Solar Grants, Incentives and Rebates
A range of solar grants, incentives, and rebates are periodically available throughout BC and Canada. They range in value, are often first-come first-serve and are capped at either a number of applicants or a dollar amount.
Canada Greener Homes Loan (June 2022 – Current)
The federal government has released another phase of the Greener Home’s program, the Greener Homes Loan. This program offers interest-free financing in addition to the Canada Greener Homes Grant to help homeowners complete some of the more major retrofits recommended by an energy advisor.
The loan can only help you finance eligible products and installations that are part of a retrofit that is both recommended by an energy advisor and eligible for the grant.
To begin work in your home, a portion of the loan can be delivered to you up front. Contractors often require a down payment for these types of projects. The balance of the loan will be delivered upon successful completion of the retrofits, and verification through a post-retrofit evaluation.
Summary of the Greener Homes Loan
- Minimum loan of $5,000, Maximum loan of $40,000
- Repayment term: 10 years, interest-free
- Loan type: Unsecured personal loan on approved credit
- A maximum of one loan is available per eligible property and homeowner.
*In order to apply for the loan, you must be eligible for the grant. Check your eligibility and submit an application to the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
Learn more by visiting the Greener Homes Loan webpage.
Canada Greener Homes Grant (May 2021 – Current)
In May 2021, the federal government released the Greener Homes Grant Initiative, which aims to assist homeowners to complete energy retrofit projects and improve the efficiency of their homes. These retrofits contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and assist in reducing their energy bills. The program’s overall value is $2.6 billion and has a timeline of 7 years. The total grant amount per homeowner is up to $5,000 for eligible energy-efficient improvements and up to $600 for EnerGuide home evaluations.
Stay up to date with updates from the GHG on their webpage.
As part of the initiative, you have access to:
- up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations and expert advice so you can begin to plan your retrofits
- up to $5,000 total to help you make energy-efficiency retrofits to your home
For step-by-step instructions on how to efficiently navigate the process, and to receive a referral to an accredited Energy Auditor in your region, please reach out to us for assistance.
NEW Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit
The 2023 Federal Budget has allocated over $70 billion in funding for clean energy projects over the next five years, including two new tax credits to support adoption of renewable energy technologies.
The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit offers a 30% refundable tax credit for homeowners on investments in solar PV and energy storage technologies, while the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit provides a refundable 15% tax credit on renewable energy investments by Indigenous communities, municipally-owned utilities, and Crown corporations.
These tax credits will help homeowners, businesses and communities make the switch to clean energy while reducing electricity costs and reducing carbon emissions from energy generation. Get in touch with Hakai Energy Solutions to learn more about how to apply these tax credits and incentives to your new project.
PST Exemption for Renewable Energy Products (2013 – current)
With the dissolution of the HST in 2013, renewable energy products were granted PST exemption.
Solar Grant for Residents of Nanaimo, RDN Electoral Area or the District of Lantzville (Applications are accepted from January 1, 2023, through December 15, 2023)
A limited number of rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program enables homeowners in RDN Electoral Areas to save money while upgrading to energy-efficient technology in their home.
Eligibility – Applicants must be homeowners in an RDN Electoral Area or the District of Lantzville. The following systems are eligible for this incentive:
Solar Hot Water, Photovoltaic, Geoexchange (ground-source or water-source), Micro (under 1 kW) and small wind (1 to 10 kW)
Lowered Permit Fees ( Jan. 1 2019 – current)
Prior to January 1, 2019, electrical permitting fees for renewable energy systems were typically in the range of $700 to $1400, depending on system size. After consultation with the industry, Technical Safety BC reduced permit fees for all residential and commercial renewable energy systems.
Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate (2020 – current)
CleanBC Go Electric rebates for single-family homes, multi-unit residential apartments and condos, and workplaces. This program is part of the province’s CleanBC plan to make clean transportation more affordable and accessible for British Columbians.
We update this page regularly with new renewable energy initiatives for BC residents so if you don’t see what you are looking for, please check back or get in touch with one of our team.