Important Update: As of October 2025, the Canada Greener Homes Loan program is no longer accepting applications. The federal program has ended. Alberta homeowners are now primarily using the CEIP municipal financing program and the Solar Club rate structure to maximize their solar investment.
1. CEIP Municipal Financing (Most Popular)
The Clean Energy Improvement Program is currently Alberta's most accessible solar financing option. It lets you pay for solar through your property tax, with no separate bank loan and no upfront cost. Cities set their own interest rates, typically between 3% and 5%.
- No upfront cost, no credit check for the property tax structure
- Available in Edmonton, Airdrie, Lethbridge, St. Albert, Medicine Hat, and more
- Calgary expected to reopen 2026
- Financing transfers to the new owner on property sale
Read the full CEIP guide and city status table →
2. Net Billing (Micro-Generation Credits)
Alberta's Micro-Generation Regulation allows homeowners with solar panels to earn credits at the full retail electricity rate for every kilowatt-hour they export back to the grid. Unlike most Canadian provinces that only pay wholesale rates, Alberta credits you the same rate you pay when buying electricity.
- Earn retail rate (not wholesale) for exported solar energy
- Credits roll over month to month for up to 12 months
- Summer surplus offsets winter consumption
- Unused credits paid out in cash at year-end
Learn how net billing works in Alberta →
3. The Solar Club Rate Program
The Solar Club is an optional electricity rate plan for Alberta solar owners. Members can switch between a high rate in summer (when you're exporting more than you use) and a low rate in winter (when you're importing from the grid). Timing your rate switches correctly can significantly boost your annual savings.
- High Rate: $0.30/kWh (ideal for sunny summer months when you're exporting)
- Low Rate: $0.0877/kWh (best for winter when you're importing)
- Switch with just 10 days' notice, no penalties
- Works best for homes generating 70%+ of their annual electricity needs
4. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for Commercial
For commercial and business applications, the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit may still apply. This is a non-refundable credit of 30% of the capital cost of eligible clean energy equipment, including solar. Consult a tax professional to confirm eligibility for your specific situation.
What Happened to the Greener Homes Loan?
The Canada Greener Homes Loan offered homeowners an interest-free loan of up to $40,000, repaid over 10 years. It was extremely popular, and funding was exhausted in October 2025. No federal replacement has been announced. The CEIP program, while not interest-free, offers a comparable no-upfront-cost path with competitive rates that are often lower than commercial loans.