Free Money for Solar? Yep, It’s Real.
If someone told you the government was giving away $10,000 to help you install solar panels, would you believe them?
You might not. And hey, we don’t blame you. It sounds like one of those “too good to be true” things.
But right now, in 2025, it’s very real and Ontario homeowners are cashing in.
Between rebates and interest-free loans, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to solar. And the truth is, waiting could cost you. These programs won’t be around forever. We’ve seen them come and go before.
So in this post, we’re breaking it all down for you, simple, quick, and no weird fine print. Here’s exactly what you need to know.
The $10,000 Ontario Solar Jackpot (What Most People Are Missing)
There’s a new program in town, and most people haven’t heard about it yet. It’s called the Home Renovation Savings Program, and it rolled out in January 2025.
It’s backed by Enbridge Gas, Save on Energy, and the Ontario government and it’s handing out cash to help property owners install clean energy.
Here’s what you can get:
- Up to $5,000 for rooftop solar panels
That’s $1,000 for every kilowatt (kW) of solar you install, up to half the cost of your system. - Up to $5,000 for battery backup
You’ll get $300 for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage again, covering up to 50% of the cost.
That’s a possible $10,000 back in your pocket, just for going solar with a battery storage system.
And the best part?
It’s not a tax credit. It’s not something you wait months for. This is a direct rebate, real money paid after your install is complete.
A quick example:
Let’s say you install a 5kW solar system with a 10kWh battery.
Boom, you’re eligible for up to $10,000 back just like that.
“It’s like buying a car and getting paid to do it.”
That’s how wild this opportunity is.
Stack It with the $40,000 Interest-Free Loan (Yes, Really)
Okay, so the $10,000 rebate is amazing on its own. But there’s more. The federal government is offering up to $40,000 through a zero-interest loan to help you go solar.
That’s right 0% interest. You get up to 10 years to pay it back, and you can use it for solar panels, energy storage, and even other upgrades like heat pumps or insulation.
This is part of the Canada Greener Homes Loan, and it’s open to Ontario homeowners right now.
Here’s how it works:
- Get a home energy audit
A certified energy advisor checks out your house and tells you what upgrades qualify. (Don’t worry, we help you schedule this.) - Apply for the loan
Based on your audit results, you can borrow anywhere from $5,000 to $40,000, all interest-free. - Install your system
Once approved, you move forward with your solar panels, battery, or other upgrades. - Do a second audit
They’ll confirm the upgrades were done, and the loan terms get locked in.
That’s it. You’re now powering your home with clean energy, cutting your hydro bill, and you didn’t rack up a single dollar of interest.
Good to know:
- You can combine this loan with the Ontario rebates from the previous Section
- You don’t have to use the full $40 can only borrow what you need
- There are no gimmicks, no penalties, no hidden traps
This is real money helping real people go solar.
What These Programs Could Mean for You
Let’s run the numbers on a real-life example. This is what we see with most of our clients here in Ottawa and surrounding areas.
The Setup
- A typical home system: 6kW solar + 10kWh battery
- Total solar project cost: around $30,000
- With rebates and the loan in play? You could pay nothing up front
Here’s the breakdown:
| Item | Cost | Covered By |
|---|---|---|
| Solar panels (6kW) | ~$15,000 | $5,000 rebate |
| Battery (10kWh) | ~$10,000 | $3,000 rebate |
| Other costs (labour, permits, electrical) | ~$5,000 | Covered by loan |
Then you use the Canada Greener Homes Grant to cover the rest with no interest, and a 10-year term. That’s a monthly payment of around $200–250, depending on the size of your system.
Now Let’s Talk Savings
If your current energy bill is around $200/month, switching to solar could cut that in half or even more. In some setups, it’s nearly wiped out.
Over 25 years, your solar PV system could save you $50,000 or more. And you’re not throwing your money away on rising utility rates. You’re investing in your home and keeping the power right where it belongs.
What’s the Catch?
There isn’t one.
You just need to:
- Own your home in Ontario
- Get an energy audit before and after the install
- Use certified installers (like us at True Beacon)
- Have a system sized right to qualify for the max rebate
That’s where we come in. We do this every day. No guesswork.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait on These Solar Incentives
It might feel like these rebates and interest-free loans will always be around. They won’t.
We’ve seen it before: generous solar programs roll out, smart homeowners jump on them, and then… boom. Funds run out. The offer ends. The people who waited are stuck paying full price, wishing they’d moved sooner.
This 2025 wave of funding is no different.
Here’s What Could Happen If You Wait:
- Rebate programs close early once they hit their funding limits
- Loan rules get stricter, and fewer homeowners qualify
- Hydro bills keep rising while you’re stuck paying more month after month
- Install waitlists grow, so even if you want in, you’re stuck at the back of the line
“We’re just exploring right now…”
We hear this all the time. Totally fair.
But here’s the thing: exploring today doesn’t mean you’re locked into anything. It just means you’re giving yourself options while the financial incentives are still active.
And honestly? People who act now are getting thousands shaved off their install cost with zero upfront money. You won’t get that kind of deal again anytime soon.
Don’t be the person who waits, then kicks themselves later.
We’ll help you find out what you qualify for right now, with no pressure to move forward if it’s not the right fit.
Why Go Solar Now with True Beacon?
So, the rebates are real. The loan is real. The cost savings? Also real.
But here’s the thing: not all solar companies are created equal.
Some pop up overnight just to grab a piece of the boom. Others subcontract everything, which means no control, no consistency, and no accountability.
That’s not how we roll.
We’re Electricians First, Solar Experts Always
At True Beacon, we started as a licensed electrical contracting business. We’ve got Master Electricians on our team and years of experience in residential and commercial projects.
That matters when it comes to designing a system that qualifies for rebates and runs smoothly for decades.
We Handle All the Paperwork, Too
Let’s be real: applying for rebates and loans can feel like a headache.
But we’ve done it hundreds of times. We’ll help with:
- Booking your pre- and post-audits
- Getting the paperwork submitted correctly
- Making sure your system qualifies for the full rebate
- Structuring your loan to get the most value
You don’t need to learn the rules, we already know them.
No Subcontractors, No Cut Corners
Everything’s done by our in-house crew, trained to True Beacon’s standard. We care about clean installs, smart design, and long-term results.
Plus, we’re local. We live in the same areas we serve, Ottawa, Orleans, Kingston, Embrun, Kanata, and beyond. When you work with us, you’re not calling a call center in another province. You’re talking to someone who knows your street, your hydro company, your weather, and your roof type.
Your Next Step: Book While The Rebates Are Still Active
If you’ve made it this far, here’s what you already know:
- The Ontario rebate can put up to $10,000 back in your pocket
- The federal loan can get you up to $40,000, interest-free
- You could go solar with little to no upfront cost
- These programs won’t last forever
- And True Beacon knows exactly how to help you qualify
So, what now?
Simple, book a free solar consultation.
We’ll walk you through:
- If your home qualifies
- How much rebate and loan money you can get
- What system size makes the most sense
- What your monthly savings will look like
All with no pressure and no guesswork.
Here’s How to Get Started:
Call us: 613-701-1028
Email us: info@truebeacon.ca
Or visit: www.truebeacon.ca
Don’t wait for hydro prices to climb higher.
Don’t let the rebates vanish.
Get your power and your money working for you.
Let’s light the way forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Rebates in Ontario
Is solar energy really worth it in Ontario?
Absolutely. With the drop in solar power equipment costs and the rise in electricity costs, switching to solar energy is one of the smartest moves homeowners can make. Plus, when you factor in today’s financial support, the math has never looked better.
How do I qualify for the $10,000 rebate?
You need to live in Ontario, own your home, and go through the required energy audits. The program gives up to $5,000 for solar installations and another $5,000 for battery energy storage systems, paid directly to you after install.
Can I use both the rebate and the loan together?
Yes, and most people do. You can stack the rebate with the Canada Greener Homes Loan, which gives you up to $40,000 interest-free. This combo makes renewable energy systems way more affordable.
What is net metering and how does it work?
Under Ontario’s net metering program, when your system produces more energy than your home uses, it gets sent back to the grid. You then earn credits you can use later when your system isn’t producing, like at night or in winter.
Do I need a battery to go solar?
Not necessarily. But battery energy storage is a smart upgrade if you want backup during outages or want to avoid using grid power during peak times. It’s also required if you want to take advantage of load displacement systems rather than exporting to the grid.
Will solar lower my energy costs right away?
Yes. Many homeowners see lower energy costs starting from the first full billing cycle after their system goes live. Over time, the energy savings add up, especially with a well-designed system.
Is solar really considered clean energy?
It is. Clean energy generation from the sun doesn’t produce emissions, fuel waste, or pollution. It’s one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy available today, and it works great in Ontario.
How does solar affect my energy efficiency?
It improves it. A good solar installation is part of a bigger push toward energy efficiency, especially when combined with insulation upgrades, heat pumps, or smart home tech. Less waste, lower bills, more control.
I’m interested, but not ready. What should I do now?
Start by booking a free consult. We’ll help you figure out how much financial support you qualify for, check your home’s potential for clean energy generation, and guide you through the rebate and loan process step by step.