Home Renovation Savings Rebates for Ontario

The province of Ontario has added solar panels and battery storage to its Home Renovation Savings rebate program. These rebates are available without a home energy assessment but they are more restrictive than we’d hoped in that off-grid properties are not eligible. You must be connected to the Ontario electrical grid to qualify. 

The rebate amounts are up to $5000 dollars covering up to 50% of the cost of solar panels and up to $5000 covering up to 50% of the cost of battery energy storage.  

The website has an interest form that you can fill out to get started on the process.

Here are some relevant FAQs from the program website:

Solar Panels and Battery Storage -  Rooftop Solar Systems With or Without Battery

What are the eligibility requirements to receive solar and storage rebates?
•    You must live in a single/semi-detached home or row/townhome.
•    You must own the home where the solar and battery system will be installed. You must be the person responsible for paying for the purchase and installation of the solar and storage system. Where an owner has tenants, the owner must apply.
•    The home must be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid. Cornwall Electric customers are connected to the Hydro-Québec electricity grid and therefore are not eligible to participate.
•    All applicable permissions and permits from the local municipality, local distribution company (LDC) and regulatory bodies must be completed as required. This will include completing a Connection Assessment with the LDC and obtaining an Electrical Safety Authority certificate. Contact your local electric utility for more information about these requirements.
•    Solar panels must be installed on a rooftop. Portable or temporary structures (including recreational vehicles and trailers) are not eligible.
•    Solar panels must be sized for load displacement only. Net metering is not permitted.
•    Battery energy storage systems must be paired with a new rooftop solar panel system.
•    All equipment must be new, owned by the program participant and purchased in Canada.
•    All equipment must be compliant with applicable ANSI/CAN/UL/CSA/IEEE/CEC standards.

Can I receive rebates for replacing or adding to an existing solar or battery energy storage system?
•    No, the rebate is meant to encourage new solar and storage installations.

Why can’t I install a standalone battery energy storage system?
•    A standalone battery energy storage system charges from the electricity grid. The goal of the Home Renovation Savings program is to reduce homeowners’ energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and demand on the electricity grid. In order to achieve this, battery storage systems must be paired with solar panels.

Why are some electricity customers not eligible for the Home Renovation Savings program?
•    To be eligible to participate, electricity customers must be connected to Ontario’s electricity grid. Customers of Cornwall Electric are connected to the Hydro-Québec electricity grid and therefore are not eligible to participate.

Can I work with any contractor to complete the installation of the solar and storage system?
•    Yes, you may work with the contractor of your choice. They must submit a pre-installation form on your behalf. This form is required to verify your eligibility for a rebate. Once your project is pre-approved, your contractor may then install your solar and storage system, ensuring it meets program eligibility requirements. Then they can submit the remaining required documentation so you can receive your rebate.

Let Us Help!

Canadian Off Grid can help you find a qualified contractor to do your installation and work with them to choose the optimal equipment for your needs. Give Ryan and the team a call at (905) 818-7364 or ryan@canadianoffgriddepot.com to get more information tailored specifically to your situation and requirements.