With federal, provincial, and municipal solar programs continuing to evolve, solar energy incentives continue to evolve. These incentives help you get started with a new solar panel installation without breaking the bank.
For 2025, we rounded up the top five incentives available for Ontario homeowners and provided instructions on how to use them.
Solar Incentive #1: Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program **NEW
Ontario’s newest energy efficiency program offers substantial rebates for solar panel installations starting January 28, 2025. The program covers both rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems.
- Maximum rebate: Up to 30% of total costs
- Eligible items: Solar panels and battery storage systems
- Who qualifies: All Ontario homeowners (including those heating with propane/oil)
- How to apply: Pre-registration available now through Save on Energy
- Program starts: January 28, 2025. You contact Solar Direct Canada for more info and a free Home Energy Assessment, and visit the program website below to learn more.
Learn more: Ontario Home Energy Savings Program
Solar Incentive #2: Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
Toronto residents can benefit from the Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), which offers loans of up to $125,000 for rooftop solar panel installations. This is a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan, which means it’s attached to your property and not to you personally. This makes repayment easy, as it’s done through your property tax bill. Plus, if you sell your home, the loan goes to the new owner, so it’s hassle-free for you.
Learn more: Toronto’s Home Energy Loan Program.
Solar Incentive #3: Canada Greener Homes Program
Canada Greener Homes is a nationwide program that provides an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 for solar system installation. To apply, you need to organize a “pre-retrofit evaluation” of your home with an approved energy advisor. Here is the link for Ontario energy advisors. Loan details include
- Maximum: $40,000
- Minimum: $5,000
- Repayment term: 10 years, interest-free
- Loan type: Unsecured personal loan on approved credit
Visit the Canadian government website to learn more about the Canada Greener Homes Loan
Solar Incentive #4: Durham Greener Homes Rebate
For those living in Durham Region, the Greener Homes Deep Retrofit Rebate offers up to $10,000 for solar systems that help reduce emissions. To qualify, you need to participate in the Canada Greener Homes Initiative. This rebate is a fantastic way to significantly reduce the cost of a solar system.
Learn more: Durham Greener Homes.
Solar Incentive #5: Clean Economy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Canadian government has introduced new Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) to help businesses invest in clean technology and create jobs. This tax credit is part of a larger $93 billion plan to promote clean technology and job creation through 2034–35. The ITC provides a refundable tax rebate up to 30% of a new solar panel investment.
Here’s how to apply for the ITC
Businesses installing solar panels can now apply for the Clean Technology ITC refundable tax rebate. To take advantage of the ITC incentive, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure your business invests in eligible solar energy equipment.
- Review Application: Visit the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits webpage for detailed application instructions.
- Prepare Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including project plans and cost estimates.
- Contact a Solar Energy Partner: Reach out to solar energy companies to get quotes on installation, and free assessments on how to take advantage of the ITC.
- Submit Application: Follow the online process to submit your application to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
This tax credit makes solar energy installations more affordable, helping your business save on energy costs and contribute to a sustainable future.
How to get started with Solar Energy in Ontario:
Here’s the steps we use to help guide homeowners with solar energy incentives:
- Do Your Homework: Start by reviewing the details of each program to see which one best suits your needs.
- Get Evaluated: For the Canada Greener Homes Program, you’ll need an EnerGuide evaluation to determine the efficiency of your home and identify potential upgrades.
- Apply: Follow the application process for the program you choose. For HELP, this is done through the City of Toronto’s website.
- Install: Once approved, hire a qualified installer to install your solar energy system.
- Verify: For the Greener Homes Program, you’ll need a post-retrofit evaluation to confirm the installation and secure your financing.
GET A FREE SOLAR PANEL CONSULTATION
Speak to Ontario’s solar panel experts, who have been installing residential and commercial solar since 1990.
