7 Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Solar or Heat Pump Rebate

Clean energy rebates can shave thousands off your solar panel or heat pump installation in Canada but only if you follow the process to the letter. Every year, thousands of homeowners lose out on available funding due to small errors, unclear paperwork, or missed deadlines.

To help you avoid the same fate, we’ve rounded up 7 of the most common mistakes that lead to rebate rejections—and how to prevent them.

1. Skipping the Pre-Retrofit Energy Audit

Most rebate programs, like Canada’s Greener Homes Grant or provincial heat pump incentives, require a pre-retrofit energy audit before any installation begins.

Many homeowners assume they can get the audit afterward or skip it entirely—only to be denied funding.

Tip: Book your audit early. You need it done and submitted before starting any physical upgrades.

2. Hiring a Non-Certified Contractor

Some rebate programs require that your installer be registered with specific organizations (e.g., NRCan-approved for Greener Homes). If you hire a general handyman or a company that isn’t certified, your application may be denied—even if the installation was done correctly.

Tip: Always verify your contractor’s registration number and confirm they’ve completed rebate-eligible work before.

3. Missing Required Documentation

Your energy advisor or contractor might guide you, but ultimately you are responsible for submitting:

• Itemized invoices
  
• Pre- and post-retrofit audit reports
  
• Product specification sheets
  
• Proof of purchase
  

Any missing file can trigger a rejection or delay.

Tip: Ask your contractor for a full rebate package, and double-check the checklist for your province or utility.

4. Delaying the Post-Retrofit Audit

Just like the pre-audit is required, so is the post-retrofit audit. And it must be done within the program timeline (often 6–12 months from the first audit). If you delay too long, you could lose your eligibility.

Tip: Schedule your follow-up audit as soon as the installation is complete.

5. Installing Non-Qualifying Equipment

Not all solar panels or heat pumps qualify for rebates. Some programs have minimum efficiency requirements or only support products from specific manufacturers.

Tip: Check the approved product lists on the program website before purchase.

6. Incorrectly Filling Out the Application

It sounds simple, but one wrong postal code, incomplete section, or inconsistent signature can derail your rebate. And with many programs now digital, even a mismatched name spelling between forms and IDs can cause issues.

Tip: Review each submission carefully, and keep PDF copies of everything you send.

7. Starting the Work Too Early

Perhaps the biggest mistake: homeowners start the upgrade before registering for the rebate or receiving approval. Some provinces are stricter than others, but in many cases, pre-approval is required.

Tip: Never begin a clean energy project until you’ve received confirmation from the rebate program or utility.

Real-World Example: How One Family Lost $6,000 Over a Simple Error

In Mississauga, the Chowdhury family planned a $32,000 solar installation. They hired a reputable company, completed the install in under 4 weeks, and submitted all the forms—only to discover they had skipped the pre-audit and hadn’t received formal program registration.

Result? Their rebate request was denied, and they had to cover the full cost out-of-pocket.

Final Thoughts: Get Help Before You Submit

Clean energy rebates in Canada are a massive opportunity—but the process is technical. If you’re unsure where to begin, ask your contractor if they offer admin support for permit and rebate submissions. Some companies even build it into their service.

No matter how motivated you are to install solar or heat pumps, don’t let paperwork errors cost you thousands.