Ontario solar incentives in 2025 can help homeowners save big when switching to clean energy. If you’re considering installing solar panels on your Ontario home, there’s good news. Ontario solar incentives can help lower upfront costs and make your investment even more affordable. From solar panel rebate programs to federal loans and municipal incentives, there are a growing number of options to help homeowners take advantage of clean, renewable solar energy.
Here’s a look at the most valuable solar incentives Ontario has to offer in 2025 and beyond:
Home Renovation Savings Program (NEW in 2025)
Launched January 28, 2025, the Home Renovation Savings Program is one of Ontario’s newest incentives to support solar adoption and energy efficiency upgrades. Homeowners can access:
- Up to $5,000 in rebates for rooftop solar panel installations
- Up to $5,000 in rebates for battery storage systems
- Up to $10,000 total if both solar panels and battery storage are installed
- Up to 30% of costs covered for additional home efficiency upgrades, including windows, doors, insulation, smart thermostats, and heat pumps
This program is designed to help lower energy bills, improve home energy performance, and reduce environmental impact. This solar rebate is one of the most valuable rebate programs Ontario has available in 2025.
Important Note: If you choose to participate in the Home Renovation Savings Program, you will no longer be eligible for Ontario’s net metering program. Learn more about net metering in Ontario below.
Ontario Net Metering Program
Ontario’s net metering program allows homeowners with solar panels to send excess electricity back to the grid in exchange for credits on their hydro bill. Here’s how it works:
- When your solar panels produce more electricity than your home uses, the surplus energy is fed into the grid
- You earn energy credits that offset future electricity consumption
- You only pay for the net amount of electricity used over your billing period
Net metering helps maximize the value of your solar system, especially during sunny seasons when production is high. Here at Zeno, we’ve helped hundreds of customers in Ontario navigate their incentive and rebate applications.
“From the start of the process to the finish, Zeno was excellent to deal with! When I first looked into getting solar panels, I was worried about getting the permits and net metering application sorted out, but they supported me at every step and were very informative. The design process was also very smooth and the installation team was professional and very tidy. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to save money and the environment!”
Canada Greener Homes Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Loan is a federal program that offers interest-free financing to help Canadians invest in energy-saving upgrades, including solar panels. Key details include:
- Borrow up to $40,000 interest-free, repayable over 10 years
- Eligible for solar panel systems and other energy-efficient home improvements
- The program recently received an additional $600 million in funding due to strong demand
This loan can significantly reduce upfront costs when switching to solar power. But here’s the catch: the program is coming to an end. Funds are limited, and applications will only be accepted while resources last.
If you’ve been considering solar, now is the time to act before this rare financing opportunity disappears. Visit HERE for more information.
Municipal Solar Incentives in Ontario
Several Ontario municipalities offer additional local programs to encourage solar adoption:
Toronto: Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
Up to $125,000 in financing for energy efficiency upgrades, including rooftop solar panels.
Guelph: Greener Homes Program
Zero-interest loans up to $50,000 for solar panel installations and other energy upgrades.
Durham Region: Deep Retrofit Rebate
Up to $10,000 in incentives for solar systems that contribute to emissions reductions.
These municipal programs can provide additional financial support on top of provincial and federal options. Be sure to check your city’s website or contact your local municipality to learn what’s available in your area.
Additional Solar Incentives and Financing Options for Ontario Homeowners and Small Businesses
Beyond provincial and federal programs, homeowners and businesses in Ontario can tap into a variety of local incentives, financing tools, and tax advantages to further reduce the cost of going solar:
Utility Company Programs: Some Ontario utilities offer additional incentives, enhanced net metering terms, or time-of-use rate plans that work well with solar and battery systems. Contact your local electricity provider to learn about any solar-specific programs in your area.
Property Tax Incentives: In certain Ontario municipalities, installing solar panels may not trigger an increase in property tax assessments, helping protect your long-term savings. Check with your local tax authority to see if this exemption applies.
GST/HST Rebates: Depending on your municipality, some home energy upgrades, including solar, may qualify for GST or HST rebates. Your installer or tax professional can provide guidance.
Green Mortgages: Many major lenders in Ontario offer green mortgage products or energy-efficient mortgage add-ons, allowing you to finance solar panel installations with favourable terms. CMHC-insured mortgages also offer potential rebates for energy-efficient homes.
Support for Low-to-Moderate Income Households: Some solar incentive programs offer priority access, grants, or enhanced loan terms for lower-income homeowners. Additionally, pairing solar with programs like the Ontario Electricity Support Program can help further reduce energy costs.
Business and Agricultural Incentives: Ontario businesses and farm owners may qualify for grants, loans, or tax deductions when installing commercial or agricultural solar systems. Initiatives like the federal Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program support clean energy upgrades for farms. Others, like the Save on Energy Retrofit Program administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), offer solar incentives to businesses undertaking energy-efficient upgrades, including solar installations.
Group Purchasing and Community Solar: From time to time, municipalities, co-ops, or environmental groups offer solar group-buy programs or community solar initiatives that can lower costs for participants through bulk purchasing. Watch for local opportunities in your region.
In short: There are many paths to make solar more affordable in Ontario. Pairing multiple programs can unlock the best possible savings on your installation, and the expert team at Zeno Renewables can help you navigate these options and maximize your returns.
Understanding Rebates vs. Incentives: Maximizing Your Solar Savings in Ontario
When exploring solar energy options in Ontario, it’s essential to differentiate between rebates and incentives, as each offers unique financial benefits:
Rebates: Immediate Financial Returns
Rebates provide direct financial returns after solar system installations or energy-efficient upgrades. These are typically fixed amounts or percentages of the project cost. Some examples from the above programs include:
- Home Renovation Savings Program: Offers up to $5,000 for rooftop solar panels and an additional $5,000 for battery storage systems, covering up to 30% of the total project cost
- Canada Greener Homes Grant: Provides grants ranging from $125 to $5,000 for eligible retrofits, including solar installations
These rebates reduce the initial investment required, making solar energy more accessible.
Incentives: Long-Term Financial Benefits
Incentives often encompass programs that offer financial benefits over time. These include some of the programs mentioned above, such as:
- Net Metering Program: Allows homeowners to feed excess solar energy back into the grid in exchange for credits on future electricity bills
- Canada Greener Homes Loan: An interest-free loan of up to $40,000, repayable over 10 years, to finance energy-efficient upgrades, including solar panels
These incentives contribute to ongoing savings and can enhance the return on investment over the solar system’s lifespan.
Making the Most of Rebates and Incentives
Combining rebates and incentives can significantly lower both the upfront and long-term costs of solar installations. However, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and potential interactions between programs. For instance, participating in the Home Renovation Savings Program may affect eligibility for net metering.
At Zeno Renewables, we specialize in navigating these programs to ensure you maximize your savings and make informed decisions tailored to your home’s energy needs.
How to Maximize Solar Incentives in Ontario
Navigating the different solar rebates, loans, and programs can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The team at Zeno Renewables specializes in helping Ontario homeowners take full advantage of available solar incentives. We can guide you through applications, manage the paperwork, and ensure you receive every eligible rebate and financing opportunity.
By combining multiple programs, you can significantly reduce the upfront cost of your solar installation, making solar energy an even smarter investment for long-term savings and energy independence.
