What is the Change Homes for Climate – Solar Program?

The City of Edmonton is helping Edmontonians install solar systems on their multi-unit residential properties to produce renewable energy.

The City is offering Edmonton multi-unit residential property owners $0.50/watt towards the cost of the system. Properties must have four or more permitted units or dwellings and are eligible for rebates based on the size of their system to a maximum of $4,000 per dwelling and a maximum of $100,000 total rebate per property owner per calendar year. Applications open July 2, 2024, and will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis while funds remain available. Eligible systems must be installed with documentation submitted by December 16, 2024.

Applicants who are interested in financing may be eligible for the Clean Energy Improvement Program or the Canada Greener Homes Loan.

Generating local renewable energy is one of the most impactful ways of taking action on climate change.

See the program Terms & Conditions for full eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. Applications can be submitted via the program portal.

Total Solar Program Rebate Funds Committed (Multi-Unit Residential Property only)

37.7% of the rebate budget has been committed to Part 1 applications out of the total $1,300,000 program rebate budget.

Total Number of Residential Units within Participating Properties

780

Current as of October 7, 2024.

While these numbers are updated weekly, they do not guarantee that rebate funds will be available. Applications are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are fully subscribed. Participants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Why Participate?

Turn your home into a tiny power plant.

With 2,300 hours of sun in an average year, Edmonton is one of the sunniest cities in Canada. Solar panels can supply anywhere from a few percent up to 100% of your building’s electricity, and while electricity only accounts for 16% of the energy used in Edmonton, it produces around 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions.

With rooftop solar, you’re not just protecting yourself from the ups and downs of energy prices, you’re reducing the carbon footprint of your property and your community.

How to Participate and get the Rebate

Work with a qualified solar provider to take advantage of existing residential rebates.

1 Hire a qualified solar provider listed on the Solar Providers Directory of either the Solar Energy Society of Alberta or the Canadian Renewable Energy Association. If you need help choosing the right one for you, view these further resources:

2 Your installer will be able to answer all of your questions about:

the economics of solar for your property
the technical aspects of how your system will work
the most up-to-date information about available rebates and eligibility

3 Your installer will take care of all approvals, permits and claiming your rebates. With your consent, they can submit your application on your behalf to the program portal. Rebate funds will be reserved for your project, once you receive conditional approval, and rebates will be paid out after you complete your solar installation.

If you have more questions, please view the Program Terms & Conditions or the Frequently Asked Questions page.

You can also contact the program administrators by emailing solar@edmonton.ca or calling 1 (587) 287-1903.

Another useful tool is this solar potential map. See the solar potential of your property, including estimates of the environmental and financial benefits of going solar.