UPDATED November 14, 2019
Solar power is a perfect example of efficiency. So when Efficiency Nova Scotia announced its new SolarHomes rebate for Nova Scotian homeowners late in June 2018, it seems like a natural fit.
The new program provides Nova Scotians with a rebate towards the installed cost of a Solar PV system.
The program rebate started out at $1.00/watt but due to unexpectedly high demand, Efficiency NS made some modifications to the program in April 2019 and it was reduced to $0.85/watt. In November of 2019, the program was revised again. As of November 1, 2019, while there is no set maximum system size, the maximum rebate will be the lesser of $6,000 or 25% of total eligible system costs.
Eligible system costs include:
– Expenses (excluding HST) for the purchase of the solar PV equipment for the project (i.e. solar PV modules, racking, inverters, transformer (if any), cabling, conduit, fittings, disconnects and monitoring interface and where applicable, batteries, charge controller);
– Expenses (excluding HST) for the installation of the project.
*for a full list of current eligibility please visit Efficiency NS.
Eligible solar PV systems can be net-metered (connected to the grid), or they can also be independent of, and not connected to the grid (also known as off-grid).
Bear in mind that this rebate is in addition to the cost savings you can expect on your power bills after installing a solar PV system.
About SolarHomes
Applications became available in mid-August 2018. Rebates will be paid for solar photovoltaic systems that meet all program criteria and are pre-approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia. Your solar installers must also be pre-approved by Efficiency Nova Scotia.
Eligibility
Efficiency NS states that most Nova Scotia homeowners will be eligible. Further details are available on Efficiency NS’s website (see link below).
The four-year program was launched in mid-August 2018.
Details
Program details can be found on Efficiency Nova Scotia’s website. Program eligibility is subject to change. Please be sure to get your pre-approval application submitted and approved before you engage in any equipment or installation purchase.
Other Programs
The SolarHomes program will complement Halifax Regional Municipality’s (HRM) Solar City Program, and rebates will be made available to HRM Solar City participants whose systems are connected on or after June 25, 2018.
Want to know if your home is a good bet for solar?
Try our Grid-Tied Calculator to see what might work for your home. Or request a site assessment here to get started right away!