How to Apply for Government Grants & Rebates to Offset the Cost of Backup Power & Clean Energy

Investing in standby generators, home batteries, or solar panels can be a big upfront cost — but you don’t have to go it alone. The Canadian federal government, provincial governments, and utility programs often offer grants, rebates, and low-interest loans that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense. This guide will walk you through what’s available now (2025), what you might qualify for, and how to apply—so you can power your home more affordably and sustainably.

What Programs Are Available Now

Here are some of the key programs currently running (or recently changed), especially relevant for home energy upgrades including solar, batteries, insulation, etc.:

What to Watch Out For / Key Eligibility Rules

To maximize your rebate/grant application success, keep in mind these common requirements & restrictions:

• Homeownership & Primary Residence: Most programs require you own the home and it must be your primary residence. Vacation homes, rentals often do not qualify.

• New vs Existing Installations: Some rebates require the upgrade/installation to be “new”—for example, a new rooftop solar installation. If adding onto an existing system, it may not qualify.

• Pairing Requirements: Battery storage is often only eligible if paired with solar panels under certain rebate programs.

• Equipment Standards: ENERGY STAR or other certified equipment is often required. Also, the materials or products may need to be made in Canada or purchased from Canadian vendors.

• No Net Metering for Some Programs: In Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program, for example, net metering (sending electricity back to the grid for credits) is not allowed. The solar system must be sized for load displacement only.

• Deadlines & Paperwork: Many programs have deadlines (for applications, for completing work, or for energy assessments). Missing deadlines or missing documentation can disqualify you.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Here’s a practical guide for applying. If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and make the process smoother.

1. Check What’s Available Where You Are

   • Determine your province or territory, and also your municipality. Incentives often vary.

   • Visit official sites: Natural Resources Canada (for federal), your provincial government, and local utility companies.

2. Get an Energy Audit / Pre-retrofit Assessment (if required)

   • Many programs (like Greener Homes, HER+, etc.) require a pre-retrofit energy evaluation to understand what upgrades will give you the most benefit.

   • Keep the report / audit—it’s often required later.

3. Choose a Qualified Contractor & Equipment

   • Ensure the contractor is certified / approved by the program if needed.

   • Make sure the equipment meets program standards (ENERGY STAR, certified panels, etc.).

4. Estimate & Price Out the Project

   • Get quotes for all components: solar, battery, generator, installation, electrical wiring etc.

   • Include the cost of permitting if applicable.

5. Apply

   • Fill out the program’s application forms before starting any work whenever required. Some programs will only accept applications for work not yet started.

   • Provide required documents: proof of ownership, product specs, quotes, energy assessment results.

6. Complete the Work

   • After application approval, get the work done. Keep all receipts and invoices.

   • Have any required inspections or post-install evaluations.

7. Submit Final Documents & Request Grant/Rebate

   • Submit “after” energy audit if required.

   • Send in all receipts, proof of installation, photos if needed.

   • Keep all documentation; some programs require them for years.

8. Receive Your Rebate / Loan Terms

   • After verification, you should receive payment or loan agreement per program’s rules.

   • For loans, understand repayment schedules and interest terms.

Example / Hypothetical Scenario

Let’s say you live in Ontario, want to install a solar + battery + standby generator system. Here’s how the costs & savings might work:

• Solar + battery + generator project cost: CA$ 40,000

• Rebate from Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings Program: up to $5,000 (solar) + $5,000 (battery) = $10,000

• You apply for the Canada Greener Homes Loan for the rest (i.e. $30,000) interest-free over 10 years.

• If your installation meets certified standards and you have required audits, your final net upfront cost could drop significantly.

Don’t let the upfront cost scare you away from upgrading your home’s power resilience and efficiency. With the right grants, rebates, and loans, you can make solar, battery storage, and backup generators much more affordable.

At Gridiron Power, we’d be glad to put you in touch with one of our many dealers who can help you determine which financial incentives you qualify for, choose the right system, and ensure that your installation checks all the boxes. Reach out today and let’s power your home smarter.