The popularity of solar is skyrocketing in Canada! Declining installation costs, increasing energy costs and Canadian solar panel incentives are just some of the contributing factors. The decision to go solar makes sense in most of Canada whether it’s for financial or environmental reasons.
Canada also has some unique factors that make it a great location for an investment in solar such as:
- Most provinces have a great solar resource (see solar potential map)
- All homeowners can use the Federal greener homes interest-free loan
- Some municipalities offer an additional grant and/or loan
For more information on each of these great reasons to get solar read on!
(Updated: September 2024)
Federal Canada Greener Homes Program
The Greener Homes Program requires that homeowners get two EnerGuide evaluations. One before installing solar panels and one after. A pre-solar EnerGuide evaluation typically costs $400-$600 depending on the size and location of your home. This evaluation analyzes how your home uses, wastes and creates energy. The post-solar evaluation typically costs $200-$300.
Greener Homes Loan
As of September 2024, The Greener Homes Loan program is still open! It offers a 10-year interest-free personal loan up to a maximum of $40,000. Please see our 10-Step guide to Canada’s interest free solar loan for more information on how to get started.
Alberta Solar Incentives
The Solar Club™
All Canadian solar panel incentives don’t have to come in the form of grants or rebates. The Solar Club™ is a non-government program that improves energy cost savings for owners of solar PV. Solar Club™ members can switch between a high electricity rate and a low electricity rate depending on seasonal variations in Solar energy production. In the summer, you are a net exporter of electricity to the grid so you use the high electricity rate to maximize the value of that electricity you sell to the grid. In the winter, you are a net importer of electricity so you drop down to the low electricity rate to minimize the cost of the electricity you are buying from the grid. The difference between the two situations can significantly improve the financials of an investment in solar panels.
Please see our Solar Club™ Info Page for more information and to see a list of energy retailers that offer it.
The Clean Energy Improvement Program
The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) allows property owners to finance energy efficiency projects and solar PV installations. CEIP financing is tied to the property, not the property owner. Therefore, if the property is sold, the new owner takes on the payments.
CEIP funding requires a pre and post-retrofit energy assessment in the same way as the Greener Homes Grant. CEIP funding can be combined with the Greener Homes Grant Program.
Edmonton’s Change Homes for Climate Rebate
The City of Edmonton is offering a rebate for multi-unit residential properties with at least 4 permitted units/dwellings to install solar energy on their roof. Eligible property owners would receive $0.50/watt up to a maximum of $4,000 per dwelling and a maximum of $100,000 total rebate per property owner per calendar year. Applications open on July 2, 2024 and solar installations must be completed by December 16, 2024.
Town of Banff Solar PV Rebate
Home and commercial property owners in Banff can apply for a rebate of $0.75/Watt for solar PV between 2 kW and 20 kW. This program does not require energy assessments. Eligible participants should install solar then submit documentation to the Town of Banff that demonstrates the solar PV system has been installed and is generating renewable electricity.
B.C. Solar Incentives
BC Hydro Rebate
BC Hydro is offering a $5,000 rebate towards grid-connected solar panels ($1,000 per kW) and an additional $5,000 for battery storage systems ($500 per kWh). Rebates may be combined with funding received from other third party funders; however, the total rebate payment when combined with third party funding cannot exceed the total project cost (including labour and materials). Rebate applications will be reviewed and processed for payment after the project is complete and fully installed. Eligible Customers may apply online using their myHydro account.
BC Hydro Self Generation
BC Hydro’s self-generation program (previously named “net metering”) is for homeowners who want to reduce their electricity bills with solar panels. Under this program, when a homeowner generates more electricity from solar panels than their home needs, it is sent to the grid for a credit. When less electricity is generated by the solar panels than the home needs, the credit is used up. Any excess credit left over at the end of a billing cycle will carry over to future bills.
Always get 3 quotes!
Regardless of whether you plan to use one of the above incentives or not, the only way to ensure that you are getting the best solar panel installation for the best price is to compare multiple solar panel quotes. Unfortunately, these Canadian solar panel incentives have attracted some shady solar panel sales companies that attempt to convince homeowners to sign contracts after seeing only 1 quote. Please make sure you do your research and get several solar panel quotes. If you’d like help reviewing quotes you already have or getting some new quotes, we are always here to help and provide our unbased perspective.
What is Glean?
Glean is a broker of solar quotes. We are partnered with more than 15 of the best solar installers in Alberta that we have verified and vetted. 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 questions. Our service is free because we collect a service fee from the installer whose quote is chosen.
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