Rebates, incentives and resources

Home Renovation Savings: solar panels and battery storage

• Solar: $1,000 per kW, up to $5,000 and no more than 50% of costs.
• Battery: $300 per kWh, up to $5,000 and no more than 50% of costs. The battery must be paired with a new solar system and sized for it.
• For homeowners 18 and older in detached, semi detached, row and town homes, or mobile homes on a permanent foundation, connected to the Ontario grid.
• The solar power is used in the home (load displacement). You cannot also sign a net metering agreement.
• No home energy assessment needed. Your contractor submits a pre-installation form, and nothing may be bought or installed before written pre-approval.

Delivered by Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas with support from the Government of Ontario.

Home Accessibility Tax Credit

• Age 65 or older: qualifies by age alone if 65 by December 31 of the tax year. No separate approval or application is needed.
• Under 65: qualifies only if already approved for the disability tax credit (CRA Form T2201).
• A spouse, common law partner or supporting relative can claim the expenses in some cases.
• The work must be permanent, part of the home or its land, and help that person get into the home safely or move around in it. Heated access ramps, steps and entry walkways may qualify. Routine repairs, maintenance and outdoor maintenance services do not.
• It is claimed on the tax return (line 31285). The credit is non refundable, so it lowers tax owed but is not paid out if no tax is owing.
• Keep your invoices, and ask your tax professional to confirm before you claim.

How net metering works in Ontario

• Your utility installs a meter that measures power in both directions.
• Surplus solar power you send to the grid earns credits on your bill.
• Credits carry forward for up to 12 months, then expire. Credits are not paid out in cash.
• Summer credits can offset winter electricity, including heat tracing and floor warming.
• Home systems of 12 kW and under usually follow the simpler micro generation connection process.
• Net metering cannot be combined with the Home Renovation Savings solar rebate.