Federal Solar Incentives in Canada: Grants, Loans & Tax Credits Explained
Written by Solenery
1 min read
Introduction
Canada’s federal programs can slash thousands off your solar investment—if you know which ones to tap and how to stack them. In this post, we’ll unpack the key Government of Canada initiatives—grants, interest-free loans, and oil-to-heat-pump top-ups—so you can maximize your net savings on solar PV and other net-zero upgrades.
Canada Greener Homes Loan
- What it offers:
- Interest-free financing up to $40,000 over 10 years
- Covers the same set of eligible retrofits as the Grant
- Interest-free financing up to $40,000 over 10 years
- Eligibility & process:
- Get your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
- Apply online for the interest-free loan through NRCan’s portal
- Complete your retrofit and repay at 0% interest over 10 years
- Get your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
- Why it matters:
- No up-front capital? No problem—this loan often beats HELOCs and other financing in total cost.
- No up-front capital? No problem—this loan often beats HELOCs and other financing in total cost.
Heads up: You still own the system outright, so you capture all of the long-term savings.
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA)
Purpose: Incentivize conversions from oil-fired heating to electric heat pumps
Grant details
- Up to $10,000 per home
- Additional $250 “Canada Heat Pump Bonus” in Atlantic provinces
Where it applies
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
How to claim
- Work with a certified installer and apply through your provincial energy office once your pre-conversion audit is done.
Note: Although OHPA targets heat pumps, many installers offer packaged solar + heat-pump solutions—ask about combined discounts.
Stacking & Claiming Tips
- Sequence your steps:
- EnerGuide pre-audit → Grant & Loan applications → Retrofit → Post-audit
- EnerGuide pre-audit → Grant & Loan applications → Retrofit → Post-audit
- Bundle upgrades:
- Mix solar PV with other eligible retrofits to hit maximum grant limits.
- Mix solar PV with other eligible retrofits to hit maximum grant limits.
- Track every receipt:
- Save audits, invoices, and application confirmations for smooth processing.
- Save audits, invoices, and application confirmations for smooth processing.
- Mind the deadlines:
- Federal budgets refresh annually—apply as soon as your audit is complete.
- Federal budgets refresh annually—apply as soon as your audit is complete.
Conclusion
By leveraging the interest-free Greener Homes Loan, and OHPA top-ups, you can shave thousands off your net solar costs. Stack them strategically, keep your paperwork airtight, and watch your ROI soar.
Ready to calculate your net price?