Ontario Incentives
Every Ontario Solar Incentive Available in 2026: HRS Rebate, Net Metering, ULO Rate, and More
Ontario has no single massive solar rebate — but the combination of HRS, net metering, and ULO rate arbitrage adds up to the best solar economics in Canada.
Ontario doesn’t have a single headline-grabbing solar incentive like Quebec’s $1,000/kW rebate or the old federal Greener Homes Grant. Instead, the province offers a stack of programs that, combined, make Ontario solar incentives in 2026 among the most valuable in Canada. Here’s every program available and how to maximise your savings.
Ontario Solar Incentives at a Glance (2026)
| Incentive | Value | Who Qualifies | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRS Solar Rebate | Up to $5,000 | Homeowners | Load displacement config (not net metering) |
| HRS Battery Rebate | Up to $5,000 | Homeowners | Must pair with solar or standalone |
| HRS Combined | Up to $10,000 | Homeowners | Pre-approval required before install |
| Net Metering | Full retail-rate credits | All customers | Grid-tied system, auto-enrollment |
| ULO Rate Plan | 3.9¢ overnight / 39.1¢ peak | All customers | Must switch rate plan with utility |
| Federal CT ITC (30%) | 30% of system cost | Businesses only | Taxable Canadian corporation |
| CGHAP | Varies | Low-to-median income | Provincial delivery, check eligibility |
| HST rebate (new housing) | HST savings on materials | New builds | Part of home construction |
The Best Strategy: Stack HRS + ULO + Net Metering
The most powerful combination for Ontario homeowners:
1. Apply for HRS rebate ($10,000) — pre-approval required before installation. System must be configured for load displacement. First-come, first-served; funding is limited.
2. Switch to ULO rate plan — even before installing solar, the ULO plan saves money if you can shift heavy loads (EV charging, laundry, dishwasher) to overnight hours. With a battery, the 10x arbitrage between 3.9¢ and 39.1¢ adds ~$1,285/year in savings.
3. Keep net metering active — surplus solar exported during the day earns full retail-rate credits on your bill. The credits offset your remaining grid imports.
Combined impact on a typical 8 kW + battery system:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| System cost (8 kW solar + 13.5 kWh battery) | $34,000-$44,000 |
| HRS rebate | -$10,000 |
| Net cost | $24,000-$34,000 |
| Annual solar savings | $2,400-$3,200 |
| Annual ULO arbitrage | $1,200-$1,300 |
| Total annual savings | $3,600-$4,500 |
| Payback period | 5.5-9.5 years |
Key Takeaway
Ontario’s incentive stack (HRS rebate + ULO rate + net metering) delivers 5.5-9.5 year payback on solar + battery systems. No single program does it alone — the combination is what makes Ontario one of the best solar markets in Canada.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Installing before HRS pre-approval. The rebate requires approval before work begins. Installers who start without it risk your $10,000.
2. Configuring for net metering instead of load displacement. HRS-eligible systems must be designed for load displacement. Standard net metering configurations don’t qualify. Tell your installer you want HRS eligibility.
3. Staying on TOU when ULO is better with a battery. The ULO plan’s 39.1¢ peak rate makes battery arbitrage dramatically more valuable than TOU’s 20.3¢ peak. If you have a battery, switch to ULO.
4. Forgetting about the CT ITC if you’re a business. If you own a commercial property or farm, the federal 30% Clean Technology ITC applies to your solar installation. This doesn’t apply to residential homeowners, but sole proprietors operating from home may want to consult a tax advisor.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Apply for HRS immediately. Funding is limited and first-come, first-served. Visit homerenovationsavings.ca.
- Get 3+ quotes specifying HRS-eligible load displacement configuration.
- Switch to ULO if you haven’t already — savings start immediately.
- Get your free solar + battery quote from certified Ontario installers.
Incentive information current as of March 2026. The HRS program is subject to available funding. Electricity rates set by OEB. Verify at oeb.ca and homerenovationsavings.ca.
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