If you’re a homeowner in Ottawa thinking about installing solar panels or a battery backup system, there’s never been a better time to make the switch. Thanks to the Home Renovation Savings Program, Ottawa residents can access generous rebates that make solar energy and battery storage systems much more affordable. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the program, who’s eligible, what the rebates cover, and how to get started with your solar and battery installation in Ottawa.
What is the Home Renovation Savings Program?
The Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Enbridge Gas in partnership with Save on Energy, is designed to help Ottawa homeowners lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint by upgrading to more energy-efficient technologies — including solar panels and home battery storage systems. For homeowners investing in renewable energy, this program offers valuable rebates that make the upfront cost of solar and battery installations much easier to manage.
How Much Are the Solar and Battery Rebates?
Ottawa residents who participate in the program can access:
- Up to $5,000 in rebates ($1,000/kw DC) for installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system on their home.
- Up to $5,000 in rebates ($300/kwh) for installing a battery backup system that stores energy for use during peak hours or power outages.
This means homeowners could receive up to $10,000 in total rebates when they combine both solar and battery upgrades — a major incentive for anyone considering an energy-efficient home renovation project.
However, it’s important to note that these rebates are available for load displacement systems only. This means your solar and battery system must primarily power your own home directly, rather than being focused solely on exporting power back to the grid under net metering. Net-metered systems typically do not qualify for these rebates.
Who is Eligible for Solar and Battery Rebates in Ottawa?
To qualify for the Home Renovation Savings Program rebates for solar panels and battery systems in Ottawa, you must meet a few key requirements:
- You must own the home where the solar and battery systems are being installed.
- The property must be your primary residence.
- Your home must be heated primarily by natural gas or electricity (other fuels like oil, propane, or wood heat do not qualify).
- All upgrades must be completed by certified contractors using products that meet the program’s technical standards.
Before starting your solar or battery installation, you must also have an energy assessment performed on your home by a Registered Energy Advisor. This pre-upgrade assessment helps identify the best opportunities to improve your home’s energy efficiency and ensures that the upgrades meet the program’s eligibility rules.
How the Home Renovation Savings Program Works for Solar and Battery Upgrades
Here’s a quick overview of the process to access your rebates for solar and battery installation in Ottawa:
- Home Energy Assessment: First, book a pre-retrofit energy assessment with a qualified Energy Advisor.
- Choose Your Upgrades: Based on the assessment, select your solar PV system and/or home battery system.
- Hire Certified Installers: Work with experienced, certified contractors to ensure your installation meets all requirements.
- Post-Upgrade Assessment: After the work is completed, a post-retrofit energy assessment must be done to confirm the improvements.
- Submit Your Rebate Application: Once your project and assessments are complete, submit your documentation to claim your solar and battery rebates.
It’s important to keep all your receipts, reports, and paperwork organized to ensure a smooth rebate process.
Other Solar and Battery Incentives in Ottawa
In addition to the Home Renovation Savings Program, Ottawa homeowners can tap into other exciting incentives to make solar even more accessible:
- The Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program (BHOLP) offers low-interest loans up to $125,000 for energy-efficient upgrades like solar and battery installations.
- The Canada Greener Homes Loan offers up to $40,000 in interest-free financing for major home retrofits, including solar energy systems and battery storage.
- Through Ontario’s Net Metering Program, you can also send excess solar electricity back to the grid for credits on your electricity bill — even though it doesn’t stack with the Home Renovation Savings Program rebates, it remains a valuable way to maximize your solar savings.
Why Now is the Best Time to Install Solar and Battery Storage in Ottawa
Between rising energy prices and increased power outages caused by severe weather events, Ottawa homeowners are recognizing the many benefits of installing solar panels and battery backup systems. Solar allows you to generate clean, renewable energy directly from your rooftop, lowering your monthly electricity bills. Battery storage systems provide peace of mind by keeping your home powered even during blackouts.
On top of these functional benefits, upgrading your home with solar and battery systems can significantly increase your property value. Studies show that homes equipped with renewable energy features often sell faster and for higher prices compared to conventional homes.
When you combine these long-term financial advantages with the up to $10,000 in solar and battery rebates now available through the Home Renovation Savings Program, it’s clear: There has never been a better time to go solar in Ottawa.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to power your Ottawa home with solar energy and battery storage, don’t wait! With limited funding and high demand for energy efficiency rebates, it’s smart to book your home energy assessment and start planning your upgrades today.
Looking for a trusted, certified contractor for your solar and battery installation in Ottawa? True Beacon specializes in premium solar panel and battery systems, including Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, SolarEdge, and more. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how you can maximize your rebates and savings while taking control of your home’s energy future.