Solar Rules and Rebates Across Canada: A Cross-Province Guide

Introduction

Thinking about going solar in Canada? Before you sign a contract, it’s critical to understand that rules, rebates, and utility programs vary by province—sometimes even by city.

In this guide, we break down solar regulations, incentive programs, and net metering policies across the country. Whether you’re in Ontario, BC, Alberta, or Nova Scotia, you’ll learn what to expect—and how to get the most out of your investment.

Federal Incentives Available to All Canadians

No matter where you live in Canada, you likely qualify for:

• Canada Greener Homes Loan: up to $40,000 interest-free over 10 years
• GST/HST rebates on energy-efficiency upgrades (check province-specific eligibility)

Tip: You must complete a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide audit by an NRCan-registered energy advisor to access these.

Ontario: HER+ Rebates, ESA Permits & Hydro One Net Metering

Rebates:

• Up to $5,600 through the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) program, delivered by Enbridge Gas and NRCan

Net Metering:

• Offered by most Local Distribution Companies (LDCs), including Hydro One, Alectra, and Toronto Hydro
• Credits unused solar generation at retail rates, carried forward for up to 12 months

Rules:

• Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection required before grid connection
• Most residential systems must remain under 10 kW for streamlined approval

Good to Know: Ontario’s rules are strict—but also well-documented and reliable.

British Columbia: CleanBC Incentives & BC Hydro Connection

Rebates:

• No solar-specific rebate, but solar can be bundled with other CleanBC home upgrades for deeper incentives
• Up to $6,000 in total CleanBC + federal stackable rebates for whole-home retrofits

Net Metering:

• BC Hydro offers net metering for systems up to 100 kW
• Excess generation is credited to your account and paid out at market rates annually (if net positive)

Rules:

• Requires Technical Safety BC electrical permit
• FortisBC has its own connection process for customers outside of BC Hydro’s service area

Tip: In BC, solar pays off most quickly when combined with electric vehicles or heat pumps.

Alberta: Municipal Support & Micro-Generation Rules

Rebates:

• None province-wide in 2025.
• Municipal support: While Alberta no longer offers province-wide solar rebates, some municipalities have launched their own programs. For example, the City of Edmonton offers the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), which provides low-interest, property-linked financing for solar, insulation, windows, and other upgrades.

Program:

• Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation supports system connections ≤150 kW and ensures homeowners receive monthly utility credits for exported electricity.
• Solar system owners can reduce their electricity bills through net billing, with credits applied to future consumption.

Tip: Use Solar Alberta to track municipal and utility-led solar incentives, and confirm net billing rules in your area.

Net Metering:

• Province-wide Micro-Generation Regulation supports grid connection and compensation for systems ≤150 kW
• Monthly bill credits apply for excess generation (rate varies by retailer)

Rules:

• System must be sized to match household usage
• Interconnection handled through your energy retailer (e.g., EPCOR, ENMAX)

Tip: Use the Solar Alberta directory to find certified installers and local incentives.

Nova Scotia: NS Power & Efficiency Nova Scotia Incentives

Rebates:

• Up to $9,000 for home energy upgrades via Efficiency Nova Scotia (solar eligible under broader packages)

Net Metering:

• Nova Scotia Power allows net metering with full credit rollover for 12 months
• Must be a renewable energy source (solar, wind, etc.)
• Cap at 100 kW for residential properties

Rules:

• No GST on solar installations
• Must use licensed electricians and submit design for utility review

Tip: NS has one of the best net metering structures in Canada—many systems offset 80–100% of annual use.

Quebec: Off-Grid Focus and Limited Grid Incentives

Rebates:

• No grid-tied solar rebates in 2025
• Some regional support for off-grid systems (e.g., Northern Quebec, Indigenous communities)

Net Metering:

• No formal net metering program through Hydro-Québec
• Solar is allowed for self-consumption only

Rules:

• Requires RBQ-licensed contractor
• Focus is typically on efficiency (insulation, heat pumps) rather than solar

Tip: Solar in Quebec is most viable for off-grid cabins or self-use rural systems—not for grid offset.

Other Provinces: Quick Glance

Province	Rebate Notes	Net Metering Available?	Utility Example
Manitoba	None currently (as of 2025)	Yes	Manitoba Hydro
Saskatchewan	Net metering ended in 2019	Limited (non-retail rate)	SaskPower
New Brunswick	Efficiency NB rebates for heat pumps	Yes	NB Power
Newfoundland & Labrador	Limited support	Small-scale net metering	NL Hydro
PEI	Up to $10,000 via PEI Energy Audit	Yes	Maritime Electric

Bonus Tip: Most provinces allow systems under 10 kW with simplified permitting—above that, expect more paperwork.

Conclusion

Solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey in Canada. By understanding your province’s rules, rebates, and connection processes, you’ll make smarter decisions—and maximize your savings.

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