Canadian Solar Panel Incentives by Province

Federal Programs

Canada Greener Homes Grant

• Up to $5,000 for eligible home retrofits including solar PV systems

• Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations

• Available alongside the Canada Greener Homes Loan program

Canada Greener Homes Loan

• Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 for home energy retrofits

• Repayment term of 10 years

• Can be used for solar PV installations

Tax Incentives

• Class 43.1 and 43.2 Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance: Allows businesses to write off solar equipment investments at accelerated rates

• Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expense (CRCE): Allows certain development and startup costs to be fully deducted

British Columbia

CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program

• Rebates for various energy efficiency upgrades

• Up to $6,000 in rebates for converting from fossil fuel heating to electric

• Can be combined with federal incentives

BC Hydro Net Metering

• Credits for excess electricity fed back to the grid

• Credit value set at retail rate

Municipal Programs

• Several municipalities offer property tax exemptions or permit fee reductions

Alberta

Residential and Commercial Solar Program

• Ended in 2019, but potentially replaced by newer initiatives

• Municipal programs may still be available in certain areas

Micro-Generation Regulation

• Allows connection to the grid and compensation for excess energy

• Credits typically provided at the retail rate

Edmonton Solar Rebate Program

• Rebates for installing solar PV systems within city limits

• As of last update, provided $0.40/watt up to 50% of project costs

Saskatchewan

SaskPower Net Metering Program

• Provides credit for excess generation at the same rate customers pay for electricity

• System size up to 100 kW

Renewable Energy Tax Incentives

• Sales tax exemptions on solar equipment

Manitoba

Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Solar Energy Program

• Ended previously but check for any renewed programs

• Net metering still available

Efficiency Manitoba

• Offers various energy efficiency incentives

Ontario

Net Metering Program

• Credits for surplus electricity at retail rates

• Credits can be carried forward for up to 12 months

Save on Energy Program

• Various incentives for energy efficiency upgrades

• Programs vary for residential, commercial, and industrial properties

Municipal Property Tax Exemptions

• Some municipalities offer property tax exemptions for renewable energy installations

Quebec

Hydro-Québec Net Metering Option https://www.hydroquebec.com/solar/solar-panels.html

• Credit for surplus electricity at equivalent rates

• Credits valid for 24 months

Rénoclimat Program

• Financial assistance for energy-efficient renovations

Tax Credit for the Production of Renewable Energy

• Refundable tax credit for businesses generating renewable energy

New Brunswick

Total Home Energy Savings Program

• Incentives for various energy efficiency upgrades

• Potential rebates for solar installations as part of comprehensive energy improvements

NB Power Net Metering

• Credits for excess generation at retail rates

• Credits can be carried forward for up to 12 months

Nova Scotia

SolarHomes Program

• Rebate of $0.30/watt up to 35% of eligible costs (maximum $3,000)

• Administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia

Solar Electricity for Community Buildings

• For non-profit organizations and municipalities

• Sells solar electricity to their utility through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement

Enhanced Net Metering

• Credits for excess generation that can be carried forward

Prince Edward Island

Solar Electric Rebate Program

• Rebate of $350 per kilowatt installed, up to maximum 40% of total installed costs

• Maximum rebate of $10,000

PEI Energy Efficient Equipment Rebates

• Various rebates for energy efficiency upgrades

Newfoundland and Labrador

Net Metering Policy

• Credits for excess generation

• System size up to 100 kW

Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP)

• Potential incentives for energy efficiency improvements

Yukon

Good Energy Program

• Rebate of up to $5,000 per installation

• Grid-tied systems eligible for $800/kW

• Off-grid systems eligible for $1,600/kW

Northwest Territories

Alternative Energy Technologies Program

• For residential: Up to $10,000 or 50% of eligible costs

• For commercial: Up to $50,000 or 50% of eligible costs

Nunavut

Renewable Energy Homeowner Grant Program

• Limited funding for renewable energy projects

• Check with Nunavut Energy Management Program for current offers

Important Notes

1. Program Availability: Many incentive programs operate with limited funding and may close once funds are exhausted.

2. Eligibility Requirements: Most programs have specific requirements regarding system size, installer qualifications, equipment standards, and application processes.

3. Net Metering: Available in all provinces but with different terms and conditions.

4. Municipal Incentives: Many cities and municipalities offer additional incentives not listed here.

5. Verification: Always verify current program status and details with the administering organization before making investment decisions.

Please check government website to make sure this list is up to date: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/home-energy-efficiency/canada-greener-homes-initiative/eligible-retrofits-grant-amounts

The Canada Greener Homes Initiative offers a grant for installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system (including solar panels and inverters). A solar PV system contains one or more solar panels which convert sunlight directly into electricity and typically one or more inverter and hardware components.

If you want to purchase batteries for storing the solar energy from your PV system, a portion of the cost may be eligible for climate resiliency grants.

Eligibility criteria for a solar photovoltaic system (including solar panels and inverters) grant

• All equipment must be purchased in Canada

• Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from a distributor located in Canada

• The system must be comprised of one or more PV panels and inverter(s) (if required) certified to CSA Standards

• The total system peak power capacity must be equal to or greater than 1.0 kW DC

• For a grid-connected system, a copy of the letter of approval or permission for interconnection issued by the local electrical or building authority is required

• Solar panels must be permanently mounted. They can be on the house or ground as long as they are on the property of the house associated with your application.

Additional information

• There are no national nor provincial/territorial certifications for solar PV system designers/installers. You may retain a contractor or design and install the system yourself. If you decide to implement your own retrofits, note that personal labour costs are not eligible for a grant.

• A solar PV system (including solar panels and inverters) is eligible for a grant if it is a first-time installation or if it is an addition to an existing system.

• Ensure that the solar PV system (including solar panels and inverters) is designed and installed in accordance with local building and electrical requirements.

• It is recommended that you have a qualified solar PV professional assess your home and identify it as “Solar Ready” before your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.

• For roof-top installations it is recommended that both grid-connected systems and off-grid systems, be done in accordance with SPE-900-13 Solar photovoltaic rooftop-installation best practices guideline developed by CSA.

• Building permits may be required for both off-grid and grid-connected system installations.

Renewable energy systems - Table Footnotes

Footnote 6

Grid-connected system: the solar photovoltaic system (including solar panels and inverters) is connected such that it can deliver power to a supply authority system.

Off-grid system: the solar photovoltaic system (including solar panels and inverters) delivers power solely to the home; it does not deliver power to a supply authority system.

OptionGrant amountInstall a solar photovoltaic system (including solar panels and inverters) with a capacity equal to or greater than 1.0 kW DC$1,000 per kW

Note: The grant amount is pro-rated based on the added capacity to the house; for example, if you are adding 3.5 kW PV capacity to your home, you are eligible for a $3,500 grant.