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 Loan: offering interest-free financing to help you complete some of the more major retrofits recommended by your energy advisor. Find out more

1. Up to $40,000 loan, with a repayment term of 10 years interest-free 

• Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program: Find out more

1. 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.

Embrace Renewable Energy in Alberta with HERA and Solar Incentives

In Edmonton, there is a program available called the Edmonton’s Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator Program  that grants $0.40 per watt for the installation of solar energy systems. This incentive covers approximately 15% of the total initial expense associated with transitioning to solar power.

Go Solar and Save with Banff's PV Rebates

The Town of Banff provides eligible participants with a rebate of $750/kilowatt (kW) of solar capacity installed, to a maximum of 20 kW. 

Harness the Power of the Sun with the Solar Offset Program in Alberta

The Solar Offset program is one of the local incentives available to homeowners and landlords in Alberta. This program allows participants to offset their electricity usage by installing solar panels and selling their excess energy back to the grid. 

Light Up Alberta – Solar Club Loyalty Program

The Solar Club offers more advantageous and flexible rates for selling excess energy and provides a 2.0% cash back on annually imported electricity from the grid. Members have the option to switch between a high-export rate of 30.00 ¢/kWh when exporting exceeds importing and a low-export rate of 12.50 ¢/kWh during cloudier months when importing surpasses exporting.

Going Green in Edmonton Can Benefit Your Wallet and the World

Homeowners in Edmonton are provided with a financial incentive of $0.40 per watt, up to a maximum of $4,000, to offset the expenses associated with installing solar energy systems. 

Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP): Paving the Way for Clean Energy in Alberta

The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) aims to support and promote clean energy initiatives by offering a convenient and accessible way to finance energy-related projects. Through CEIP, property owners can secure financing that covers up to 100% of the project costs.

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.

Medicine Hat’s Solar Electric Incentive Program

Medicine Hat’s Solar Electric Incentive Program provides incentives to residents who install solar PV systems, with the number of rebates dependent on the system's wattage. To qualify, individuals need to have City of Medicine Hat residential electric utility statement on their name and fulfill specific requirements. Installation must be conducted by certified professionals using CSA or ULC approved components. Any deviations from the approved system size require permission from the city, and rebates are calculated at $0.20 per DC watt, with a maximum of $1,000. If the DC capacity exceeds 150% of the inverter AC capacity, a written justification is necessary, and funding is subject to the discretion of HAT Smart.

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 Learn more

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. Learn more

The Regional District of Nanaimo Renewable Energy Systems Rebate

The Regional District of Nanaimo Renewable Energy Systems Rebate varying between $250 to $650, for the installation of renewable energy systems such as solar photovoltaic (PV), solar, geothermal, or wind systems. These incentives are subject to meeting particular criteria and
certifications as detailed in the terms and conditions of the program. Eligibility residents should reside within the Regional District of Nanaimo's Electoral Area, with exceptions for those in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, and Qualicum Beach.

Net Metering

Net metering is a renewable energy program offered to electricity users in Ontario. It is available to businesses and homeowners who generate energy equal to or less than 500 kWh.

Solar Tax Credit Ontario

The government of Canada has proposed a refundable tax credit on capital investments in solar panels, low-carbon heating equipment, and stationary electricity storage systems. The tax credit is set at 30% of the total installation cost

Home Efficiency Rebate Plus

Enbridge Gas has prolonged its Home Efficiency Rebate Plus initiative until 2027, offering grants of up to $10,000 to support homeowners in conserving energy and cutting costs. Collaborating with the Greener Homes Grant, this program encompasses a range of enhancements such as air sealing, heating systems, insulation, windows, smart thermostats, and weatherproofing. Additionally, solar panel installations qualify for rebates of up to $5,000.until 2032. After 2032, the credit amount gradually decreases to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

Durham Greener Homes Deep Retrofit Rebate

Durham Greener Homes Deep Retrofit Rebate offers incentives for residents who significantly retrofit their homes to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50%. This program requires both pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations. Incentives range from $2,500 to $5,000, with additional bonuses of $50 for every 1% reduction in energy use beyond the 50%.

Town of Whitby - Durham Deep Retrofit Rebate Bonus

Residents of Whitby, ON can take advantage of a bonus rebate that matches the value of the Durham Region Deep Retrofit Rebate, essentially doubling the amount of the rebate for eligible solar installations. Learn More

Ottawa DER Large Solar PV Funding Incentive

Through the Save On Energy Retrofit program, businesses in Ottawa can be eligible for an incentive on the installation of large solar systems. The value of the incentive is $860 per kW AC (min generation capacity of 50 kW and max incentive is capped at 1,000 kW). The solar systems are intended for load displacement so the size of the solar panel array cannot exceed the maximum load of the facility. Learn More

IESO Local Initiatives Retrofit Regional Adders

To further encourage the installation of solar retrofit systems, certain areas of Ontario are eligible for additional incentives through the Save On Energy program. For a complete list of eligible regions by postal code, click here for full details.

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 

Manitoba Hydro Net-Billing

If your generator, which is under 100 kW, produces more energy than you use, you have the opportunity to sell the surplus energy back to the grid. The current excess energy price is $0.06546 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) until March 31, 2024, and it is adjusted annually to mirror market trends. This price is distinct from standard electricity rates as it doesn't encompass service expenses such as transmission, circulation, customer service, security, and emergency restoration. Consequently, it is subject to yearly changes influenced by the market conditions for surplus energy. (Manitoba Hydro Net-Billing)

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. Learn more

The Solar Homes Program is administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia.  

SolarHomes Rebates

Efficiency Nova Scotia's SolarHomes rebate program is open to all Nova Scotia homeowners. With support from Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as from the Government of Nova Scotia, this program offers homeowners with eligible solar PV systems a $0.30 per Watt rebate up to a maximum of $3000. Estimated value of this rebate for most solar installations is about 16% of the total system cost. Learn more

Home Battery Pilot

Efficiency Nova Scotia's Home Battery Pilot is presenting time-limited rewards for qualified solar customers interested in home battery energy storage systems. These incentives are available when combined with a solar PV system and installed by accredited installers.

Solar for Non-Profits Pilot

Efficiency Nova Scotia's Solar for Non-Profits Pilot is offering time-limited incentives for solar PV systems up to 25kW for eligible organizations. To be eligible for this incentive, applicants must prove they are an actively registered non-profit or charity for a minimum of 12 months.

NS Power-Self Generating Option

Nova Scotia Power customers have the option to self-generate renewable energy by installing generators such as solar or wind, with a capacity of up to 27 kilowatts, using their home or business meter. No application is required for this option. Regular monthly fees still apply. If you consume more than usual, you'll be billed at the standard rate, while any excess energy produced is stored for future use, accumulating credits until the end of the year. Any surplus at the end of the year is credited against your annual usage by NS Power. Learn More

NS Power-Commercial Net Metering Program

The Commercial Net Metering Program offered by NS Power enables customers to produce renewable electricity, which can potentially offset their energy consumption and supply any excess back into the grid. This program allows the utilization of various renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydro. Any surplus energy generated is stored for future billing periods. Generators eligible for this program must have a capacity ranging from 27 kWac to 1,000 kWac or 200 kWac, depending on specific criteria. Learn More

Solar Electric Rebate Program

Efficiency PEI’s Solar Electric Rebate Program provides incentives for Island homeowners ($1,000/kilowatt DC installed, up to 40% of installed costs, to a maximum of $10,000), farms ($1250/kilowatt DC, up to 40% of installed costs, to a maximum of $35,000) and businesses ($350/kilowatt DC installed, up to 40% of installed costs, to a maximum of $10,000) to install solar PV panels. Learn More

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. 

Arctic Energy Alliance Electric Vehicle Rebates

Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) offers a Electric Vehicle rebates in the Northwest Territories (NWT) to reduce the costs associated with purchasing and running a variety of electric vehicles (EVs). This includes a $500.00 incentive for the purchase and setup of Level 2 EV charging stations intended for residential use. Learn More

Arctic Energy Alliance Renewable Energy Rebates

The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) extends financial support for diverse renewable energy endeavors, including solar installations. This assistance is accessible to residents, businesses, organizations, and communities in the NWT. Projects must be completed, and documents submitted by March 10, 2024. Residents are eligible for rebates up to $20,000, while businesses, community governments, Indigenous governments, and non-profits could qualify for rebates reaching $50,000, covering 50% of eligible project expenses. It's noteworthy that AEA no longer offers rebates for grid-connected renewable electricity projects in hydro communities. However, residents in these regions can still explore renewable electricity systems through Net Metering services provided by Northland Utilities and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. Learn More

Good Energy Yukon 

Yukon's Good Energy initiative provides rebates for residential renewable energy systems utilizing solar PV, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal sources. To qualify, grid-tied systems must be enrolled in the micro-generation program and obtain approval from the Energy Branch. Off-grid users need to acquire an electrical permit. Government entities and crown corporations are excluded from participation. Eligible participants can receive $800 per kilowatt of generating capacity, with an annual cap of $5,000 per system. Those enrolled in the Rural Electrification and Telecommunications (RET) program will automatically have this rebate applied to their funding. Learn More

Renewable Energy Cabin Grant

The Renewable Energy Cabin Grant, provided by the Department of Environment's Climate Change Secretariat (CCS), offers a single, non-repayable grant to cabin owners in Nunavut to assist in the implementation of renewable energy systems. Eligible candidates must be residents of Nunavut, aged at least 19, and can apply for the grant once per cabin. The systems approved for the grant must be CSA-certified and can include solar electric, wind, and relevant battery systems. The grant covers expenses of up to $5,000 per cabin, and recipients have one year to finalize the installation post-approval. All purchases and installations must occur following the approval of the grant, and recipients are required to provide receipts and installation photographs to CCS.

Renewable Energy Homeowner Grant Program

The Renewable Energy Homeowner Grant Program enables homeowners to request a non-refundable grant that can cover up to half of the project expenses, with a cap set at $30,000. Applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and decisions are typically communicated within 30 days of submission. Once the system is installed in accordance with QEC's approval timeline, recipients are required to furnish the Nunavut Housing Corporation with full payment receipts and photographs of the installed components, such as the solar panel array, bi-directional meter, and any batteries and charge controllers if applicable. Throughout the application process, NHC staff are available to provide assistance and clarification.

Newfoundland and Labrador Green Technology Tax Credit

The Newfoundland and Labrador Green Technology Tax Credit provides a 20% tax credit to Canadian-controlled private corporations across Canada who invest in equipment promoting environmentally friendly practices like energy conservation, clean energy generation, and efficient fossil fuel usage. This credit is determined by the capital cost of eligible assets utilized in provincial business operations, with a maximum annual credit capped at $1 million, of which 40% is refundable. Any unused credits can be applied to tax liabilities from the past three years or carried forward for up to 20 years, except for tax years ending before April 7, 2022.