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2024 Update: The Change Homes for Climate Program is currently not available.

Edmonton’s Solar Grant is called the Change Homes for Climate Program and it offers $400/kW towards the cost of the system (up to a maximum of $4,000), which covers approximately 15% of the costs of going solar! Rebate stacking is allowed with Canada’s Greener Homes Grant program. Your chosen solar installer will apply for this grant on your behalf.

The Federal Government’s Canada Greener Homes Program provides a solar rebate of $1,000/kW up to a maximum of $5,000. This typically covers 30% – 40% of the cost of an average-sized solar PV system. As a homeowner, you must apply to this solar incentive program yourself (learn more).

Here’s how to get both grants!

Step 1: Apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant

Visit the Canada Greener Homes Grant website to start your application. Apply now! The wait time for approval can be several months. There is no cost to apply so why not!

Note: there is no need to apply to the City of Edmonton’s Change Homes for Climate program since the solar installer you select will typically apply on your behalf.

Step 2: Get a Pre-Retrofit Energy Assessment

The cost of this assessment is usually between $500-$600 depending on the size of your home.

  • The Greener Homes Program requires a pre-retrofit energy assessment and will provide a rebate of $400 for this assessment.
  • Edmonton’s Solar Grant also requires a pre-retrofit energy assessment.
blower door test - front door
During an energy assessment, a certified energy advisor will perform tests on your home to determine how you can save energy. As shown above, one such test is called a “blower door test” where a fan is attached to your door to negatively pressure your home. This helps determine where heat loss is occurring.

Step 3: Get 3 Solar Quotes

Each additional solar quote you receive gets you closer to finding the right price. The more quotes you see with different prices and features attached to each, the better equipped you are to make the right decision. Most people agree that it’s best practice to get a quote from at least 3 solar installers.

That’s where Glean comes in. We take the hard work out of finding, contacting and comparing quotes from different solar installers, by getting custom solar quotes from local installers on your behalf and sending them to you in an easy-to-compare format.

And the best part? Glean is completely free.

Here’s how it works

Step 4: Install Solar

Once you decide which solar installer is right for you, Glean will initiate the process of installing solar on your roof. You must pay the full cost of solar up front and then receive the following rebate amounts after you have completed step 5.

  • The Greener Homes Program provides a rebate of $1,000/kW up to a maximum of $5,000 (typically 30% – 40% of the cost of an average-sized solar PV install).
  • Edmonton’s Solar Grant provides a rebate of $400/kW (typically 15% – 20% of the cost of an average-sized solar PV install).
rooftop solar array
Rooftop solar PV is a great low-maintenance way to take advantage of Edmonton’s Solar Grant and reduce your electricity bill costs.

Step 5: Get a Post-Retrofit Energy Assessment

A post-retrofit energy assessment by a certified energy advisor is required to prove that you have completed the solar installation.

The cost of this assessment is usually between $200-$300 depending on the size of your home.

  • The Greener Homes Program requires a post-retrofit energy assessment and will provide a rebate of $200
  • Edmonton’s Solar Grant also requires a post-retrofit energy assessment.
  • An additional $85 rebate is available through the Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator (HERA) program

Conclusion

At this point, you will have completed all the steps necessary to receive:

  • A $5,000 rebate towards solar from the Canada Greener Homes Grant Program
  • A $600 rebate towards your pre and post-retrofit energy assessments from the Canada Greener Homes Grant Program
  • A rebate from Edmonton’s Solar Grant Program in the amount of 15% – 20% of the total installed cost of solar

Glean is a broker of solar quotes that was built by Canadians to make solar easier for Canadians. We provide you with 3 solar quotes, an easy-to-compare quote summary (that includes a detailed financial analysis) and a quote review call to answer your questions. Our service is free for homeowners! With Glean, there’s no back-and-forth with multiple installers. You get our unbiased opinion to help you make the best decision for you and your family!