2026 Program Updates

Solar Rebates in Ontario

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

Programs Available

Typical System

7.5 kW

Installed Cost

$21,870

Payback

18.8 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

Municipal Programs

City and municipality-specific programs — check whether you live within an eligible area.

Municipal

Toronto Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)

Amount

Up to $125,000 low-interest

The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) is Toronto's PACE-style financing option, offering up to $125,000 in low-interest financing for solar PV, heat pumps, insulation, and windows. Repayment is spread over 5–20 years through your property tax bill and transfers with the property if sold.

Who Qualifies

check_circleProperty within City of Toronto limits
check_circleProperty taxes current
check_circleHomeowner or property owner (rental properties eligible with tenant consent)

How to Apply

Submit pre-approval on toronto.ca/HELP
Get 2 quotes from qualified contractors
Once approved, sign the agreement and complete work
Loan added to property tax bill

Available in: Toronto

Official program pagenorth_east

Municipal

Ottawa Better Homes Loan Program

Amount

Up to $125,000 low-interest

Ottawa's Better Homes Loan Program (BHLP) mirrors Toronto's HELP. Up to $125,000 in property-linked financing at competitive interest rates, repaid through property taxes over 5–20 years. Solar, heat pumps, envelope improvements, and EV chargers all qualify.

Who Qualifies

check_circleProperty within City of Ottawa limits
check_circleProperty taxes current

How to Apply

Apply on ottawa.ca/betterhomes
Book an EnerGuide evaluation
Submit contractor quotes
Once approved, complete install and receive funding

Available in: Ottawa

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

Ontario Net Metering

Amount

1:1 retail-rate credits

Ontario's net metering regulation requires all licensed distributors — Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Alectra, Elexicon, Hydro Ottawa, and others — to credit residential solar at full retail rates. Credits roll forward on your account for 12 months. Most well-sized Ontario systems bank credit June–September and draw it down October–March.

Who Qualifies

check_circleLicensed Ontario LDC customer
check_circleSystem sized to serve your own load (annual export must not exceed annual consumption for standard net metering)
check_circleESA electrical inspection passed

How to Apply

Installer submits the net metering application to your LDC
LDC reviews interconnection requirements (2–8 weeks)
ESA inspection scheduled after install
LDC installs the bidirectional meter
System is 'permission to operate' approved

Official program pagenorth_east

The Bigger Picture: What Ontario Solar Actually Costs

A right-sized 7.5 kW system for the typical Ontario home costs about $21,870 installed. At Ontario's current retail rate of about 14.5¢/kWh, that system saves roughly $1,163/year — a simple payback of 18.8 years. Over 25 years with 3% annual rate inflation, real dollar savings total around $39,648.

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 Ontario in 2026?

The largest currently open program for Ontario 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 Ontario 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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