Solar Panel Rebates in Canada: An Overview 2025
Solar power is gaining momentum in Canada as homeowners and businesses seek sustainable energy solutions. To support this transition, various federal and provincial programs offer financial incentives to reduce the upfront costs of solar installations.
This guide provides an overview of available solar panel rebates across Canada and outlines the steps to apply for them. Whether you're just starting to research or ready to install panels, you'll find essential insights below. Dive in now!
What Is a Solar Panel Rebate in Canada?
A solar rebate Canada is a financial incentive aimed at encouraging homeowners and businesses to install solar energy systems by reducing upfront costs.
As of 2025, both federal and provincial governments offer various solar panel incentives to support renewable energy adoption. These incentives may include grants, zero-interest loans, and tax credits, depending on the region and the type of property. For example, the federal Canada Greener Homes Loan offers up to $40,000 in zero-interest loans for eligible homeowners who complete energy audits and implement recommended upgrades, which can include solar panel installations.
Provincial and Territorial Solar Incentives in Canada
Each province and territory in Canada offers unique solar energy rebates. Below, we break down key programs available in select regions to help you understand where and how you can save.
Alberta
In Alberta, multiple cities and municipalities offer solar incentives.
Banff Solar Incentive Program: Provide a $750 per kW rebate for residential and commercial solar installations, up to a cap of 20 kW.
Edmonton’s Change Homes for Climate Solar Program: Provide $500 per kW for multi-unit residential properties, capped at $4,000 per residence and $100,000 per property owner annually.
Medicine Hat’s Solar Electric Incentive Program: Offer a $200 per kW rebate, up to $1,000, for residential installations.
Additionally, Albertans in certain municipalities can access the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP). This program offers innovative, low-interest financing that homeowners can repay through their property tax bill.
British Columbia
British Columbia encourages solar through its net metering program with BC Hydro.
For qualified residential customers, you can receive rebates of up to $5,000 on eligible grid-connected solar panels, plus an additional maximum of $5,000 for battery storage systems.
You can install solar panels or a battery, or both, to maximize the value of your project and your rebate. Customers with clean or renewable electricity generators connected to the BC Hydro distribution system can offset their usage with their own energy generation. Systems up to 27 kW qualify for a simplified net-metering application, while larger systems must follow a more detailed process.
Excess generation in any given month is credited on the customer’s electricity bill. If more energy is produced than used over a 12-month period, the net credit is cashed out at an annually set wholesale rate.
Manitoba
Despite being one of Canada's sunniest provinces, Manitoba does not offer a traditional net-metering program. Instead, Manitoba Hydro supports Customer-Owned Generation, allowing homeowners to connect small renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to the grid. The setup is simple for systems up to 10kW.
The generated power offsets household use, and any surplus is purchased by Manitoba Hydro at $0.02403 per kWh for a solar system up to 200 kW—about half the typical grid rate.
For systems over 200 kW, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is negotiated based on factors like reliability and generation type, with installations permitted up to 10 MW.
To help finance these systems, the Residential Earth Power Loan provides support for non-seasonal residential customers. Loans range from $500 to $30,000, with repayment added to the monthly energy bill. The amount is calculated at $3 per watt, with a 15-year maximum term and no down payment. The interest rate is fixed at 4.8% for the first five years, and the loan becomes due when the home is sold. It is non-transferable.
Saskatchewan
Although Saskatchewan was once a leader in solar power rebates, it now offers fewer programs. The main incentive available is SaskPower’s Net Metering Program, which allows residents, farms, and businesses to install systems up to 100 kW.
Additionally, the electricity exported to the grid earns credits at a fixed rate of 7.5 cents per kWh. These credits are applied to future bills and do not expire until the account is closed.
SaskPower also supports the agricultural sector through a Solar or Wind-powered Water Pump Grant for Farms. This grant covers 50% of the cost above $500 for systems used in livestock watering.
Ontario
Introduced in January 2025, the Home Renovation Savings Program offers Ontario homeowners rebates of up to $10,000 for eligible clean energy upgrades. This includes:
$5,000 for solar panel installations.
$5,000 for battery storage systems.
Homeowners investing in hybrid solutions like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Solar Generator (PV400W) can take full advantage of both rebates. This system combines high-efficiency 400W solar panels (up to 1.2 kW total with 3 panels) and a powerful DELTA Pro battery unit with 4,500W AC output and 9.3kWh daily generation capacity, ideal for residential use.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Solar Generator (PV400W)
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia offers one of Canada’s most robust solar support systems. The SolarHomes Rebate provides $0.60 per Watt, up to $6,000 or 25% of the total eligible cost. However, note that your solar generator system must be at least 1 kW in size to qualify. This program significantly reduces installation costs for homeowners.
Moreover, Nova Scotia also offers Enhanced Net-Metering. Customers can size systems up to 100 kW and receive credits for overproduction. These credits can be applied to future bills for 12 months, and if unused, are paid out at retail rates. This payout model is rare and favourable to homeowners.
New Brunswick
Through the Total Home Energy Savings Program, New Brunswick offers financial incentives for homeowners looking to enhance their home’s energy efficiency. For solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, the program provides a rebate ranging from $0.20 to $0.30 per Watt.
Importantly, this program isn’t limited to solar—it also supports a wide range of efficiency upgrades. In fact, completing multiple improvements can increase the rebate amount offered for your solar installation, making it more rewarding to bundle energy-saving projects.
Prince Edward Island
PEI's Solar Electric Rebate Program is among the most generous in the country. Residential homeowners can receive $1,000 per kW installed, covering up to 40% of system costs or a maximum of $10,000.
Additionally, businesses qualify for $350 per kW (up to $10,000), while farms are eligible for $1,250 per kW, up to $35,000. These high rebate levels significantly reduce the payback period for solar investments.
Québec
Quebec has robust net-metering through Hydro-Québec. Single-phase systems (common for homes) can be up to 20 kW, while three-phase systems (used in larger buildings) can go up to 50 kW. Excess energy generation is credited in kilowatt-hours and carried forward for up to two years. This flexibility allows homeowners to balance seasonal variations in solar production.
Additionally, Quebec offers the Heating with Green Power Program, which provides financial assistance to replace fossil-fuel heating systems with those using electricity or renewable energy, including solar. This further supports greenhouse gas reduction goals.
How to Apply for Solar Rebates
Now that you’ve seen the range of solar incentives offered across Canada, it’s time to learn how to take advantage of them.
Applying for rebates can vary by program, but most follow a similar process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and maximize your savings:
Check Eligibility
Review the criteria for federal, provincial, or municipal programs. Most require you to own the property, use approved equipment, and hire certified contractors.
Get an Energy Assessment
Programs like the Canada Greener Homes Loan require a pre-retrofit audit to identify energy upgrades and confirm eligibility.
Choose Eligible Upgrades
Select solar panels and any additional improvements that meet program standards. Combining upgrades may increase rebate amounts.
Hire Approved Contractor
Use installers registered with the rebate program to ensure your project meets all technical and safety requirements.
Complete the Installation
Have your solar system and any related upgrades installed. Ensure necessary permits and inspections are handled.
Collect Documentation
Keep all invoices, audit results, and agreements (e.g., Microgeneration Agreement in Alberta) required for your rebate application.
Submit Your Application
Apply through the appropriate portal or program site. Processing times vary, so check for updates and respond to requests promptly.
Conclusion
Overall, Canada offers a range of solar panel rebates and incentives to support the transition to renewable energy. By understanding the available programs and following the application steps, homeowners and businesses can significantly reduce the costs associated with solar panel installations. Embracing solar energy not only leads to long-term savings but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
FAQs
Is there a 30% tax credit for solar panels in Canada?
Yes. Canada’s Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit offers a refundable 30% tax credit on capital costs for clean energy projects, including solar panels. This incentive, available until 2034, supports residential and commercial investments, aiming to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and reduce the financial barrier to adopting solar technology.
What is the $5000 solar rebate in Canada?
The primary federal incentive is the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which offers up to $5,000 for eligible home energy upgrades, including solar panel installations. It's designed to make clean energy more accessible and reduce long-term energy costs for homeowners.
Is the Canadian government paying for solar panels?
The Canadian government doesn't fully cover the cost of solar panels, but offers financial assistance through grants and tax credits. Programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant and the 30% Investment Tax Credit significantly reduce upfront costs, making it more affordable for homeowners to invest in clean, renewable solar energy systems.