May 8, 2023
Edmontonians looking to add solar panels to their rooftops can now apply for rebates through the Change for Climate Solar Program, which opens today. Edmontonians can access $1.96 million in new funding to generate local renewable energy at home, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and move Edmonton towards a net zero future.
The funding announced today brings the total amount of the Solar Rebate Program to $6 million since 2019, with 1,211 residents participating to date.
“City Council committed $27 million to climate action in the 2023-2026 budget - and, it’s critical we do everything we can to combat climate change and to encourage residents to participate when they can in climate change mitigation,” said Mayor Amajeet Sohi. “Programs like the Solar Rebate move us closer to our net zero targets and are also important to the economy as they help catalyze the net zero renovation industry, creating jobs and economic growth for the city.”
Added Ward papastew Councillor and Energy Transition and Climate Resilience Committee advisor Michael Janz, “It’s critical we do everything we can to combat climate change and to encourage citizens to participate when they can in climate change mitigation. We heard loud and clear during budget discussions last fall that the Solar Program was important to residents and we are listening.”
The Solar Rebate Program is in effect until funds are fully committed. Rebates are available on a first come first serve basis. The solar rebate program will be replaced by the full Edmonton Clean Energy Improvement Program (E-CEIP) which will launch in 2024.
The E-CEIP program will transition from a pilot, which launched in spring of 2022, to a fully funded program. It will allow home and building owners to undertake building energy retrofits through low interest rate loans paid back through their property taxes over a term of up to 20 years.
Edmontonians are also encouraged to participate in the
Canada Greener Homes Initiative, a federal program that offers up to $5,000 in grants and up to $40,000 in interest-free loans for home energy retrofits and for installing renewable energy systems.
City Council declared a climate emergency on August 27, 2019 to reaffirm its commitment to making Edmonton a climate resilient city, and to accelerate Edmonton’s actions to do our part to contribute to limiting average global warming to 1.5°C, in alignment with the Paris Agreement targets. The City has set an aggressive target in the Community Energy Transition Strategy to be carbon neutral in its corporate operations by 2040 and for the entire community to produce net zero GHG emissions by 2050. These programs help Edmonton move toward those aggressive targets.
