Solar incentives in Canada shifted dramatically in 2025. The federal Greener Homes Grant closed in early 2024. The interest-free Greener Homes Loan followed in October 2025. But provincial programs stepped up. Ontario’s HRS program offers up to $10,000 for solar and battery systems. Quebec launched a brand-new $1,000/kW grant in April 2026. Alberta’s municipal CEIP program finances solar installations through property taxes in 23+ municipalities. This page tracks every active incentive program across all 13 provinces and territories so you can find exactly what’s available where you live.
Canada has no single national solar rebate. What you qualify for depends entirely on your province, your utility, and sometimes your municipality. The good news: between provincial rebates, net metering credits, municipal financing, and tax treatments, most Canadian homeowners can reduce their solar costs by 20-40%.
Federal Solar Programs
Both major federal programs for homeowners are now closed. The replacement program targets low-to-median income households through a direct-install model, not individual rebate cheques.
| Program | Amount | Eligibility | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP) | Varies by province | Low-to-median income households. Direct-install model. | Rolling Out |
| Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit | 15-30% refundable | Corporations and businesses only. Not available to homeowners. | Active |
| Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance | 50-100% first-year depreciation | Businesses only. Class 43.1/43.2 equipment. | Active |
| Canada Greener Homes Grant | Was up to $5,000 | – | Closed Feb 2024 |
| Canada Greener Homes Loan | Was $40,000 interest-free | – | Closed Oct 2025 |
Common Misconception
The Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is for corporations only. Homeowners cannot claim it on personal tax returns. If an installer tells you there’s a “federal 30% tax credit” for residential solar, they’re either confused or being misleading.
Solar Incentives by Province – Complete Comparison
Every province and territory at a glance. Click any province name for the full guide.
| Province | Main Program | Max Rebate | Net Metering | Sales Tax | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | HRS Program | $5K solar + $5K battery | 1:1 retail rate | HST (13%) | Active |
| British Columbia | BC Hydro Rebate | $5K solar + $5K battery | Self-Gen Rate ~10¢/kWh | PST exempt | Active |
| Quebec | Hydro-Québec Grant | $1,000/kW (up to 40% of cost) | 1:1 credits, 24-mo rollover | QST (9.975%) | New Apr 2026 |
| Alberta | CEIP (municipal) | Up to $50K financing | Micro-gen retail rate | No PST (GST only) | Active |
| Nova Scotia | SolarHomes | Was $0.30/W, max $3K | 1:1 at ~18.5¢ + retail payout | HST (15%) | Closed Apr 2025 |
| New Brunswick | THESP | $200/kW, max $3K | NB Power 1:1, 100 kW | HST (15%) | Active |
| Manitoba | Efficiency MB | $0.50/W, max $5K | Net billing 4.39¢/kWh | No PST (GST only) | Active |
| Prince Edward Island | Solar Electric | $1,000/kW, max $10K | Maritime Electric 1:1 | HST (15%) | Paused |
| Saskatchewan | None | N/A | 7.5¢/kWh (expired Mar 31/26) | PST exempt | NM Only |
| Northwest Territories | Arctic Energy Alliance | $400/kW or 50%, max $20K | Available | No PST (GST only) | Active |
| Yukon | RET Program | Financing max $50K | Available | No PST (GST only) | Financing |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | None | N/A | 1:1 monthly, wholesale annual | HST (15%) | NM Only |
| Nunavut | CCS Grant | Up to $5K (cabins only) | Limited | No PST (GST only) | Limited |
Programs Change Frequently
Dates and amounts shown are current as of April 2026. Provincial programs open and close without much notice. Always verify directly with your provincial program administrator before making financial decisions.
Province-by-Province Breakdown
What’s available in each province, grouped by incentive strength.
Ontario Active
The HRS Program is Ontario’s primary residential solar incentive, delivered through Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas.
- Up to $5,000 for solar panels ($1,000/kW)
- Up to $5,000 for battery storage (must pair with solar)
- Up to $2,000 additional for bundled efficiency upgrades
- Net metering: 1:1 credits at retail rate, 12-month rollover
- ULO rate arbitrage: 35.2¢/kWh spread with battery
British Columbia Active
BC Hydro launched solar and battery rebates in April 2025. PST exemption on equipment adds further savings.
- Up to $5,000 for solar panels
- Up to $5,000 for battery storage
- PST exemption on solar equipment
- Self-Generation Rate ~10¢/kWh (replacing 1:1 NM from July 2026)
- HPCN contractor required for rebate eligibility from June 2026
Quebec New Apr 2026
Hydro-Québec launched a self-generation pilot program on April 2, 2026. First provincial solar grant in Quebec’s history.
- $1,000 per kW installed, up to 40% of total project cost
- Net metering: 1:1 credits with 24-month rollover
- Longest credit rollover in Canada
- Pilot program – may close when funding runs out
Alberta Active
Alberta has no provincial rebate, but municipal CEIP financing covers 23+ municipalities. Highest sun hours in Canada.
- Edmonton CEIP: up to $50,000 through property taxes
- Banff: $450/kW residential rebate
- No PST – GST only on equipment
- Micro-generation: retail rate credit for exports
- 2,400+ sun hours annually – fastest payback in Canada
Nova Scotia Rebate Closed
The SolarHomes rebate closed in April 2025. Nova Scotia still has Canada’s strongest net metering program.
- SolarHomes: closed – was $0.30/W, max $3,000
- Net metering: 1:1 at ~18.5¢/kWh – among highest in Canada
- Retail payout for excess credits at year-end
- High electricity rates = 8-12 year payback even without rebate
New Brunswick Active
NB Power’s THESP program provides a modest rebate. Net metering available up to 100 kW.
- THESP: $200/kW, max $3,000
- NB Power net metering: 1:1 credits
- System size limit: 100 kW
Manitoba Active
Efficiency Manitoba offers a rebate, but low electricity rates and net billing (not net metering) extend payback periods.
- $0.50/W, maximum $5,000
- Net billing at 4.39¢/kWh – NOT 1:1 net metering
- Low rates (cheapest in Canada) = 12-16 year payback
- No PST on solar equipment
Prince Edward Island Paused
PEI’s Solar Electric Rebate was among Canada’s most generous. Currently paused with no announced restart date.
- Was $1,000/kW, max $10,000 – currently paused
- Maritime Electric 1:1 net metering still available
- If program reopens, among the best value in Canada
Northwest Territories Active
The Arctic Energy Alliance provides the most generous per-kW rebate in Canada.
- $400/kW or 50% of cost, max $20,000
- Net metering available through NTPC
- 24-hour summer sun = extreme seasonal output
Municipal Solar Programs
City-level programs that stack with provincial incentives. Many use property-assessed financing (PACE/LIC) – no money down, repaid through property taxes.
| City | Province | Program | Max Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | ON | Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) | $125,000 | PACE (4.67%, 20 yr) |
| Ottawa | ON | Better Homes Ottawa | $125,000 | PACE (4.33%, 20 yr) |
| Guelph | ON | Greener Homes | $50,000 | Zero-interest |
| Hamilton | ON | Better Homes Hamilton | $20,000 | Zero-interest LIC |
| Durham Region | ON | Deep Retrofit Rebate | $10,000 | Rebate (50%+ GHG reduction) |
| Edmonton | AB | CEIP | $50,000 | PACE (property tax) |
| Banff | AB | Solar Rebate | $450/kW residential | Direct rebate |
| Canmore | AB | Solar Rebate | Varies | Direct rebate |
| Medicine Hat | AB | Solar Rebate | Varies | Direct rebate |
| St. Albert | AB | CEIP | Varies | PACE (property tax) |
Stacking Tip
Municipal PACE financing can often be combined with provincial rebates. A Toronto homeowner can use the HRS $5,000 solar rebate AND finance the remaining cost through the HELP program at 4.67% over 20 years. Confirm compatibility with your municipality before applying.
Net Metering Across Canada
Net metering is often worth more than rebates over a system’s lifetime. Here’s how each province handles excess solar electricity you send back to the grid.
| Province | Credit Type | Credit Rate | Rollover | Size Limit | Surplus Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 1:1 retail | Full retail rate (TOU/Tiered/ULO) | 12 months | 500 kW | No payout – credits expire |
| BC | Self-Gen Rate | ~10¢/kWh (from July 2026) | 12 months | 100 kW | No payout – credits expire |
| Quebec | 1:1 credits | Full retail rate | 24 months | 50 kW | No payout |
| Alberta | Micro-gen | Retail rate | Monthly | 150 kW | Cash payout at year-end |
| Nova Scotia | 1:1 retail | ~18.5¢/kWh | 12 months | 100 kW | Retail payout for surplus |
| New Brunswick | 1:1 credits | Retail rate | 12 months | 100 kW | No payout |
| Manitoba | Net billing | 4.39¢/kWh | Monthly | 200 kW | Cash at billing rate |
| Saskatchewan | Net metering | Was 7.5¢/kWh (expired) | Was monthly | 100 kW | Terms under review |
| PEI | 1:1 credits | Retail rate | 12 months | 100 kW | No payout |
| NL | 1:1 monthly | Retail rate (monthly) | 12 months | Varies | Wholesale for annual surplus |
The standout programs are Nova Scotia (retail payout for surplus credits – you actually get a cheque), Alberta (cash payout at year-end), and Quebec (24-month rollover, the longest in Canada). Manitoba’s net billing at 4.39¢/kWh is significantly less generous than true 1:1 net metering, which is why payback periods there are longer despite the provincial rebate.
How to Finance Solar in Canada
The rebate covers part of the cost. Here’s how to handle the rest.
PACE / Property Tax Financing
Available in Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph, Hamilton, Edmonton, and 20+ Alberta municipalities. No money down. Repaid through property taxes at low fixed rates over 15-20 years. Stays with the property if you sell.
Green Loans & HELOCs
Most major Canadian banks offer green home improvement loans. HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit) typically offer the lowest rates. Compare bank rates against PACE financing and installer financing before committing.
Installer Financing
Many Canadian solar installers offer $0-down financing, monthly payment plans, or lease arrangements. Always compare the total cost of installer financing (including interest over the full term) against PACE and bank options.
Watch Out
Some financing programs may be incompatible with certain incentive paths. For example, Ontario’s HRS rebate and municipal HELP financing can likely be stacked, but confirm with both programs before you apply. Getting locked into financing that disqualifies you from a rebate is an expensive mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a rebate and a tax credit?
Can I stack provincial and municipal incentives?
Is the Canada Greener Homes Grant still available?
Can renters access solar incentives?
Do incentives apply to off-grid systems?
What if I already installed solar – can I still get a rebate?
How long do solar incentive programs typically last?
Is there a federal 30% solar tax credit in Canada?
Closed Programs (Still Getting Searched)
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