New Ontario Solar Rebates & Energy Efficiency Programs 2025

New Ontario Solar Rebates & Energy Efficiency Programs (2025): How to Save More on Your Energy Bills

The government of Ontario has unveiled a new energy efficiency program called the Ontario Home Renovations Savings Program. This program is designed to help homeowners and businesses reduce energy costs while transitioning to renewable energy. This is part of a $10.9 billion, 12-year energy efficiency project designed to help Ontarians improve home energy efficiency and comfort, offering up to $10,000 rebate to offset the cost of setting up a solar system with a battery. As the leading solar installation company in Ontario, we’re here to guide you through the process of maximizing your savings and making the most of these incentives.

Understanding the New Ontario Home Renovation Savings

Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program is making the switch to renewable energy easier and more affordable for homeowners. With valuable financial incentives, this program helps reduce electricity costs with the possibility of going 100% off-grid while promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future. By making solar power more accessible, homeowners can cut their dependence on the grid and take control of their energy usage. Here’s how the program can help you save and go green:

1. Solar Panel Rebate:

• Covers up to 50% of the total cost of a rooftop solar system.
• Maximum rebate of $5,000 per household.
• Calculated at $1,000 per kilowatt (e.g., a 4.8 kW system qualifies for a $4,800 rebate).
• Helps lower utility bills while reducing carbon emissions.

2. Battery Energy Storage Rebate:

• Available for homeowners who install a battery storage system alongside solar panels.
• Covers up to 50% of the total cost, with a maximum rebate of $5,000.
• Allows homeowners to store excess solar energy for later use, reducing peak-hour electricity costs.
• Provides backup power during outages, increasing energy independence.

By reducing upfront costs, the Home Renovation Savings Program encourages more Ontarians to invest in clean energy solutions. Whether installing solar panels alone or combining them with battery storage, these rebates make renewable energy more affordable while helping homeowners take control of their energy future.

To qualify for solar and battery storage rebates under the program, homeowners must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• The home must be a single detached, semi-detached, row house, townhome, or mobile home on a permanent foundation located in Ontario
• You must own the home where the solar and battery storage systems will be installed. If the property is rented, the homeowner (not the tenant) must apply and be responsible for installation costs. If you own more than one property, you can apply for each and everyone of them as long as they meet the residency requirement.
• The property must be connected to the Ontario electricity grid. (Note: Homes served by Cornwall Electric, which operates under Hydro-Québec, are not eligible.) You cannot also apply for this loan if you plan to participate in a net metering arrangement, and this rebate also does not disqualify you from other federal or state funding like the Canada Greener Homes Loan.
• Unlike many other rebates, the Home Renovations Savings Program does not require a home energy assessment to be eligible.

How to Apply

1. Confirm Your Eligibility – Check if your home qualifies for the rebate. Need assistance? Fill out this form for personalized guidance.
2. Choose a Contractor & Get Approval – Select a qualified contractor to install your solar and battery storage systems. Your contractor will submit a pre-installation form and assist in obtaining connection approval from your local electric utility.
3. Complete the Installation – Once pre-approved, your contractor will install your solar and battery storage system, ensuring it meets all program requirements.
4. Receive Your Rebate – After installation, your contractor will submit the final paperwork. Once approved, your rebate will be processed and sent to you.

Maximizing Savings with Battery Storage

In the absence of net metering, the best way to maximize your solar investment is by pairing battery storage with the Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) rate plan, which offers electricity rates as low as 2.8¢/kWh during nighttime hours. Unlike net metering, where excess solar energy is sent back to the grid for credits, this approach ensures that every kilowatt of solar power you generate is used to its fullest potential. By strategically managing energy storage and consumption, homeowners can lower their electricity costs while maintaining a steady and reliable power supply.

With the ULO rate plan, when your solar panels are not generating electricity—such as during the evening or on cloudy days—you can charge your battery with low-cost grid power instead of drawing expensive electricity during peak times. The stored energy can then be used throughout the day, especially when rates are at their highest, allowing you to avoid costly peak-hour charges.

By integrating battery storage with the ULO plan, homeowners can offset usage to net zero. This strategy not only enhances savings but also provides a reliable backup during power outages. Without net metering, this method is the most efficient way to reduce reliance on the grid, cut electricity bills, and fully capitalize on your solar energy system.

Why go Solar in Ontario

There are several reasons why switching to solar in Ontario is the best course of action for residents in the province. Apart from government-supported programs that help subsidize the cost of a system, here are several other reasons why going solar might be good for you.

Sunlight Potential

Switching to solar in Ontario can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. A typical 5 kW solar system can generate about 5,830 kWh of electricity per year. For context, the average Ontario home uses around 9,000 kWh annually, meaning solar could cover over 60% of your electricity needs—reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your energy costs. Over time, this can add up to thousands of dollars in savings while protecting you from rising electricity rates.

High Electricity Rates

Electricity costs in Ontario keep rising, making everyday expenses harder to manage. As utility rates climb due to infrastructure costs and demand, homeowners face higher energy bills. Solar power offers a way to cut long-term electricity costs and reduce reliance on expensive grid power. By generating their own energy, homeowners can protect themselves from unpredictable rate hikes and enjoy greater financial stability.

Financial savings and support

Ontario is pro-active in its support for renewable energy, and it shows through its policies and incentives. Apart from the Home Renovation Savings Program, Ontario offers other solar incentives geared towards making solar installation more affordable. Additionally, there are Canada-wide tax benefits that allow for accelerated tax write-offs on clean energy equipment. Furthermore, some municipalities also provide low-interest loans and grants, further reducing costs. These incentives make switching to solar a smart and cost-effective investment for Ontario homeowners.

Energy Independence

Solar energy, combined with battery storage, allows homeowners to store excess power and use it during peak hours or power outages. This reduces reliance on the grid and protects against rising electricity rates or unexpected blackouts.

Clean Energy

Solar power is a renewable, zero-emission energy source that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. By switching to solar, you contribute to a cleaner environment and help Ontario transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Going Solar with Terawatt Solar

Switching to solar is a big step, and Terawatt Solar is here to make the transition seamless. With expertise in solar solutions tailored for Canada’s diverse climate, we ensure your system delivers maximum efficiency year-round, whether under bright summer skies or snowy winters.

Our high-performance solar panels are designed to withstand various weather conditions, providing reliable energy and long-term savings. We take a personalized approach, guiding you through every step—from system selection and installation to securing available rebates and incentives.

Ready to embrace clean energy with confidence? Request a free solar analysis today for expert advice and customized solar solutions that fit your home’s needs. Let’s build a greener, more sustainable future together.