Alberta Solar Rebates and Incentives 2026: Complete Guide
- tomsherwood7
- Dec 15
- 5 min read
Quick Answer Here's what Alberta homeowners need to know about solar incentives in 2026:
The federal Greener Homes Loan ended October 1, 2025. The $40,000 interest-free loan is no longer accepting applications. Provincial and municipal programs remain your primary options.
Municipal rebates are available in select cities. Banff offers $750/kW (up to $15,000), Medicine Hat offers $200/kW (up to $1,000), and Wetaskiwin has $5,000 grants.
CEIP provides property-tax financing in 20+ municipalities. Including Calgary, Edmonton, Airdrie, Canmore, Lethbridge, and others. Finance your system through your property taxes.
Net metering is available province-wide. Earn credits for excess energy you export to the grid under Alberta's Micro-Generation Regulation.
0% financing options still exist. Qualified installers like Firefly Solar still offer interest-free financing even after the federal program ended.
Federal Programs: What's Changed
Canada Greener Homes Loan: ENDED
The $40,000 federal interest-free loan program closed to new applications on October 1, 2025. Over 120,000 loans totalling $2.9 billion were issued before closure. If you applied before the deadline, your application will still be processed. No replacement program has been announced.
What this means for you: Provincial, municipal, and private financing options are now more important than ever. The good news is that several strong programs remain available.
Canada Greener Homes Grant: ENDED
The $5,000 grant program for energy-efficient retrofits closed to new applicants in 2024.
Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit: BUSINESSES ONLY
A 30% refundable tax credit on capital costs for clean energy projects, available until 2034. This applies to businesses investing in solar, not residential homeowners.
Municipal Solar Rebates in Alberta
Several Alberta municipalities offer direct rebates for solar installations. Here's what's currently available.
Town of Banff Solar Incentive Program
Banff offers one of Alberta's most generous municipal rebates:
Residential: $750 per kW installed, up to 20 kW maximum ($15,000 max rebate)
Commercial: $750 per kW installed, up to 20 kW maximum
Type: Post-installation rebate
Requirements: Minimum 2 kW system, CSA/ULC approved equipment, completed Microgeneration Agreement with Fortis
Note: Building permits required but fees are waived for solar installations
City of Medicine Hat Solar Electric Incentive
Rebate: $200 per kW installed
Maximum: $1,000 per homeowner
Requirements: Must be on City of Medicine Hat residential electric utility
Note: Must be installed by certified professionals
City of Wetaskiwin Solar Grant Program
Residential: Ten $5,000 grants available for systems of at least 4 kW
Business/Non-profit: Five $5,000 grants available for systems of at least 5 kW
Note: Limited grants available. Apply early. Landlords can apply for rental properties.
Edmonton Change Homes for Climate
Rebate: $0.50 per watt installed
Maximum: $4,000 per dwelling unit, $100,000 per property owner per year
Eligibility: Multi-unit residential properties ONLY (not single-family homes)
Note: Check application deadlines as they vary by funding cycle
Town of Canmore
Rebate: Up to $1,250 for residential properties (regardless of system size)
Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)
CEIP is one of the most flexible financing options for Alberta homeowners. Instead of a traditional loan, you finance your solar installation through your property tax bill.
How CEIP Works
Finance 100% of your solar installation cost
Repay through your regular property tax bill over up to 20-25 years
Competitive interest rates (typically 1.2%-3.6%)
No traditional credit check. Approval based on property value and tax status
If you sell your home, the financing stays with the property (new owner takes over payments)
Participating Municipalities
CEIP is available in these Alberta municipalities (as of 2026):
Airdrie, Banff, Calgary, Canmore, Cold Lake, Devon, Drayton Valley, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Leduc, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Okotoks, Pincher Creek, Rocky Mountain House, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Stettler, Stirling, Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, Taber, Westlock
Note: Program availability and funding levels vary by municipality and funding cycle. Some municipalities may have waitlists or limited funding. Contact your installer to confirm current availability.
Alberta Micro-Generation Regulation (Net Metering)
Net metering allows you to earn credits for excess solar energy you export to the grid. This is available to all Alberta homeowners with grid-connected systems.
How It Works
When your panels produce more than you're using, excess flows to the grid
You receive credits on your electricity bill for exported energy
Credits offset future electricity purchases
Available for systems up to 1 MW
Credit Rates
The rate you receive for exported energy depends on your electricity retailer. Some retailers offer more competitive rates than others. Your installer can help you understand how net metering works with your specific retailer and rate plan.
Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP)
Alberta homeowners aged 65 or older may qualify for the SHARP loan program:
Loan amount: Up to $40,000
Interest rate: Low-interest (below market rates)
Eligibility: Alberta homeowners 65+ with at least 25% equity in primary residence
Eligible uses: Solar panels and other home improvements
Can You Combine Multiple Programs?
In many cases, yes. But every program has its own rules. Common combinations include:
Municipal rebate (Banff, Medicine Hat) + CEIP financing
Municipal rebate + private 0% financing
All programs work alongside net metering
Important: Some programs reduce eligible amounts if you're receiving other support. Your installer should help you navigate the best combination for your situation.
How Firefly Helps You Maximize Incentives
Navigating Alberta's incentive landscape can be complex. At Firefly Solar, we:
Track all available programs. We monitor changes to municipal, provincial, and federal programs so you don't have to.
Design for eligibility. We size and design your system to meet program requirements.
Handle the paperwork. Where allowed, we submit applications on your behalf.
Offer 0% financing. Even with the federal loan ended, we still provide interest-free financing options.
Show your real numbers. Every proposal clearly shows available incentives, net cost, and expected savings.
Ready to See What Incentives You Qualify For?
Every Alberta home is different, and available incentives depend on your municipality and situation. At Firefly Solar, we provide personalized proposals that clearly show:
All incentives available in your area
Your net cost after rebates
Financing options including 0% interest
Expected payback period and lifetime savings
FAQ: Alberta Solar Rebates and Incentives
Is there still a solar rebate in Alberta?
Yes, but it depends on your location. Banff offers $750/kW (up to $15,000), Medicine Hat offers $200/kW (up to $1,000), Wetaskiwin has $5,000 grants, and Edmonton has rebates for multi-unit properties. The federal programs have ended, but municipal rebates and CEIP financing remain available
Is the Canada Greener Homes Loan still available?
No. The $40,000 federal interest-free loan closed to new applications on October 1, 2025. If you applied before that date, your application will still be processed. No replacement program has been announced.
What is CEIP and how does it work?
The Clean Energy Improvement Program lets you finance solar through your property tax bill in participating municipalities. You repay over up to 25 years at competitive rates (1.2%-3.6%). If you sell your home, the financing transfers to the new owner.
Can I get 0% financing for solar in Alberta?
Yes. While the federal Greener Homes Loan ended, qualified installers like Firefly Solar still offer 0% financing options for eligible homeowners.
How do I know which incentives I qualify for?
The best way is to request a personalized proposal. We'll identify every program available in your municipality and show exactly how they apply to your situation.
