All Episodes

January 14, 2025 3 mins

It all boils down to the skyrocketing electricity rates. At $0.18094 per kWh, Nova Scotia’s electricity costs are among the highest in Canada. Solar energy offers an escape route—dramatic savings on your power bill while shrinking your carbon footprint. The catch? The upfront cost of solar installations can make anyone pause. That’s why federal, provincial, and municipal programs are stepping up to help.
Read Detailed Guide On Our Medium

  • Which rebates and incentives can lower those initial costs.
  • How to qualify and apply for these programs.
  • What long-term savings look like when you switch to solar.

Federal Programs: Making Solar More Affordable

  1. Canada Greener Homes Grant
    • Offers up to $5,000 for energy-efficient home upgrades, including solar panels.
    • Requires a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation by a certified advisor.
    • Application is through the Canada Greener Homes Portal.
  2. Canada Greener Homes Loan
    • Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 with a 10-year repayment period.
    • You need approval for the Canada Greener Homes Grant first.
  3. Clean Energy Investment Tax Credit
    • Businesses can enjoy a 30% refundable tax credit for installing solar energy systems.
    • Eligible costs can be claimed directly through the CRA.
  4. Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (ACCA)
    • Businesses can depreciate solar equipment costs faster, reducing taxable income.

Provincial Programs: Nova Scotia-Specific Perks

  1. SolarHomes Program
    • Rebate: $0.30/watt, up to $3,000.
    • Administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia, the program is perfect for homeowners installing solar on primary residences.
  2. Solar for Non-Profits Pilot
    • Offers up to $15,000 to non-profits for solar PV systems.
    • Helps organizations cut costs and contribute to a greener community.
  3. Home Battery Pilot
    • Encourages pairing solar panels with battery storage.
    • Offers $300 per kWh of battery capacity, capped at $2,500.
  4. Community Solar Gardens
    • Perfect for those without suitable roof space.
    • Earns subscribers a $0.02/kWh credit on energy generated by shared solar systems.
  5. PACE Financing (Property Assessed Clean Energy)
    • Provides low-cost loans for solar installations, with repayments tied to property taxes.
    • Programs like Halifax Solar City offer 10-year terms at competitive rates.

Actionable Steps to Start Your Solar Journey Follow More at SolarEnergies.ca

  1. Schedule a Home Energy Assessment
    • Efficiency Nova Scotia’s programs often start with an evaluation. This step identifies areas to improve energy efficiency before going solar.
  2. Explore Financing Options
    • Look into Halifax Solar City, PACE, or federal loan programs for affordable payment plans.
  3. Hire a Certified Installer
    • Use Efficiency Nova Scotia’s directory to find a qualified professional.
  4. Combine Rebates for Maximum Savings
    • Stack federal programs like the Canada Greener Homes Grant with provincial initiatives for better affordability.
  5. Stay Organized
    • Keep all your paperwork—quotes, receipts, and approvals—handy to avoid delays.
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.