Your 90-Day Solar Timeline: Permits, Installation, and Rebate Payout
Written by Solenery
2 min read
Introduction
You’ve decided to go solar—amazing! But how long will it actually take?
Between audits, permits, utility approvals, and rebate forms, the full solar journey in Canada can stretch anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months. And if you’re hoping for quick savings, knowing what happens when (and who’s responsible for what) will help you avoid unnecessary delays.
This article breaks down a realistic 90-day solar timeline for Canadian homeowners. From Day 1 to rebate cheque, we’ll show you exactly what to expect—and how to keep your project moving smoothly.
Week 1–3: EnerGuide Pre-Audit & Contractor Selection
Goal: Get assessed and get quotes.
Checklist for Weeks 1–3
- Book your pre-retrofit EnerGuide audit through an NRCan-registered energy advisor.
- Begin gathering quotes from licensed solar contractors.
- Ask if they handle permits, interconnection, and rebate paperwork.
Tip: Don’t sign anything or begin installation before your pre-audit is complete — this can disqualify you from most provincial rebate programs.
Week 3–6: Permits & Utility Pre-Approval
Goal: Get legal and technical approvals before install.
Permits & Approvals Typically Submitted
- Electrical permit (ESA in Ontario, Technical Safety BC, etc.).
- Building permit (if needed in your municipality).
- Utility interconnection approval (e.g., Hydro One, ENMAX, SaskPower).
Watch out for delays like:
- Incomplete site plans or missing diagrams.
- Municipal office backlogs.
- Capacity constraints from local utility transformers.
Week 6–8: System Installation
Goal: Panels or heat pump installed on your home.
Typical Installation Activities
- Equipment arrives and is installed over 1–3 days.
- Installer schedules local or ESA inspection.
- System remains inactive until final approval.
- You receive a walkthrough of how to monitor your system.
Tip: Ask for a demo of your monitoring platform (e.g., SolarEdge, Enphase) before the team leaves.
Week 8–10: Utility Meter Swap & Grid Connection
Goal: Officially connect to the grid and start saving.
Steps in Meter Swap Process
- Utility company installs a bi-directional smart meter.
- Installer submits final commissioning documents.
- You begin generating electricity and earning net metering credits.
Time varies by utility: Hydro One typically processes meter swaps within 1–3 weeks after inspection approval.
Week 10–14: EnerGuide Post-Audit & Rebate Submission
Goal: Confirm performance and apply for rebates.
Post-Install Checklist
- Book your post-retrofit EnerGuide audit.
- Upload required documentation to provincial portals (e.g., HER+, CleanBC, Efficiency NS), including:
- Receipts.
- Product model numbers.
- Before-and-after audit results.
- Photo evidence.
Pro Tip: Keep everything organized in a digital folder for quick access: “Solar Project – 2025”.
Week 14–18: Rebate Processing & Payment
Goal: Get paid.
What Happens During Rebate Processing
- Provincial rebate program administrators review your submission.
- Funds are typically issued by direct deposit.
2025 Rebate Snapshot Across Canada
| Province | Program(s) | Max Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Enbridge HER+ | Up to $10,600 |
| British Columbia | CleanBC (when bundled) | Up to $16,000 (stacked) |
| Nova Scotia | Efficiency NS | Up to $9,000 |
| Prince Edward Island | Energy Efficiency Rebate | Up to $10,000 |
| Yukon | Good Energy Program | $0.80/W, up to $5,000 |
| Manitoba | Efficiency MB + solar loan | $500/kW for solar |
| Alberta | CEIP (financing); local rebates (e.g., Banff) | Up to $5,000 |
Case Study: A homeowner in Mississauga received $5,000 from Enbridge HER+ and another $1,250 in solar top-ups within 6 weeks of submission—because they followed the process carefully and used a full-service installer.
Quick Reference Timeline Overview
Solar Timeline Summary Table
| Phase | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre-audit + quoting | 2–3 weeks |
| Permits + utility approval | 2–4 weeks |
| Installation + inspection | 1–2 weeks |
| Meter swap + grid connection | 1–3 weeks |
| Post-audit + rebate processing | 4–8 weeks |
| Total Project Time | 8–14 weeks |
Conclusion
Going solar in Canada doesn’t have to feel like a mystery. With the right team, a realistic timeline, and an understanding of each step, you can go from audit to activation — and rebate cheque — in as little as 90 days.