Ontario is now offering a set of energy efficiency incentives aimed at helping homeowners reduce electricity costs while promoting sustainable energy solutions. Launched last month as part of the province’s Home Renovation Savings Program, residents can now receive rebates for installing rooftop solar panels and battery energy storage systems.
Here’s what you need to know.
Breaking Down the Rebates
The new initiative offers substantial financial incentives for homeowners looking to invest in solar energy and storage solutions:
- Solar Panels: Homeowners can receive up to $5,000, covering as much as 50% of the installation costs.
- Battery Energy Storage: An additional $5,000 rebate is available for those pairing solar panels with battery storage, again covering up to 50% of the total expense.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for these rebates, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Own and reside in a single/semi-detached home or townhome.
- Be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid (Cornwall Electric customers, who are linked to Hydro-Québec, are not eligible).
Unlike previous home energy programs, a home energy assessment is not required to access the rebates, streamlining the process for applicants.
How to Apply for Rebates
Homeowners interested in taking advantage of these incentives should follow these steps:
- Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your home meets the program’s requirements using this form.
- Choose a Contractor – Select a qualified installer and obtain necessary approvals.
- Complete the Installation – Proceed with the installation of solar panels and/or battery storage.
- Claim Your Rebate – Once installation is complete, submit the required documentation to receive your rebate.
Exclusion of Net Metering
One notable limitation of Ontario’s program is the exclusion of net metering. Under a net metering framework, homeowners who generate excess electricity can send it back to the grid in exchange for bill credits. Without this feature, solar adopters must use all the energy their system generates in real-time or store it in a battery.
While this incentivizes self-consumption, it may reduce the long-term financial benefits for homeowners who generate more power than they can use or store.
Ontario’s Energy Transition
The new solar and battery rebates are part of Ontario’s broader $10.9 billion, 12-year energy efficiency strategy. This initiative is expected to reduce peak electricity demand by 3,000 MW—the equivalent of taking three million homes off the grid. Other measures include rebates for heat pumps, insulation, and smart thermostats, as well as expanded support for small businesses through the Peak Perks program.
