RCSP FAQ

Residential and Commercial Solar Program in Alberta
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this solar incentives programs still available?
A: Unfortunately not. United Conservatives Party Government cancelled the program in May 2019 shortly after coming to power.

Q: What were the benefits of this program?
A: Alberta’s Residential and Commercial Solar Program (RCSP) provided financial incentives of $0.75 per watt to homeowners, business owners and nonprofit managers looking to install solar panels on their homes or buildings. As of November 7th, 2018 incentives for residential solar panels were increased to $0.90 per watt. This program was also projected to support the creation of 900 jobs throughout the province.

Q: Who was eligible to participate in the RCSP?
A: The following were qualified for the RCSP:

• All homeowners in the province with either single or multi-family homes
• All businesses that have buildings in Alberta
• Nonprofits with facilities in the province, except those that qualify for the Alberta Municipal Solar Program
• Expansions to systems installed before April 15, 2017

Q: If I rent my building, could I still participate in the RCSP?
A: Yes, renters were still allowed to be part of the program. However, approval from the property owners would still have been required.

Q: If I have a mobile home, would I be eligible for the RCSP?
A: Mobile homes with a permanently installed ground mount system next to them could qualify for the RCSP. Roof-mounted systems on mobile homes were not eligible.

Q: Could I install my solar panels myself?
A: No, self-installed solar photovoltaic systems were disqualified from participating in the RCSP. There were two main reasons for this:
1. Self-installations did not help create new jobs, which was one of the primary goals of Energy Efficiency Alberta programs.
2. A qualified installer would complete the work and comply with all safety regulations, code expectations and industry best practices.

Q: If I had previously installed solar panels on my property, could I still participate in the program?
A: The RCSP was retroactive for systems in Alberta that received interconnection approval on or after April 15, 2017. Systems that were installed before that date are not eligible for the incentive.

Q: How would I apply for the RCSP?
A: You could apply online, and there were two parts to the application. After submitting Part I and getting your solar panels installed, you needed to complete Part II, which included providing all your final documentation, such as photos of your system.

Q: How long did the RCSP solar incentives last?
A: Funding was supposed to be available until March 2020, but the program was discontinued by the UPC Government in May 2019.

Q: How many Albertans have taken advantage of the RCSP?
A: As of March 2018, Albertans have installed approximately 500 solar systems that have received the RCSP incentive. This number includes all residential, commercial and nonprofit buildings, and totals approximately 3.5 MW of installed solar power.

If you are looking to find out how much solar panels can cost for your residential home or commercial building in Alberta, simply fill out a request form, and receive 2 or 3 free no-obligation quotes from professional installers in your area!