What is the New Brunswick Solar Rebate, and How Much Can I Save?
New Brunswick residents investing in solar energy can benefit from provincial incentives like the solar rebate, which helps to manage the total costs of these renewable energy transitions. But what is the rebate, and how much can you save by applying?
Keep reading to learn about this rebate, how it works, how much you can save, and how to apply now to take advantage of this generous offer.
What Is the New Brunswick Solar Rebate?
The New Brunswick solar rebate is one example of a solar power incentive or tax break that makes it more affordable and accessible to invest in residential solar systems. The primary program is NB Power’s Total Home Energy Savings Program, which offers incentives to reduce energy use and upgrade to more energy-efficient systems, including solar energy systems.
Other rebates include the Low Income Energy Savings Program, which offers a full rebate on upgrades like faucet aerators, insulation, LED lighting, and air sealing. It may also include solar. Another option available to households with an income under $70,000 is the Enhanced Energy Savings Program; however, this only applies to upgrades like air sealing, insulation, space heating, and health and safety upgrades, not solar power.
One national initiative that applies to New Brunswick homes is the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which grants up to $5,000 to help retrofit existing homes, such as better insulation or solar upgrades. The key requirement for this grant is that you get an EnerGuide home evaluation performed on the house after updates are made.
However, the primary solar rebate program is the Total Home Energy Savings Program, which is the largest electric utility in Atlantic Canada.
How Does It Work?
The Total Home Energy Savings Program solar rebate pays homeowners back for a portion of the money spent to invest in a solar energy generation system, such as EcoFlow DELTA Series Solar Generators. Eligible equipment includes EcoFlow Mountable Solar Panels, inverters, and storage batteries. However, rather than providing a percentage of the money spent, the rebate works by giving money back based on the wattage of installed solar capacity.
Who Is Eligible for the New Brunswick Solar Rebate?
You must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for the NB Power Total Home Energy Savings rebate program. If your project will be grid-connected, it must be registered in NB Power’s Net Metering program or a municipal electrical utility equivalent.
If the equipment will be off-grid, you must first receive approval from the Department of Public Safety Technical Inspection Services. If you’re considering this option, notify your energy advisor early on.
Additionally, photovoltaic (PV) systems such as the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV160W) and the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV400W) must be connected to the electrical panel that supplies your home’s other loads.
An energy advisor must document and agree to the system’s capacity in the Net Metering Interconnection Application.
The incentive applies to up to 15 kW of panel capacity and requires a minimum of 1 kW capacity.
Documentation must be kept to show invoices from contractors and details of equipment manufacturers, model numbers, total number of panels, and panel wattage.
The types of buildings that are eligible for this incentive are:
Residential properties as defined under The National Building Code of Canada (Part 9), no more than three stories and 6458 square feet.
Manufactured homes, mobile homes, or mini homes on a permanent foundation such as slab-on-grade with anchors, concrete block, or piers and beams
Habitable, structurally sound, and capable of receiving a home evaluation. All interior and exterior finishes must be in place and functioning, including the automated heating system, bathroom, and kitchen.
Must be at least six months old based on the first homeowner’s occupancy
For grid-connected setups, you must meet additional requirements to register with the Net Metering Program. These requirements include:
The system must not exceed 100 kW of capacity
The energy must come from renewable sources (solar)
The system must use certified equipment
You must receive a permit for electrical wiring from a professional electrician
The system must be evaluated and approved by the NB Department of Public Safety
You must have a special meter installed that documents the electricity used from NB Power and the excess electricity fed back to the grid
How Much Can You Save From the New Brunswick Solar Rebate?
The maximum amount of money you can save from NB Power’s New Brunswick solar rebate is $200 per kW of installed capacity, or a maximum of $3,000, since the incentive can only apply to up to 15 kW of panel capacity.
A $1,000 rebate would be given for a 5 kW system, and a $2,000 rebate would be given for a 10 kW system.
How to Apply
To apply for this program, follow these steps:
Schedule an Initial Home Energy Evaluation. Visit the NB Power website or call 1-800-663-6272 to register for the program, choose your service provider, and schedule the initial evaluation. Once you schedule the appointment, an Energy Advisor will evaluate your home using the Natural Resources Canada EnerGuide Rating System. Depending on the age and size of the home, it will take 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Review the Renovation Upgrade Report. After the evaluation, you will receive a report with money-saving recommendations.
Complete the Upgrades. You can then begin upgrading your home based on the recommendations you choose to follow through on. Keep receipts for all materials and work done. Only purchase new materials. Note that DIY installations are only permissible if they don’t require a special certification or license.
Complete Your Final Home Energy Evaluation. Complete the upgrades within nine months of your initial evaluation. Once complete, contact the Energy Advisor to schedule a complimentary final evaluation. Your upgrades will be verified, and you will receive an updated EnerGuide rating to reflect the completed work.
Receive Your Incentive. Payments are usually received within 90 days of the final evaluation; however, this may fluctuate depending on the number of participants. For the fastest timeline, sign up for e-transfer or direct deposit when registering for the program.
Repeat As Needed for Additional Upgrades. You can re-enroll if you have already participated in the program and want to complete more work in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Receive the Rebate?
You can generally expect to receive your New Brunswick solar rebate within 60 to 90 days of the final inspection performed by your Certified Energy Advisor. Before the inspection, you must register for the rebate online, review your personalized report, and install your solar upgrades.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about investing in solar equipment, such as a rooftop solar array or
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) in New Brunswick, Canada, you can take advantage of the solar rebate to save on total costs. This government incentive encourages residents to transition to renewable energy sources, which can reduce reliance on the grid, help feed renewable power back to the grid, and move the province closer to an eco-friendly future. Use this guide to apply and get the most out of your new solar power purchases.