Solar incentives in Ontario
Federal tax credits, Ontario rebates, utility programs, and Net metering at retail rate net metering - everything that lowers your solar payback.
Incentives & rebates
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Ontario Net Metering
Ontario homeowners can net meter through their local distribution company: exported solar is credited kWh-for-kWh against future electricity bills at the retail rate, with unused credits carried forward for up to 12 months and no cash payout for net annual excess. As of May 1, 2026, the Ontario Energy Board raised the simplified micro-embedded generation threshold from 10 kW to 12 kW, making more residential systems eligible for the streamlined connection process.
Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) - Solar & Battery
Ontario's flagship residential energy program (launched January 2025, expanded for the 2026-27 program year running April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027) provides combined rebates of up to $10,000 for solar PV paired with battery storage. Note: homeowners taking the HRSP solar incentive are generally directed to a load-displacement configuration rather than full net metering - confirm the current rules with your installer before applying.
Federal Programs (Greener Homes Loan & Affordability Program)
The Canada Greener Homes Loan (interest-free up to $40,000) stopped accepting new applications on October 2, 2025 - funding is fully committed and only previously approved loans are being funded. Its replacement, the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP), launched in September 2025 and delivers no-cost retrofits through provincial partners for low- to median-income households; solar PV is federally eligible but each province sets its own technology list. Canada still has no federal investment tax credit equivalent to the U.S. ITC for residential solar.
Local Utility & Municipal Programs
Some Ontario municipalities and local utilities periodically offer financing (e.g. local improvement charge / on-bill financing) or efficiency programs that can apply to solar. Availability is local and changes frequently - confirm what is currently offered in your service area.
Net metering: Net metering at retail rate
Ontario offers net metering through local distribution utilities: exported solar is credited kWh-for-kWh at the retail electricity rate against future bills, with credits carried forward up to 12 months and no cash payment for annual net excess. Time-of-use pricing makes self-consumption and storage more valuable.
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