing at 0% interest over 10 years.

Grant Details

Maximum: $5,000

Minimum: $125

In order to qualify for this grant you must first complete an energy assessment from one of the Government's approved list. They will come to your house and determine the energy efficiency of your home. They will then create a report based on these findings and give your home an energy score. Once you have this report, you can apply for your 0% loan through the Canada Greener Homes Program, or begin installation.

Once the installation is complete, you will schedule another energy assesment just as before. This post-assessment is to determine the change in efficiency from installing the solar panels, and upgrading your home's energy score. Once the second report is in, you can submit the documents to your profile on the CGHP website and the Federal Government will send you $125-$5,000. The rebate differs because it is applicable for many home improvements. In relation to solar, as long as your system size is above 5kW, you will qualify for the full $5,000.

There is a cost to schedule the pre- and post- energy assesments. this differs based on provinces. It can cost $300 - $800 for both. The Government will reimburse up to $600 once the process is complete (ie. you will receive $5,600 in total at the end).

Loan details

Maximum: $40,000

Minimum: $5,000

Repayment term: 10 years, interest-free

Loan type: Unsecured personal loan on approved credit

Eligibility

There are a few eligibility requirements to meet before applying for the loan:

You must be eligible for and apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant or the equivalent provincial program

You must be a Canadian homeowner, and your home must be your primary residence

You have completed a pre-retrofit evaluation of your home dated April 1, 2020, or later

You have a good credit history and aren’t under:

• a consumer proposal.

• an orderly payment of debt program.

• a bankruptcy or equivalent insolvency proceeding.

In order to apply for this 0% loan, you must first begin the process of applying for the $5,000 grant. Once you have completed your first energy assesment and have your report, you can then sign in to your profile on the CGHP website and submit a quote from your solar installer and apply for the loan. You can request up to 15% upfront to pay to the contractor, as a deposit. The remainder will be sent to you upon successful completion of the installation and the second energy assessment,

This process can take a few months. You can either begin the process in advance, or begin looking for quotes with solar companies first. Once you decide to move forward with an experienced and reputable installer, they will be able to help you through the CGHP application process to get you approved for all available incentives.

If you'd like to learn more, you can visit the Government's site for the program. Please keep in mind that for Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia residents, you have a separate link that you must apply through once you begin. All links can be found at this website:

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/homes/canada-greener-homes-initiative/24831