How Does the Canada Greener Home Loan Work?

The Canada Greener Homes Loan is an interest-free financing program designed to help homeowners upgrade their homes for better energy efficiency. This initiative allows eligible homeowners to secure a 0% interest loan for approved energy-saving retrofits, including solar panel installations. 

Loan Details:

• Maximum Loan Amount: $40,000

• Minimum Loan Amount: $5,000

• Repayment Term: 10 years (interest-free)

• Loan Type: Unsecured personal loan (approved credit required)

This loan provides an excellent opportunity for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs through clean energy solutions.

Who Can Apply?

To qualify, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Own a primary residence in Canada.

• Have completed a pre-retrofit home energy evaluation (April 1, 2020, or later).

• Demonstrate good credit history, free from:

  • Bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings

  • Consumer proposals or structured debt repayment programs

• Be willing to share financial details to confirm repayment ability.

What Projects Are Not Eligible?

The following do not qualify for the loan:

• Home projects that have already started or been completed.

• Retrofits not recommended by an approved energy advisor.

• Non-eligible projects as determined by the Government of Canada.

• Upgrades not included in the initial loan application.

How to Apply

Step 1: Schedule a Pre-Retrofit Home Energy Assessment

Contact a government-approved energy assessment provider to evaluate your home’s current efficiency. This assessment will generate a custom retrofit plan, outlining eligible upgrades, including solar panel installations.

Step 2: Plan & Get Quotes

Before applying, research and gather quotes from multiple solar installers. Work with certified providers to ensure all estimates meet government requirements.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Log in to your Canada Greener Homes account and access the loan portal. You’ll need to upload the following documents:

• Property tax statement

• Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) and a utility bill

• Proof of income (e.g., T4 slip or employment letter)

• Signed installation agreement with your contractor

Step 4: Complete Your Energy Retrofits

Once approved, complete the selected home upgrades and keep all invoices and receipts for verification.

Step 5: Post-Retrofit Evaluation

After completing your project, book a post-retrofit assessment with your energy service provider. They will verify the installation and update the government database.

Step 6: Request Your Final Loan Amount

After approval of the post-retrofit assessment, log into the loan portal, submit all invoices, and request funding.

Step 7: Loan Disbursement

Once approved, the loan will be deposited into your account within 10 days. If project costs are lower than estimated, the loan amount will be adjusted accordingly.

Step 8: Repayment

Repay the loan over 10 years with zero interest. Payment details and instructions will be provided after loan disbursement.

Added Benefit: Boosting Your Home’s Value

If you sell your home before fully repaying the loan, you are still responsible for repayment. However, energy-efficient upgrades increase property value, meaning you can recover the investment from the sale price—often with additional profit.

Get Started with Solar Today!

Thinking about adding solar panels to your home? Click for a free quote and get expert guidance on how to maximize your benefits under the Canada Greener Homes Loan.