What Is the Manitoba Solar Rebate, and How Much Can I Get?
The Manitoba solar rebate can make renewable energy investments more accessible and affordable for home and business owners. These substantial financial incentives offset the up-front costs so purchasers can make back their investment in energy savings faster.
Whether you’re interested in solar to lower your energy bills or preserve the Earth’s finite natural resources, understanding how the Manitoba solar rebate works will help you maximize your savings.
What Is the Manitoba Solar Rebate?
The Manitoba solar rebate is a solar incentive offered through Efficiency Manitoba, the province’s governmental agency that promotes conservation and energy efficiency. The rebate program encourages investment in solar energy by providing a direct rebate based on the capacity and size of any installed solar PV system.
The rebate aims to help manage energy costs for residents while supporting the province’s wider climate change and renewable energy goals. Solar equipment can be expensive, but if you’re eligible and apply for the rebate, you can recover a meaningful portion of the initial investment faster via the money you save on monthly electricity bills.
Other potential incentives for Manitoba residents include the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC), providing a credit of up to 30% of the capital cost of solar investments.
How Does It Work?
The rebate uses a watt-based incentive structure; your refund is calculated based on your system’s total capacity. The capacity is measured in watts of DC electricity generated, with $0.50 offered per watt installed.
To qualify for this incentive, you must meet certain minimum and maximum thresholds. Your system must have a generation capacity of at least 1 kW, but you can only earn an incentive up to $5,000 or 50% of the total cost, whichever is less.
You’ll install your system, submit the required documentation and information, and wait while Efficiency Manitoba reviews the application. Approved applicants will receive a lump-sum payment.
The rebate won’t impact the price you’ll pay for the initial equipment or installation, so it’s vital that you can manage to pay the full amount in your budget. You’ll receive the rebate afterward, helping you recoup the costs you’ve already paid.
Who Is Eligible for the Manitoba Solar Rebate?
The Manitoba solar rebate’s eligibility includes a wide range of potential participants:
Homeowners
Small and medium-sized businesses
Non-profit organizations
Municipalities
Indigenous communities
Farms and agricultural operations
To qualify, your solar power project must meet these additional requirements:
You must purchase certified solar equipment, such as EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) and EcoFlow Mountable Solar Panels, and have it installed by a certified solar contractor to ensure the system meets all Canadian Electrical Code requirements.
You must own the property or have a long-term lease agreement.
Your system must be tied to the grid to connect to Manitoba Hydro’s electricity grid and feed back excess energy.
It must be a new solar installation. You cannot get a rebate for new system upgrades or expansions.
You must submit a pre-approval application before starting the solar project.
Study these requirements and ensure your project will satisfy them all to ensure your approval for the rebate.
How Much Can You Get From the Manitoba Solar Rebate?
The total you can get from Efficiency Manitoba cannot exceed $5,000. Your rebate also cannot exceed 50% of the total project costs. So, even if you have a 10 kW system (Rebate = 10 kW x $0.50/watt = $5000), but it only cost you $8,000, your maximum rebate would be $4,000.
Otherwise, your rebate will be $0.50 per watt of system capacity. If you have a 5 kW system, your refund would be $2,500. If you have a 7 kW system, your rebate would be $3,500, and so on.
Check to see if Manitoba Hydro or Efficiency Manitoba have limits on how much solar generation you can connect to the grid, given your typical energy use. You won’t want a system size that exceeds this, as not all of it may be eligible for the rebate.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Manitoba solar rebate through Efficiency Manitoba.
1. Get a Solar Assessment
First, meet with a qualified solar contractor to assess your property and design a potential system that will meet your home’s energy needs while satisfying all of the program’s stringent requirements.
Discuss aspects like panel installation, direction, orientation, and other necessary equipment, such as inverters and backup storage batteries.
Remember that the maximum rebate cannot exceed $5,000 or 50% of the total cost. Check for any limits to how much solar you can connect to the grid based on your property’s typical electricity use.
2. Submit Your Pre-Approval Application
Before going any further, you must apply through Efficiency Manitoba’s online portal or mail the necessary forms. Ensure your application is thorough and includes all relevant details like system design, contractor information, and project cost estimates.
3. Wait for Pre-Approval
Wait for Efficiency Manitoba to review your application. Don’t move forward until you receive pre-approval.
Once you get approval, stick with the plan you submitted in your application. This system was approved, so try not to veer too far from the original details, or you may risk not getting your final approval and rebate.
4. Choose Your Equipment
With Efficiency Manitoba's green light to get started, you can begin by selecting the specific equipment you’ll use. You can pick a comprehensive system like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV160W) or combine various elements, such as rooftop solar panels, an inverter, and battery storage, to create a modular system. Look for equipment that is highly reviewed, recommended, and certified in Canada.
5. Install the System
Your certified contractor can install and connect the approved system to the Manitoba Hydro grid, adhering to all codes and regulations.
You cannot install an off-grid solar system and expect to receive the rebate. Part of the eligibility requirements is that the solar energy equipment is connected to the primary grid. You may still be able to install solar storage.
6. Get a Final Inspection
After installing and connecting your equipment to the grid, schedule a final inspection to ensure your new system meets codes, regulations, and program requirements.
7. Submit Final Documentation
Then, you can submit your final documentation, including proof of installation from the contractor via invoices, photos, and inspection certificates. Efficiency Manitoba will review this final documentation and initiate your rebate.
8. Receive Your Rebate
Once all your documents have been verified, Efficiency Manitoba will process your rebate and issue the payment, usually within a few weeks. You can use this money to offset costs used to install the system, or put it toward your electricity bills to cover what charges remain!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Receive the Rebate?
You can expect a processing time of 6-8 weeks before you receive your rebate. Note that processing times may vary, and if application volumes are high, it may take longer to receive your incentive. You can ensure a smooth process by submitting complete and accurate documents, double-checking installation certifications, and hiring an experienced solar contractor.
What Is the $5000 Solar Rebate in Canada?
Canada’s $5,000 solar rebate helps you power your home sustainably and save money. Get $0.50 back for every watt of solar you install—up to $5,000 or 50% of your project cost. Just size your system correctly and follow local guidelines to maximize this clean energy incentive.
Is Solar Worth It in Manitoba?
Yes, solar energy is worth it in Manitoba. With plenty of sunshine, stable grid access, and up to $5,000 in rebates, it’s a smart investment. Solar helps you take control of your energy use, reduce long-term costs, and stay powered during outages, especially when paired with a reliable backup power solution.
Final Thoughts
The Manitoba solar rebate program is a straightforward way to reduce the costs of installing solar power equipment at home. This government incentive lowers the financial barriers, allowing more participants to go green and contribute to a more sustainable Manitoba province.
By carefully understanding how the rebate works, purchasing reliable and eligible equipment like EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators, and following the application process, you can recoup initial costs and enjoy the benefits of renewable energy sooner.