Solar energy incentives continue to evolve with federal, provincial, and municipal solar programs. These incentives help you get started with a new solar panel install without breaking the bank.
For 2024, we rounded up the top three incentives available for Ontario homeowners, along with instructions on how to get started using them.
Solar Incentive #1: 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 #2: Canda 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 #3: 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 make a significant dent in the cost of a solar system.
Learn more: Durham Greener Homes.
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 checking out the details of each program to see which one suits your needs best.
- 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.
