Edmonton Solar Rebate Program

Edmonton Gives $1.3 Million to Solar Rebate Program for Multi-Unit Properties

November 14, 2024 Update – Program deadline has been extended!

The deadline for submissions has been extended to better accommodate participants. Please note:

• Part I applications must be submitted either by December 16, 2024, or prior to rebate funds being fully allocated, whichever occurs first.
• Part II application deadline is now March 31, 2025 and has been extended from December 16, 2024.

Get your applications in! The City of Edmonton is offering $1.3 million in additional funds to reopen the previously closed Change Homes for Climate Solar Program. This time around multi-unit residential properties in the city will be the beneficiary of special incentives for solar PV installations.

Here’s what you need to know to take advantage of the solar incentive offer while you can.

What is the Change Homes for Climate Solar Program?

The additional $1.3 million in funds from the City of Edmonton is going to the Change Homes for Climate Solar Program. The program was founded to help residents of Edmonton make investments in clean renewable energy and counter the effects of climate change. One of the primary ways this is accomplished is by offering rebate incentives that lower the cost of solar PV systems.

So far the City of Edmonton has helped 1,900+ residential solar panel systems get installed. Together the systems contribute 15 megawatts of power to the city’s total renewable energy production. Renewing the program means that even more people in Edmonton will benefit from clean solar energy.

How Edmonton Multi-Unit Properties Can Get the Solar Panel Incentive

The City of Edmonton is awarding a lot of money for rebates as a way to encourage more property owners to install PV solar panels. If you want to be one of the property owners that gets a big rebate, check out the details below.

Eligible Recipients

Owners of multi-unit residential buildings with 4+ dwellings in the City of Edmonton are eligible for the program. Property owners that installed solar panel systems during the program’s closure period are also retroactively eligible. However, to receive a rebate property owners will still need to get the application and documentation submitted within one year of their interconnection approval date.

Incentive Maximums

The program is offering up to $100,000 per property owner. The offer breaks down to $0.50 per watt for a solar panel system with a maximum of up to 40% of the total cost for the system or $4,000 per dwelling, whichever is less. The offer can be used at new or existing residential properties, but the solar PV system must be new.

Time Limits

Applications will be accepted between July 2, 2024 and December 16, 2024. But you’ll need to have the project completed and submit Part II of the application within nine months of getting approval on Part I or by December 16th, whichever is earliest. That means the Part I conditional approval for the application needs to be done as soon as possible to give yourself enough time to get everything completed and submitted on time.

Property Requirements

There are a number of requirements that have to be met to receive the rebate through the Change Homes for Climate solar program. For starters, the property must have permits in compliance with the City’s Zoning Bylaw 20001. If the property isn’t up to code you may want to take steps first to get all the necessary permits in place before applying.

One thing property owners won’t have to worry about with this new round of applications is the EnerGuide evaluation. In the past, Change Homes for Climate required that an EnerGuide evaluation be completed first prior to any energy improvements, but that is no longer a requirement.

Solar PV System Requirements

To receive the CHCSP rebate the project also has to meet certain requirements. To meet the requirements the solar panel system must be:

• Connected to the grid.
• Newly installed with all new components.
• Approved for interconnection by the wire service provider.
• Compliant with the Government of Alberta’s Micro-generation Regulation (AR27/2008)
• Designed by a Qualified Installer.
• Installed by a Qualified Installer.
• Compliant with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) safety requirements.
• Have equipment that meets warranty minimums.
• Able to produce a solar yield of 70% or greater compared to a system with optimal placement and positioning.

Looking for a qualified solar installer in Edmonton that can help you get the rebate? Alberta Solar Installers is the go-to resource for residential and commercial property owners in Edmonton that want to find the best deal on solar panels. You can get started immediately online!