Clean Energy Incentives Across Canada

An honest, plain-language guide to what's actually available, who qualifies, and — critically — why some programs don't reduce your upfront cost even though they're widely advertised.

Last reviewed: Q1 2025 · Programs change — verify with administrators before relying on any amount.
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Understanding the Numbers

Why Some Programs Aren't in the "Net Cost" Calculation

Our solar feasibility tool shows you a net cost after stacking "cash-like" incentives. Here's exactly what that means and what it excludes — and why.

✓ INCLUDED in default net cost

These programs act like a cash discount on your upfront cost:

  • ✓Federal grants (direct payment, like Greener Homes Grant)
  • ✓Provincial rebates paid to homeowner or contractor
  • ✓Municipal solar incentive grants
  • ✓Investment tax credits that are refundable (commercial)
✗ EXCLUDED from default net cost (with reasons)
Canada Greener Homes Loan
This is financing, not a grant. You receive up to $40,000 interest-free but must repay it. It improves cash flow but doesn't reduce your total cost.
Net Metering Credits
Bill credits depend on how much solar you export, at what rate, and when. They accrue over time — not upfront. Included in annual savings estimate instead.
Accelerated CCA (Commercial)
A tax timing benefit — you depreciate the full asset cost in year one. Reduces taxable income, not capital cost. Benefit depends on your tax situation.
Uncertain-eligibility programs
Programs with income thresholds, contractor registration requirements, or capacity-limited intake. Shown separately so you can verify eligibility.
The honest bottom line: The "cash-like" rebates stack on top of each other where both are available. The financing mechanisms (Greener Homes Loan) and bill credits (net metering) are shown separately because they work very differently — combining them into one "total benefit" number would be misleading. A consult will model the right combination for your specific project and tax situation.

🇨🇦 Federal Programs — Available Across Canada

Federal
Canada Greener Homes Grant
NRCan · Residential · Active as of Q1 2025
Up to $5,000 (max $1,000/kW)
Grant for residential solar PV and battery storage. Requires a pre-retrofit EnerGuide energy assessment. Maximum $5,000 per home. Combined with other programs where eligible. Administered directly by NRCan — you apply and NRCan pays you after installation.
Included in net cost calculation: This is a direct cash grant. Reduces your upfront cost dollar-for-dollar.
Eligibility & application notes
Requires a registered EnerGuide evaluator assessment before and after installation. Equipment must be from an eligible product list. Contractor does not need to be registered, but installation must meet Canadian Electrical Code. Applications through nrcan.gc.ca. Verify current intake status — grant windows may be limited.
Federal · Financing
Canada Greener Homes Loan
NRCan · Residential · 0% interest loan
Up to $40,000 interest-free
Interest-free loan to finance home energy upgrades including solar PV. Repaid over 10 years. Dramatically improves cash flow — monthly loan repayment may be less than monthly solar savings, making the project cash-flow positive from day one.
Excluded from net cost calculation: This is a loan — you repay the full amount. It does not reduce your total cost. Shown separately as a "financing scenario" in your feasibility results.
Cash flow example
Example: $25,000 solar system. Greener Homes Grant: −$5,000. Net: $20,000. Loan: $20,000 interest-free over 10 years = $167/month. Average solar savings for a typical Ontario home: ~$150–$220/month. Result: potentially cash-flow neutral or positive from month one. Your actual numbers will vary — our feasibility tool models this as "Scenario B."
Federal · Commercial
Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
CRA · Commercial & Industrial · Active 2024+
30% of eligible capital cost (refundable)
30% refundable federal investment tax credit for solar PV, battery storage, and other clean technology capital investments. Introduced in Budget 2023. Refundable means it is paid out even if you have no tax owing — effectively a cash payment from CRA.
Treatment in calculation: Included as a cash-like benefit for commercial customers. Reduces net capital cost by approximately 30%. Verify eligibility and registration requirements with a tax advisor — we show this conservatively.
Federal · Commercial
Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance — Class 43.2
CRA · Commercial · Tax timing benefit
100% first-year CCA deduction
Eligible clean energy equipment (including solar PV, wind, BESS) can be fully depreciated in the year of purchase under CCA Class 43.2. Reduces taxable income — not a direct cash payment.
Excluded from net cost calculation: This is a tax timing benefit — your total tax paid over the asset's life is the same; you just pay less in year one. The cash benefit depends on your marginal tax rate and profitability. A tax advisor will quantify this for your specific situation.

Provincial Programs

Select a province above to see location-specific programs.

Beyond Solar

Additional Programs — When You Add Other Technologies

These programs become available (or more valuable) when combined with solar. Eligibility-dependent — shown for awareness only.

Federal
ZEVIP — Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
50% of eligible project costs (commercial)
NRCan grant for public or semi-public EV charging infrastructure. Covers Level 2 and DCFC equipment and installation. Combined with solar + BESS, creates a compelling integrated case for fleet decarbonization.
Applicable when: EV Charging module selected. Requires public/semi-public access commitment. Application required before construction begins.
IESO (Ontario)
Save on Energy — Custom Incentives (IESO)
Variable — application-based
IESO custom incentive programs for commercial/industrial energy conservation projects. Includes solar self-consumption paired with demand management, BESS peak-shaving, and energy efficiency improvements.
Applicable when: Energy Efficiency or Demand Management module selected. Ontario commercial/industrial customers only. Formal application required.
Various provinces
Industrial Energy Management (NRCan)
Up to 50% of energy management study costs
NRCan supports industrial facilities in implementing ISO 50001 energy management systems and conducting ASHRAE-level energy audits. Our energy modelling deliverables align to the documentation format required.
Applicable when: Energy Efficiency module selected. Industrial facilities only. Contact NRCan for current intake status.