GET PAID TO GO GREEN – FREE GOVERNMENT SOLAR GRANT FOR YOUR HOME
The Canadian Greener Homes solar rebate is a government program that provides financial assistance to homeowners who install solar panels on their property. The program offers rebates of up to $5,000 for residential systems. In order to qualify for the Canadian Greener Homes solar rebate, your home must meet certain requirements. You must own the home, and it must be your primary residence. The rebate is available for $1,000 per kW of the cost of your solar system, up to a maximum of $5,000. There is an additional $600 to help with the costs of the energy assessments.
How Does The Grant Work?
First, you must register for the program. In order get approved, there are two home audits that must take place: a pre-retrofit evaluation and a post installation audit. The pre-retrofit evaluation will help determine what retrofits would work best in your house. Before the evaluation takes place make sure to tell the Energy Advisor (EA) your intention is to install rooftop solar to reduce your electricity bill. The EA will ensure solar is included in the modelling. Once the pre-evaluation is completed and your retro-fit is approved, it is time for the solar installation. And then finally after the solar is installed and operating, you have the second audit completed.
What Is Required?
A few things you will need to do:
- You will be required to provide proof of ownership with your property tax bill number (this number can be found on your municipal property tax documents)
- You will need to demonstrate the property is your primary residence through either a driver’s licence or government-issued ID (with address), or a utility bill
- Complete a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
- Complete at least one retrofit that is both eligible and recommended by your energy advisor in their report. Only homeowners who conduct at least one retrofit will be reimbursed.
- All products must be purchased in Canada. Online purchases are only eligible if they are ordered from an online distributor located in Canada. Please note that all mechanical and electrical systems must be installed by a licensed and trained professional.
- Provide and keep copies of all of your documents until March 31, 2028.
What Is An Energy Audit?
Home energy audits can identify ways to make your home more efficient. The audit will include an examination of insulation in different areas, including the attic and windows; they will perform blower door tests that measure how much heat is lost due air leaks. The goal with these upgrades isn’t just lower bills – it’s providing you all-around comfort while being environmentally friendly!
Solar is certainly one of the most coveted upgrades as it can provide you with both clean energy and also a locked-in delivered electrical rate for the next 25 years, significantly lowering your electrical bills.
Finding An Energy Advisor To Do Your Home Evaluation
This is an important first step and can be a cause for some lengthy delays. There are a few things you can do to help speed up the process. First, the EA must work for a qualified service organization. To find a qualified EA near you the Government website allows you to search by postal code. In British Columbia, CleanBC also provides a searchable list based on where you live.
Once you have found an EA serving your area, call to see what kind of timeframe you are looking at for the initial pre-retrofit evaluation. It is important to make sure they do audit retro-fits. Ask your solar installation company for help finding an energy advisor.
Register Online
To get started, follow the step-by step process online to register for the initiative and book your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation here: Greener Homes Registration / Login
When you register, you will need to assign the Service Organization (Energy Advisor) that you have chosen to do the home evaluation. You will know if you have successfully submitted an application to the program when you receive an automatic email notification confirming your application number (e.g., AP123456). Once your application is reviewed and approved, your service organization will contact you with information on next steps.
What Types of Homes Are Eligible?
It is important that you own the home and it is your primary residence.
- Single and semi-detached houses
- Row housing
- Townhomes
- All-season cottages
- Mobile homes on a permanent foundation
- Permanently moored floating homes
- Mixed use buildings (residential portion only)
- Small multi-unit residential buildings (three stories or less with a footprint of 600m2 or less)
If you’re looking to install solar panels on your property, the Canadian Greener Homes rebate is a great option. The program offers rebates of up to $5,000 for residential systems, and in order to get approved, there are two home audits that must take place: a pre-retrofit evaluation and a post installation audit. So if you’re ready to make the switch to solar energy, be sure to register for the Greener Homes Grant today!
Take the next step! Contact Energy Economics for a free solar installation estimate.
