2026 Program Updates

Solar Rebates in Nova Scotia

Every solar incentive and program currently available to Nova Scotia homeowners — federal, provincial, municipal, and utility-run. Amounts, eligibility, and how to apply. Updated for 2026.

Programs Available

Typical System

8 kW

Installed Cost

$22,680

Payback

16.7 yrs

Federal Programs

Available to every Canadian regardless of province. Start here — the Greener Homes Loan is the largest single funding source most homeowners qualify for.

Federal

Canada Greener Homes Loan

Amount

$5,000–$40,000 interest-free

The Canada Greener Homes Loan offers Canadian homeowners an interest-free loan of $5,000 to $40,000 to fund eligible retrofits, including solar photovoltaic systems. The loan runs for a 10-year term with monthly repayment. It's the largest federal instrument still open to residential solar in 2026 after the Greener Homes Grant closed to new applicants in 2024.

Who Qualifies

check_circleCanadian homeowner (principal residence)
check_circleComplete a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation with a registered energy advisor before installation
check_circleUse a qualified installer for the work
check_circleComplete a post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation within 18 months

How to Apply

Book a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation on nrcan.gc.ca
Get 2–3 installer quotes and confirm the system is on the eligible measures list
Apply for the loan through the Greener Homes portal (approvals typically 4–8 weeks)
Install, then book the post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
Submit final invoices and reports to receive full funding

Official program pagenorth_east

Federal

Federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Amount

30% refundable tax credit

The federal Clean Technology ITC provides a 30% refundable tax credit on eligible clean-energy equipment, including solar PV, batteries, and geothermal. This is a business-only credit — sole proprietors, partnerships, and incorporated businesses qualify, but homeowners installing on their principal residence do not. If your solar project is a farm, home office setup used exclusively for business, or a commercial rental property, the ITC is highly worth exploring with your accountant.

Who Qualifies

check_circleTaxable Canadian corporation, mutual fund trust, or partnership
check_circleEquipment must be new and installed in Canada
check_circleAvailable on installs commissioned before 2035 (phases down after 2033)

How to Apply

Confirm equipment eligibility with your installer (most Tier 1 panels + Class 43.2 inverters qualify)
File Schedule T2 Form T2SCH31 with your corporate tax return
Retain installer invoices and commissioning report

Official program pagenorth_east

Nova Scotia Provincial Programs

Direct rebates and grants funded by the Nova Scotia government.

Provincial

SolarHomes Program (Efficiency Nova Scotia)

Amount

$0.30/W up to $3,000

Efficiency Nova Scotia's SolarHomes program pays $0.30 per watt installed, capped at $3,000 (reached at 10 kW). It's one of the last remaining direct provincial rebates for residential solar in Canada and stacks with net metering and the federal Greener Homes Loan.

Who Qualifies

check_circleNova Scotia homeowner
check_circleSystem installed by a SolarHomes-registered installer
check_circlePre-approval required before installation

How to Apply

Get quotes from at least one SolarHomes-registered installer
Submit application on efficiencyns.ca/solar-homes
Once approved, complete installation within 12 months
Rebate paid within 60 days of final inspection

Official program pagenorth_east

Utility Programs & Net Metering

Programs run by the electricity provider — how you'll actually get credited for your solar exports.

Utility

Nova Scotia Power Enhanced Net Metering

Amount

1:1 credit match

Nova Scotia Power's net metering program provides a 1:1 credit at retail rate for exported kWh. Credits roll over monthly and are cashed out at year-end. The program is legislatively protected under the Renewable Electricity Regulations, giving homeowners more security than utility-discretion programs elsewhere.

Who Qualifies

check_circleNova Scotia Power customer
check_circleSystem up to 100 kW residential

How to Apply

Installer submits net metering agreement to NSP
NSP reviews and approves within 6 weeks
Bidirectional meter installed post-inspection

Official program pagenorth_east

The Bigger Picture: What Nova Scotia Solar Actually Costs

A right-sized 8 kW system for the typical Nova Scotia home costs about $22,680 installed. At Nova Scotia's current retail rate of about 18.3¢/kWh, that system saves roughly $1,355/year — a simple payback of 16.7 years. Over 25 years with 3% annual rate inflation, real dollar savings total around $46,194.

Stacking any active rebate above with the federal Greener Homes Loan will shorten payback further and cut your out-of-pocket cost at signing. We'll match you with local installers who know which programs to file for your specific municipality.

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FAQs

What's the biggest solar rebate available in Nova Scotia in 2026?

The largest currently open program for Nova Scotia residents is Federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — 30% refundable tax credit. On top of that, the federal Greener Homes Loan can cover $5,000–$40,000 of installation costs interest-free for 10 years.

Can I stack federal and provincial solar rebates?

In most cases, yes. The Canada Greener Homes Loan stacks with provincial rebates, utility net metering, and municipal financing programs. The only common exclusion is that the federal Clean Technology ITC is business-only — you can't claim it on a principal residence, though you can still claim the Greener Homes Loan.

Do I need to apply before I install, or can I claim rebates after?

Almost every direct-cash rebate — including the federal Greener Homes Loan and most provincial programs — requires pre-approval before installation. If you install first and then apply, you'll be denied. The safe workflow: get 2–3 quotes, apply for pre-approval, wait for confirmation, then install.

Are Nova Scotia solar rebates likely to expire?

Program budgets are set annually and often run out mid-year. The Canada Greener Homes Grant (a separate $5,000 grant, not the loan) closed to new applicants in 2024 and has not been reopened. Always confirm current funding status with your installer before signing a contract — we update this page as programs open, pause, and close.

Does the 30% federal tax credit apply to my home solar system?

No — the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit is business-only. Homeowners installing on a principal residence cannot claim it. If you're installing on a farm, commercial building, or home office space used exclusively for business, an accountant can help you claim the 30% credit under the appropriate CRA schedules.

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