Everything You Need to Know About the Canada Greener Homes Loan (2025)

Introduction

Thinking about installing solar panels, a heat pump, or upgrading your home insulation—but worried about the upfront cost?

Enter the Canada Greener Homes Loan: a federal, interest-free financing program designed to help Canadians make energy-efficient home upgrades without financial strain.

This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, what upgrades are covered, and how to combine it with grants and provincial rebates to maximize your savings.

What Is the Canada Greener Homes Loan?

The Canada Greener Homes Loan is a 0% interest loan designed to make energy efficiency upgrades accessible to Canadian homeowners.

Feature	Details
Loan Amount	$5,000 to $40,000
Interest Rate	0% interest
Repayment Term	10 years (fixed monthly payments)
Eligibility	Owner-occupied primary residences only
Deadline	Rolling applications, limited funding

💡 Note: This is a loan, not a grant—but the interest-free terms make it a powerful financial tool.

What Upgrades Are Eligible?

The loan covers a wide range of energy-saving home improvements, including:

• Solar PV systems
• Heat pumps (air or ground source)
• High-efficiency insulation (attic, basement, wall)
• Energy-efficient windows and doors
• Air sealing
• Smart thermostats
• Battery storage systems
• Foundation insulation and waterproofing

Requirement: Upgrades must be recommended in your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation by a registered energy advisor.

Example:

A Calgary homeowner installs a 7 kW solar system and heat pump totaling $35,000.
→ Monthly payments: ~$292 over 10 years, interest-free

Who’s Eligible for the Loan?

To qualify, you must:

• Own and live in the home as your primary residence
• Complete a pre-retrofit energy evaluation
• Complete at least one eligible upgrade
• Provide quotes and invoices from licensed contractors
• Complete a post-retrofit evaluation

Eligible Home Types:

• Detached homes
• Semi-detached and row houses
• Select low-rise MURBs (up to 3 storeys, 600 m² total)

Not Eligible:

• New construction
• Rental-only properties
• Condos with shared systems

How to Apply in 6 Easy Steps

1. Register via the Greener Homes Loan portal
2. Book a pre-retrofit audit with a certified energy advisor
3. Review recommendations for eligible upgrades
4. Get quotes and submit your loan application
5. Complete upgrades using licensed contractors
6. Book a post-retrofit audit and begin repayment

💡 Tip: Start early—demand is high, and some areas have long waitlists for advisors.

Can I Combine the Loan with Other Incentives?

Yes—and you should. Stacking programs can dramatically reduce your net cost.

Program	Stackable?	Benefit
Clean Technology ITC (Federal)	✅	30% tax credit on eligible costs
HER+ (Ontario)	✅	Up to $10,000 rebate from Enbridge
CleanBC	✅	Up to 100% rebate for low-income households
Efficiency Nova Scotia	✅	Rebates for heat pumps, solar, batteries
PEI Solar Rebate	✅	$1,000/kW up to $10,000 for solar
Efficiency Manitoba	✅	$500/kW up to $5,000
Arctic Energy Alliance (NWT)	✅	50% rebate up to $20,000 for solar
Nunavut REHIP	✅	50% rebate up to $30,000

Example:

An Ontario homeowner installs a $30,000 solar + heat pump system
→ $5,000 rebate from Enbridge HER+
→ $9,000 tax credit (Clean Tech ITC)
→ Net cost = $16,000, financed interest-free over 10 years

What If I Sell My Home Before the Loan Is Paid Off?

If you sell:

• You must repay the remaining balance in full
• The loan is not transferable to the new owner
• There’s no penalty for early repayment

💡 Recommendation: Plan upgrades if you expect to remain in your home for at least 5–10 years to maximize energy savings and avoid early payback.

Conclusion

The Canada Greener Homes Loan is one of the most impactful clean energy financing programs in Canada. With up to $40,000 interest-free, it eliminates one of the biggest barriers to adopting:

• Solar
• Heat pumps
• Insulation and energy upgrades