Grants, Rebates, and Incentives for Solar Panels in Alberta, BC, and Ontario

Wondering if there are any rebates or incentives for solar panels in Alberta, BC, or Ontario? You’re not alone. Between rising energy costs and increased awareness of sustainable living, more homeowners and businesses are looking for ways to make life more affordable. Luckily, there are several solar rebates in BC, AB, and ON that can help offset the cost of your installation.

This guide breaks down the most up-to-date solar power grants, loans, and rebate programs available in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario as of April 2025.

Solar incentives may be issued by the federal government, provincial government, or municipal body.  

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Canada Solar Incentives

Solar power grants that are across Canada and/or issued by the federal government.

Canada Greener Homes Loan

While the Canada Greener Homes Grant program is now closed, the Canada Greener Homes Loan remains active. This interest-free loan offers homeowners up to $40,000 for eligible energy-efficient upgrades, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

• Up to $40,000 interest-free (10-year term)

• Requires pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations

• Must apply before your installation through the official portal

CMHC Eco Improvement Rebate

The CMHC Eco Improvement rebate allows eligible homeowners with CMHC-insured mortgages to receive a 25% refund on their mortgage insurance premium for qualifying upgrades like solar panels.

• Applies to upgrades of $20,000 or more

• Valid for both new builds and renovations (owned for 6+ months)

• Application must be submitted within 24 months of mortgage closing

Clean Technology (CT) Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The CT ITC is a federal refundable tax credit for eligible clean energy investments — including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems — made between March 28, 2023, and December 31, 2034. Businesses can receive a tax credit of up to 30% of the capital cost of eligible clean technology property.

• Applies to commercial, agricultural, and industrial projects

• Up to 30% refundable tax credit on eligible solar investments

• Must meet specific eligibility requirements from CRA and NRCan

This incentive is designed to support Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy by making clean energy technologies more affordable for organizations across the country.

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Alberta Solar Rebates and Incentives

Alberta Solar Rebate (Clean Energy Improvement Program)

The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) helps homeowners and businesses finance solar installations through their property taxes.

• No up-front cost

• Covers up to 100% of project costs

• Financing stays with the property, not the individual

• Available in municipalities like City of Calgary, City of Edmonton, City of Leduc, Town of Canmore, City of Airdrie, City of Cold Lake, Town of Drayton Valley, City of Grande Prairie, City of Medicine Hat, Pincher Creek Region, City of St. Albert, Town of Stettler, City of Spruce Grove, Strathcona County, Town of Westlock, Town of Banff, Town of Devon, City of Lethbridge, Town of Okotoks, Town of Rocky Mountain House, Sturgeon County, Village of Stirling, Town of Taber.  

• Terms up to 20 years with interest rates between 1.2% – 3.6%

This program is one of the most effective Alberta solar grants for those looking to reduce upfront costs. Check if your municipality is eligible here.

Net Billing in Alberta for Solar Panels

Through Alberta’s micro-generation regulation, homeowners can earn credits on their utility bills for excess energy they export back to the electrical grid. Members of the Solar Club (Utilities by Kuby) can switch to a higher rate (around $0.30/kWh) during high-production months and back to a lower standard rate (around $0.08/kWh) during the winter.

• Credits roll over month-to-month

• Works best for grid-tied systems

• Export rate depends on provider (RRO or Solar Club)

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BC Solar Panel Rebates and Incentives

BC Hydro Solar and Battery Rebates

BC Hydro offers up to $5,000 in rebates for solar PV systems and an additional $5,000 for battery storage (5kWh+ capacity).

• $1,000 per kW of installed capacity (up to 5kW)

• Battery must be paired with solar to qualify

• Installers must be BC Hydro-approved

• For grid-tied systems only

Read more on BC Hydro solar and battery storage rebates.

BC Hydro Small & Medium Businesses and Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs)

BC Hydro provides rebates covering up to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum of $20,000:

• Solar Panels: Up to $10,000

• Battery Storage: Up to $10,000

Read more on BC Hydro solar panel and battery storage rebates for multi – family buildings.

Social Housing and Remote Microgrid Communities

Eligible organizations can receive rebates covering up to 75% of project costs, with a maximum of $150,000:

• Solar Panels: Up to $50,000

• Battery Storage: Up to $50,000

Read more on BC Hydro solar panel and battery storage rebates for remote communities and social housing.  

BC PST Exemption for Solar Equipment

The 7% PST exemption applies to:

• Solar panels

• Wiring

• Controllers

• Inverters

• Other related equipment

To qualify for the exemption, these components must be purchased together as part of a complete solar PV system and listed on the same invoice. It's important to note that battery storage systems are not included in this exemption.

This tax relief is available to both residential and commercial customers, making solar energy more accessible across the province. By eliminating the 7% PST on eligible solar equipment, homeowners and businesses can achieve substantial savings on their solar installations. Read the details on Solar Power British Columbia.

Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURB) Retrofit Program

BC Hydro's MURB Retrofit Program offers additional support for multi-unit residential buildings, including:

• Opportunity Assessments: Funding up to $5,000 for initial evaluations

• Feasibility Studies: Funding up to $30,000 for detailed analyses

Read more details on MURB retrofit program.

BC Hydro Self Generation Program

With net metering through BC Hydro or FortisBC, solar customers can export unused energy back to the grid in exchange for credits.

• Market price per kWh for electricity sent to the grid

• Credits roll over monthly and reset annually

• Requires pre-approval before installation

Read the full details on BC Hydro Self-Generation program.

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BC EV and Charger Rebates (CleanBC)

While not directly tied to solar, many homeowners interested in clean energy also explore EV incentives.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Businesses, non-profits, and public sector organizations can receive rebates of up to $150,000 or 33% of the purchase price (whichever is lower) for eligible vehicles.

Electric Motorcycles and Low-Speed Vehicles

Individuals can apply for rebates on eligible electric motorcycles and low-speed vehicles.

Cargo E-Bikes  

Rebates are available for businesses and organizations purchasing cargo e-bikes.

BC EV Rebate - CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate Program

• Up to $350 for the purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger at a single-family home

• Higher rebates (up to $2,000 per charger) for multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) and workplaces

• Pre-approval is required before purchasing and installing eligible chargers

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Ontario Solar Rebates and Incentives

Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP)

• Rebate: Up to $5,000 for rooftop solar panels ($1,000/kW, covering up to 50% of total costs)

• Battery Storage: Additional rebate up to $5,000 ($300/kWh, up to 50% of total costs)

• Eligibility: Homeowners aged 18+, residing in single-detached, semi-detached, row houses, townhomes, or mobile homes on permanent foundations. Must be connected to the Ontario electricity grid.

Note: Net metering is not permitted under this program; systems must be sized for load displacement only.

City of Toronto – Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

• Loan: Low-interest loans up to $125,000 for home energy improvements, including solar panels and energy storage.

• Repayment: Via installments on property tax bills; loans can be paid off at any time without penalty.

• Additional Incentives: Available for solar installations.

Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program (BHOLP)

The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program offers low-interest, long-term loans to help homeowners invest in energy-efficient upgrades. With loan amounts up to $125,000 and special zero-interest options for qualifying low-income households, it’s designed to make sustainable home improvements more accessible and affordable.

Key Highlights:

• Loan of up to $125,000 or 10% of your home’s value (whichever is less), minimum $10,000

• Low fixed interest rate of 4.33% over a 20-year term

• Covers upgrades like solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, and EV chargers

• Must complete pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide assessments

• 0% interest loans available for income-qualified households and affordable rental units

Ontario Commercial, MURB, and Community Programs

Save on Energy Retrofit Program

• Microgeneration Projects (<10 kW DC): Incentive of $1,000 per kW-DC, up to 50% of eligible project costs.

• Small to Medium Generation Projects (10 kW to 1 MW AC): Incentive of $860 per kW-AC, up to 50% of eligible project costs.

• Eligibility: Owners or lessees (with owner's permission) of commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-family, and agricultural facilities.

• Application: Projects must be pre-approved with a minimum incentive of $500.

Ontario Indigenous Solar MicroFIT Program

• Program: Designed to support Indigenous communities in developing renewable energy projects, including solar installations.

• Eligibility: Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario.

• Note: Specific details and application processes may vary; interested parties should consult the program's official resources for comprehensive information.

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Battery Storage Incentives in Ontario

Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP)

• Rebate: Up to $5,000 for battery storage systems, covering up to 50% of total costs.

• Eligibility: Homeowners aged 18+, residing in single-detached, semi-detached, row houses, townhomes, or mobile homes on permanent foundations. Must be connected to the Ontario electricity grid.

• Note: Battery storage systems must be paired with rooftop solar panels to qualify.

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Need Help Navigating Solar Incentives?

We know that navigating Canada's solar power incentives can be overwhelming. That’s why our team at Kuby is here to guide you through every step — from federal solar grants to municipal solar panel rebates and everything in between.

We handle all the paperwork and will make sure you’re getting access to every available dollar.

Contact us today to see how these incentives could apply to your home or business. And if you're ready to explore solar, click here to request a free quote.

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