Alberta Solar Rebates & Incentives: Savings on Energy-Efficiency

Alberta has some of the most generous solar incentives in Canada. Homeowners can benefit from numerous federal, provincial, municipal, and local programs. Whether you're a current resident planning to move to the city of Edmonton or any other Albertan community, if you're thinking about switching to solar, here's what you need to know about the area's solar energy programs.

Federal Solar Incentives

Alberta residents looking to invest in solar energy should be aware of the federal solar incentives available. This includes the Greener Homes Grant, the Greener Homes Loan, and net metering, all of which can help lower the cost of solar energy.

The Greener Homes Grant

The Greener Homes Grant is a federal solar incentive program that can help offset the cost of solar panel installation. To be eligible, homeowners must have an energy assessment of their property and collaborate with a registered energy advisor. These advisors will recommend energy-efficient upgrades tailored to the home. Grants are a portion of the total cost, and the remainder are covered by the Greener Homes Loan.

The Greener Homes Loan

Most homeowners in Alberta are eligible for the federal solar incentive program, the Greener Homes Loan. This program provides interest-free loans to cover part of the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, such as solar panels.

The loan can be paid back over 10 years, making spreading the cost of energy-efficient updates and upgrades easier. You must get an energy assessment and collaborate with a registered energy advisor to qualify.

Net Metering

Frequently, homeowners in Alberta connect to the grid by using solar panels and net metering to generate their own electricity, saving money and becoming more energy-efficient. Net metering allows users to receive credits for surplus energy, which can be used to offset grid-supplied energy costs. It also helps to stabilize the grid and reduce the need for additional power plants and infrastructure.

This renewable energy option has numerous benefits, from cost savings to sustainability. Net metering is a win-win for everyone involved.

Alberta Municipal Solar Program

Alberta's Municipal Solar Program provides incentives to municipalities across the province so they can save money by investing in renewable energy. The program is open to communities across Alberta—not just in the big cities or Edmonton's top suburbs. Some communities that have used this program include the village of Carmangay, the city of Airdrie, Big Lakes County, and the Parkdale Community League.

The Alberta Municipal Solar Program is a good way for municipalities to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. By installing solar PV systems, municipalities can generate free energy when the sun shines and save on electricity costs.

Although the program is not currently open to new applications, there are other ways for municipalities to access funding and incentives for renewable energy projects. The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre and the Alberta Funding Guide are excellent resources to explore when looking for funding for solar energy projects.

Edmonton Solar Incentives

Edmonton residents can benefit from two solar incentive programs: the Edmonton Solar Rebate Program and the Edmonton Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP). In addition to helping residents make the most of their solar investments, both programs are designed to promote renewable energy and its place in Edmonton's economy. In both cases, it's important to double-check that applications are open, as they can fill up quickly.

Edmonton Solar Rebate Program

The Edmonton Solar Rebate Program offers a great way to save on solar installation costs. This rebate can be combined with the Canada Greener Homes Grant, and new construction homes in Edmonton can qualify for additional savings. With an average of 2,300 hours of sunshine each year, solar energy can help power Edmonton homes and reduce their carbon footprint. 

The rebate program helps cut costs and benefit the environment at the same time. Residents should know that they can get a rebate of up to $0.40 per watt, which covers about 15% of the cost of changing to solar. Additionally, the rebate can be applied to any solar photovoltaic system. The rebate is available to both residential and commercial customers.

Edmonton Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)

Take advantage of the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), which can reduce solar installation costs for those investing in Edmonton real estate. Through the program, commercial property owners can finance energy-efficient upgrades with competitive interest rates and repayment terms of up to 20 years. 

The City of Edmonton secured a $9.6 million grant through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to launch the program. With CEIP, you can make upgrades to your commercial property and benefit from long-term savings while reducing your carbon footprint. Public engagement sessions were held to refine the program, which is similar to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) initiatives in other Canadian cities. Take advantage of CEIP and start saving today.

Calgary Clean Energy Improvement Program

Through the Calgary Clean Energy Improvement Program, property owners can access competitive interest rates and finance their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. This pioneering financing solution helps make properties greener without straining finances. With CEIP, homeowners can simplify repayment by incorporating it into their property's regular tax bill. It's also easy to access competitive interest rates and finance renewable energy projects.

Unfortunately, due to high demand, intake rounds often reach capacity quickly. However, to ensure everyone has a chance to benefit, the program will reopen with 150 pre-qualification applications available. To take advantage of this opportunity, try to prepare ahead of time so you can apply right when the program reopens.

Medicine Hat Solar Incentives

Medicine Hat offers a Solar Electric Incentive Program through HAT Smart. This program helps to incentivize those who are looking to install solar energy systems in their homes or businesses.

Solar Electric Incentive Program

Residents in Medicine Hat can take advantage of the Solar Electric Incentive Program to save money on installing residential solar PV systems. Qualified installers must design and install all system components, which must carry CSA or ULC approval for installation in Canada. Systems also must be approved by the provincial government. With the program, Albertans can receive rebates and enjoy the benefits of green energy. 

HAT Smart

HAT Smart is a program that provides incentives for installing residential solar PV systems in Medicine Hat. The program is designed to make energy-efficient improvements to homes easy and cost-effective. Each year, the city releases details of the available incentives. 

Residents can use these rebates to save money and energy. HAT Smart also offers access to new technologies and funding sources. This makes it a good option for those looking to make eco-friendly changes to their homes. With the help of HAT Smart, property owners and builders can reduce their energy bills and contribute to a sustainable future.

Lethbridge: SunRidge BuiltGreen Homeowner Rebate

Homeowners in Lethbridge's SunRidge area can use the BuiltGreen rebate program to save money and reduce their environmental impact. This is part of the industry-driven voluntary program that promotes green building practices. SunRidge is the first entirely green neighbourhood in Lethbridge, and the program offers a rebate to homeowners who maximize the energy efficiency of their homes.

The rebate is funded by the City of Lethbridge and is available to property owners in SunRidge. It covers the cost of heating and cooling systems, insulation, and lighting improvements. Homeowners are also eligible for rebates on solar panel installation and other renewable energy sources. To qualify for the rebate, homeowners must follow the City of Lethbridge's guidelines and submit the necessary paperwork. 

The Best Solar Incentives in Alberta

Solar energy has become more accessible to Albertans through a variety of solar incentives. Through the federal program, Alberta municipal solar program, and various city-specific programs, homeowners can benefit from residential solar panels in myriad ways. Solar incentives can make solar energy more accessible and cost-effective, helping Albertans make a positive environmental impact and save money in the long run.