The Short Answer: Cost by System Size

Nova Scotia homes typically need between 8 kW and 16 kW to meaningfully offset their electricity use. Here’s what that range looks like at current installed prices:

System Size	Estimated Cost	Best Fit For
8 kW	~$18,000–$24,000	Smaller home, lower usage, limited roof space
10 kW	~$22,000–$26,000	Average NS home, moderate electricity use
12.5 kW	~$27,000–$32,000	Typical NS home — our most common install size
15 kW	~$33,000–$38,500	Higher usage, EV charging, electric heating
20 kW	~$44,000–$50,000	Large home, high consumption, or future-proofing

These figures are for roof-mounted systems, fully installed, including panels, inverter, mounting hardware, wiring, permits, and NS Power interconnection. No hidden fees.

How Nova Scotia Pricing Compares to the Rest of Canada

Most online sources quote Nova Scotia solar at $2.60–$3.27 per installed DC watt (solar array size). That’s the industry average, and it’s what you’d likely pay through a national lead-generation site that connects you with whoever’s available.

Our installed pricing runs $2.20–$2.50/W — meaningfully lower, and it reflects the efficiency of an in-house team doing volume in our market. No subcontracting. No middlemen.

On a 12.5 kW system, the difference between $2.36/W (our median) and $2.90/W (industry average) is roughly $6,750. That’s real money.

When comparing quotes, always ask for the price per watt — it’s the only apples-to-apples number that matters.

What Drives the Price Up (or Down)

Roof complexity is the biggest variable. A simple south-facing gable roof is straightforward. Multiple pitches, valleys, dormers, or low-slope sections add labour time and may require different mounting hardware.

Roof condition matters too. If your roof is within 5 years of needing replacement, it’s worth doing that first — removing and reinstalling a solar system later adds cost. We’ll flag this during your assessment.

System size affects per-watt pricing. Larger systems cost less per watt to install because fixed costs (mobilization, permits, interconnection) are spread across more panels.

Equipment tier affects upfront cost and long-term performance. Premium panels and inverters cost more but typically carry better warranties and degrade more slowly over a 25-year system life.

Service panel upgrades — older homes with 100-amp service may need an upgrade to 200-amp before solar can be interconnected. This adds $4,000–$6,000 depending on your setup.

What Does It Actually Return?

This is the question that matters more than the upfront price.

NS Power’s current residential rate is 19.128¢/kWh (as of May 1, 2026 — up 3.1% from the previous rate). Every kWh your solar system produces is a kWh you don’t buy from NS Power at that rate.

For a 12.5 kW system on a typical Nova Scotia roof:

• Projected annual production: ~13,000–14,000 kWh
• Net metering credit rate: 19.128¢/kWh (full retail rate)
• Estimated annual value: ~$2,500–$2,700/year
• Estimated cost: ~$29,500
• Estimated simple payback: 11–12 years
• System lifespan: 25–30 years

That means roughly 13–18 years of pure savings after payback — at today’s rates. If NS Power rates continue rising (they’ve increased every year since 2021), the payback period shortens and the lifetime return grows.

Does Solar Make Sense for Every Home?

No — and we’ll tell you if it doesn’t.

The homes where solar works best in Nova Scotia:

• High electricity use — bills over $150/month get the strongest returns
• Minimal shading — from trees, chimneys, or neighbouring buildings
• Roof in good condition — at least 10 years of life remaining

If your roof is heavily shaded, or your bills are consistently under $100/month, solar may still work — but the math is tighter. A proper assessment will tell you exactly what to expect.

The post How Much Does Solar Cost in Nova Scotia? (2026 Pricing Guide) appeared first on Solar Ascent.

What’s Closed (Don’t Waste Time on These)

SolarHomes Program — Closed April 17, 2025

Efficiency Nova Scotia’s SolarHomes rebate offered homeowners $0.30/W, up to $3,000 on solar PV installations. It was one of the most impactful provincial solar incentives in Atlantic Canada — over 6,000 households used it, cutting emissions by 32,000+ tonnes of CO₂ and saving $12.5M per year in electricity costs collectively.

It’s now closed to residential homeowners. Non-profit organizations and registered charities are still eligible to apply, but the program is unavailable to individual homeowners as of April 2025.

Canada Greener Homes Grant — Closed February 2024

Offered up to $5,000 in retrofit grants. Closed to new applicants in February 2024. Final documents were due December 31, 2025. Fully wound down.

Canada Greener Homes Loan — Closed October 1, 2025

Offered a 0% interest loan up to $40,000 for energy retrofits including solar. The portal closed to new applications on October 1, 2025. If you had an approved loan before that date, you can continue your project — but no new applications are being accepted.

What’s Still Available in 2026

The good news: what remains is genuinely valuable — and in some ways, more durable than the rebate programs that came and went.

 

1. NS Power Net Metering — The Most Important Incentive

This is the big one. And it’s not going anywhere.

Nova Scotia Power’s net metering program lets you send excess solar electricity back to the grid and receive credits at the retail rate (~19.128¢/kWh) — the same rate you’d pay to buy power. That’s the highest net metering credit rate in Canada.

Here’s why it matters: credits roll over for 12 months. You don’t lose surplus production you make in the Summer months — you bank it for the Fall and Winter.

For a well-sized system on a Nova Scotia home, net metering typically delivers $1,500–$2,500/year in energy savings and credits, depending on your system size and consumption. Over a 25-year system life, that’s well over $50,000 in cumulative value — dwarfing any upfront rebate.

Residential systems up to 27 kW AC are eligible. Commercial systems up to 1 MW.

 

2. PACE Financing — If You’re in an Eligible Municipality

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing lets you install solar with no upfront cost, repaying the loan through your property tax bill over time. The loan is tied to the property, not to you personally — which means if you sell, the buyer takes over the payments (and gets the solar system).

Active programs in Nova Scotia as of June 2026:

Program	Area	Max Amount	Term
Solar City	Halifax Regional Municipality	Full system cost	10 years at 4.75%
Clean Energy Financing	Various NS municipalities	Varies	Varies
SwitchPACE	Various NS municipalities	Varies	Varies

 

3. SolarHomes Still Available for Non-Profits and Charities

If you represent a registered non-profit or charity in Nova Scotia, the SolarHomes program is still accepting applications. The rebate structure ($0.60/W up to applicable maximums) remains in place for this segment. 

What This Means If You’re Thinking About Going Solar

The “wait for a better rebate” strategy has cost a lot of Nova Scotians real money over the past few years. The programs that existed were good. They’re gone now, and there’s no announced replacement on the horizon.

What remains — net metering at 19.128¢/kWh, rising NSP rates, and PACE financing in eligible areas — is enough to make solar a smart long-term investment for the right home or business.

The best first step is a proper assessment of your roof, your consumption, and your goals. That’s something we do at no cost.

Quick Reference: Nova Scotia Solar Programs 2026

Program	Status	Details
SolarHomes (residential)	Closed Apr 2025	No longer available to homeowners
SolarHomes (non-profits/charities)	Open	$0.60/Watt DC System Size
Canada Greener Homes Grant	Closed Feb 2024	Fully wound down
Canada Greener Homes Loan	Closed Oct 2025	No new applications
NS Power Net Metering	Active	~19.128¢/kWh, 12-month rollover, up to 27 kW  AC residential
Halifax Solar City PACE	Active	Full cost, 4.75%, 10 years, HRM only
Clean Energy Financing and Switch PACE	Active (varies)	Check eligibility by municipality

Information current as of June 2026. Programs change — always verify current status before making decisions.

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Solar Ascent is a Nova Scotia solar design and installation company based in Hammonds Plains. We design and install residential and commercial solar systems across the province. Questions about what solar would look like for your home or business? Contact us here.

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Solar Panels Work in All Light Conditions

Solar panels don’t need blazing sunshine to produce electricity. They generate power from daylight, not direct sunlight. While bright, sunny days increase output, even on overcast days, solar panels capture diffused sunlight and generate electricity. In fact, Germany—a global leader in solar energy—has far fewer sunny days than Halifax and still reaps the rewards of solar power!

Energy Costs Are Rising

No shocker, but electricity rates in Nova Scotia have been rising, and they’re unlikely to stop climbing anytime soon. Investing in solar means protecting yourself from future rate hikes by generating your power. Over time, the savings on your electricity bills can add up significantly, making solar a cost-effective choice.

Government Incentives Make Solar Affordable

Did you know that Nova Scotia offers incentives to help homeowners and businesses switch to solar? Local rebates can reduce the upfront installation cost, shortening the payback period and making solar more accessible. Explore Efficiency Nova Scotia’s SolarHomes program. The SolarHomes program helps NS homeowners by offering rebates on approved solar PV systems up to 10kW in size. That works out to be $0.30/Watt installed DC capacity. The maximum rebate is $3,000.

Boost Your Property Value

Homes with solar panels are increasingly in demand. A study by the Appraisal Institute of Canada found that solar installations can increase property values, especially as buyers look for energy-efficient and eco-friendly homes. In a competitive real estate market like Halifax, going solar “is a good thing.”

Solar Is a Year-Round Solution

While Halifax winters can be long, solar panels are designed to function even in snowy conditions. Panels are typically installed at an angle, allowing snow to slide off and ensuring they remain exposed to daylight. Plus, the cold actually increases panel efficiency, meaning they perform better in cooler temperatures. We wrote a blog post about solar and Nova Scotia winters.

Solar Technology Is More Affordable and Efficient Than Ever

Advances in solar technology have made panels more efficient and durable, meaning you get more energy from less sunlight. Coupled with falling prices for equipment and installation, there’s never been a better time to invest in solar power.

The post Why Solar Panels Are Still a Smart Investment, Even in Less Sunny Climates appeared first on Solar Ascent.

#1 – Greener Homes is Not Applicable to New Construction Projects

If you’re building new, it’s not for you. The idea of the program is to help make older houses more energy efficient through energy upgrades and retrofits. If you’re in the building process you cannot utilize Canada Greener Homes to add solar to your project. It’s required to have at least 6 months of occupancy before you can start the Canada Greener Homes approval process.

That being said there may be other rebates and loan products you can qualify for to add solar to your new build. Both the SolarHomes rebate from Efficiency NS and the Solar City financing program (for those in HRM) can apply to new construction projects.

#2 – Everyone is Approved for the $5,000 Grant

The $5,000 grant or rebate is easy to qualify for. Just get your Home Energy Assessment and choose a project on their report to tackle. As long as the equipment you’re installing meets the conditions of the grant, you’re all set. The $5,000 cheque for improving your homes efficiency will come in the mail at the end of the project, but it takes a while – more on that below.

#3 – Not Everyone is Approved for the $40,000 Interest Free Loan

Unlike the grant, the loan is a bit tougher to get approved for. Like any bank loan, the creditor wants to see your employment history and income to insure you can cover the cost of servicing your loan. While it seems like most people qualify for the loan, those who are self-employed may run into challenges – especially those who pay themselves through dividends. Keep in mind that the loan is not a sure thing. You can use the Solar City program as a backup option if you don’t get approved.

#4 – The Loan is Not All or Nothing

You may get approved for the loan, but not for the full amount. As mentioned above, the loan is like any other bank loan. If your income history doesn’t work for the full amount you may only qualify for the portion. Some of our clients have applied for the full $40,000 but only qualify for $25,000. Again, this is just another reason to have a backup plan for financing in case you can only finance a portion interest-free.

#5 – Your Home Energy Advisor is Your Best Friend

The Canada Greener Homes program is largely administered by the Home Energy Advisors. They’ll work with you at the beginning to provide a list of eligible upgrades to make and they’ll be back after the upgrades to verify it’s all completed to close out for the funds. Having an open line of communication with your Advisor will ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and you can navigate the process efficiently. The Home Energy Advisors are the gatekeepers to the Canada Greener Homes funds, so make sure you’re in touch regularly regarding your file.

They’re also extremely busy! The Canada Greener Homes Loan is an extremely popular program and the service providers are trying to grow to meet demand. Be patient but keep in contact to make sure your file stays near the top of the pile.

#6 – Expect Delays

Both the loan and the rebate take time to get disbursed at the end of the project. A long time. The rebate will take 6-8 months to get mailed to you after project close out. The loan is also taking a very long time to be paid out after a project is complete (over 3 months). You’ll need to plan to go out of pocket for the upgrade costs until the funds arrive. If you don’t have access to the capital to do so, you’ll want to consider a bridge loan. Talk to your contractor(s) well ahead of time if you’re dependent on Greener Homes to pay your bills so you can come up with a plan. Most small businesses cannot go that length of time without payment.

#7 – It’s Worth It

Solar energy presents a logical investment from every angle. With the consistent presence of sunlight and the perpetual rise in utility rates, you can anticipate saving tens of thousands of dollars on average throughout the system’s lifespan. Combining these long-term financial benefits with the option of an interest-free loan, you gain an even greater advantage.

While the Canada Greener Homes Loan and Rebate program may bring its fair share of challenges, such as glitchy web portals, communication difficulties, multiple parties involved, and the potential need for bridge financing, the ultimate outcome justifies the endeavour. Your end goal is a top-notch solar energy system that will prove to be immensely cost-effective, paying for itself several times over.

Time to get started on the path of producing your own solar energy? Fill out our quick webform and we’ll take it from there.

The post Canada Greener Homes – 7 Things You Need to Know appeared first on Solar Ascent.

The Canada Greener Homes program was launched by the Federal Government in 2021. The program aims to help homeowners understand what can be done to make their homes more comfortable and efficient, and provide incentives to implement energy efficiency changes. First, you’ll work with energy advisors to get recommendations, then you’ll work with contractors like us to bring them to life. 

Initially the program was just a rebate (or grant) up to $5,000 to support energy efficiency upgrades for homes across the country. For solar, it’s based on $1 per watt of DC system size (size of the PV array) up to a maximum of $5,000. So, if you install a 5kW array or larger (most of them are), you can qualify for the full rebate and expect $5,000 back for installing solar. 

In 2022 the program expanded to include a 0% interest loan program (10 year loan, up to $40,000). This financing program was fantastic news and allowed more homeowners to improve their homes’ comfort and efficiency without self-financing the projects over the long term. You can now finance home efficiency and comfort upgrades through energy savings, a real game-changer for Canadians wanting to make improvements. 

Free money from the Federal Government? Sounds too good to be true? Well, we’ve been working with our clients to navigate the program for nearly a year and have learned a lot. We’ve helped dozens of families navigate from start to finish through the process. This article will outline the Greener Homes program and how it works. Our next blog post will discuss lessons learned along the way, and advice we have for homeowners utilizing the program. 

First, let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of how it all works. 

Getting Started with Canada Greener Homes:

Whether you’re interested in the rebate or the loan, the process to get started is the same:

• Book a $199 Home Energy Assessment (HEA) with an approved service organization. You can find a list of them on the Efficiency NS website here. We’ve also put together a handy PDF that lists the companies with contact info – download that here. 

• Once you’ve had your audit performed by an energy advisor, they’ll put together their report and send it along, usually within a few weeks. If you’re considering adding solar to your home, you should mention that to your advisor so that it’s included in the report.

• Review the report to find out what changes you can make to your home to improve its efficiency. Typically the report will list projects like topping up blown-in insulation in your attic, installing ductless heat pumps, air sealing, adding solar, etc. These efficiency measures listed are what you’re able to use the Canada Greener Homes Program for. 

• Reach out to energy efficiency contractors (like us!) to get quotes on the upgrades you’d like to address. Note that you do not need to tackle the report items in any particular order. You can tackle them in a way that you want, choosing just a few or all of them as you see fit. 

At this point, you are eligible for the $5,000 rebate. If you plan to apply for the interest-free loan, there are a few steps to take – more on this below. 

Apply For Interest-Free Financing (if applicable)

If you plan to take advantage of the 0% interest Greener Homes Loan to finance your efficiency upgrades, there are a few steps to follow: 

• Go to the Canada Greener Homes Loan online application portal. You can use this link.

• Upload the required documentation – includes:
  • Drivers Licence or other form of Government ID
  • Confirmation of income / employment
  • Property tax statements
  • Your finalized quotes you’d like to proceed with

• Note that at this stage you can request 15% of the overall project cost as an upfront payment. You can do so if that will help you cover the costs while you wait for your loan balance once the project is complete. 

• Submit your loan application! Once you get confirmation let the contractors you are working with know so they can keep track of timelines on their end. 

• Wait to hear back from Canada Greener Homes to find out the outcome of your application. This takes anywhere from 3-6 weeks, depending on the volume of applications at a given time. 

• Let us know how you did!

At this point you’ll have been approved (or not) for financing. If approved, that’s great! You can now count on that money coming in to repay your out of pocket costs for your upgrade bills after the project is completed. You should still expect to go out of pocket for a few months, as the loan takes a long time to arrive after completion. More on this in our Lessons Learned article. 

If you are not approved for the loan, you can still utilize other methods of financing to proceed with your solar project. Most of our HRM clients use the Solar City Program. You can learn more about Solar City here. 

Next Steps: Install Your Upgrades and Get Your Money!

Now it’s time for the fun part! You’ll work with your preferred contractors to get the job done. With a bit of planning you can prepare to close out for your rebate and loan once the project is complete. Both the loan and rebate require a Post-Retrofit Assessment with your Energy Advisor once the job is done to start the ball rolling on releasing the funds.

Here’s how it typically works to get your system installed and close out the rebate and loan once it’s complete: 

• We’ll prepare for your installation. This involves a lot of steps, including getting permits and approvals from the utility and building permits if required in your area, ordering your equipment, coming by for measurements to prepare for the installation, etc. 

• Once we have your inspections booked with NS Power we’ll let you know so you can book your Post-Retrofit Assessment with your Home Energy Advisor right after the project is completed. 

• We’ll install the system in coordination with your inspections and then commission after final inspection with NS Power – your system is now complete and up and running! 

• Have your Post-Retrofit Assessment with your Home Energy Advisor to verify the work is complete. Your Home Energy Advisor will request a few documents like inspection reports, copies of your paid invoices, and maybe a few other particulars about the project. This is usually a 2 hour appointment on site. 

• You’re done! You can now enjoy your solar energy production and watch the kWh roll in on the MySolarEdge Monitoring App. Your rebate and loan (if applicable) are now being processed. 

We’re going to dive deep on this in the next article but remember that it takes a long time to get your money! Prepare to pay out of pocket for the loan balance for at least 2-3 months, and the rebate amount for 6-8 months. 

Summary

To take advantage of the Canada Greener Homes Loan and Rebate Program, you need to follow this recipe: 

1. Book your Home Energy Assessment with a Home Energy Advisor
2. Work with contractors like us to determine the cost and scope of your desired upgrades – if you haven’t already do so now!
3. Use those quotes to apply for financing (if applicable)
4. Schedule your work – you’ve got 12 months from the date of your original Assessment
5. Book your Post-Retrofit Assessment with your Home Energy Advisor. 
6. Give them the info they need and wait for your money to come!

At Solar Ascent we’re here to help along the way! We’ve been through the process with dozens of families and are experts on navigating the process.

Ultimately we love the Canada Greener Homes program because it makes solar energy more attainable for more families in Nova Scotia. Keep an eye out for our next blog post where we’ll be digging into lessons learned from the Canada Greener Homes program!

The post Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan Program: An Overview appeared first on Solar Ascent.

Another factor that has a huge financial benefit is that the system increases the value of your home, so the money you spend now on your system will help you to make more money in the long run!

Solar panels typically increase the value of your home by the full cost of the system, so when you sell your home, you’ll receive your initial investment back. Solar panels can add up to 3-4% to the value of your home, and homes with solar panels tend to sell faster with homes that don’t. So not only are you adding to the value of your home but you’re also making it more appealing to the market.

If you’re thinking about installing solar energy but not sure if you will be in your home long term, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy now and then make back your investment when it comes time to sell. Solar energy is a long-term investment in your home that also starts saving your money right away- it’s a total win-win.

There are a number of factors that will affect to total value it will add to your home such as the size and age of your system as well as the demand for solar in your area. Luckily, solar energy is becoming increasingly in demand in Nova Scotia as new rebates and incentive programs, along with a growth in awareness of the benefits, is making it increasingly attractive to homeowners.

A solar energy system will help you to save both in the short term and the long run. If you’re ready to get started with your own system today, get your FREE customized report here!

We make solar simple.

Get your free customized solar energy proposal now!

1 (833) 321-4SUN

info@solarascent.ca

The post How Your Solar Energy System Increases Your Home Value appeared first on Solar Ascent.

What does the program offer?

Solar City is a program funded by the municipal government, which pays for your solar energy installation cost up front, so you can have your system installed for $0 down. You then have a full 10 years to pay this loan back, at 4.75% fixed interest, alongside your annual property tax bill.

At any point during the 10 years, you can choose to pay off your balance in full without penalty.

Benefits

The major benefit of this program is that it helps to make solar energy a financial option for homeowners. Rather than having to foot the bill upfront, you can enjoy manageable payments over the next 10 years.

Another great benefit is that the program is tied to your home, not to you. This means that if you sell your home at any point during the 10 years, the payments will become the responsibility of the new home owner. (Keep in mind too that a solar energy system increases the value of your home by at least the cost of the system, so after the 10 years, you’ll have increased your home value).

An average system can save you $57 000 over a 25-year period, so after you’ve paid off the 10 year Solar City loan, you’ll enjoy nothing but savings (check out our post here for more about the financial benefits of solar energy).

Are there other ways to save?

All Nova Scotia homeowners are eligible for the SolarHomes rebate program. There is only enough funding to cover approximately 2000 homes in NS, so now is the time to take advantage of the savings!

For more information about Solar Homes, check out our blog post on it or reach out to us with any questions. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Solar City financing.

What’s the next step?

At Solar Ascent, we don’t just install solar panels. We’re here to walk you through switching to solar every step of the way. Get started now with your free customized assessment, and we’ll guide you through the entire rebate process, so you ensure you’re getting the most value from the programs.

To get started with your solar energy system, get your FREE customized assessment today!

We’re making solar simple.

Get your free customized solar energy proposal now!

1 (833) 321-4SUN

info@solarascent.ca

The post Understanding HRM’s Solar City Program appeared first on Solar Ascent.

When solar energy first hit the market, it was not nearly as affordable as it is today, and it got the reputation as being a sort of eco-luxury for wealthy environmentalists. Costs have changed dramatically since then, but unfortunately the now false reputation has stuck around.

Today, due to a number of factors including global demand and amazing local rebate and incentive programs, solar energy is not only affordable but actually saves you money both in the short term and the long run.

Let’s take a closer look.

SolarHomes and Solar City Rebates

We’ve written before about Efficiency Nova Scotia’s SolarHomes rebate program, which is available to Nova Scotians, and we have an upcoming post on the SolarCity program, which is available to HRM residents. Both combined and individually, these rebate programs are a huge win for solar in Nova Scotia and have made making the switch to solar energy a financial no-brainer.

The (short-term AND longterm) financial benefits of solar energy: 

1.    Your power bill drops right away. With solar energy, you’re making your own energy, rather than having to pay for it. The result? A lower power bill from Day 1! The average home can save $1628 annually on their power bill.

2.    Support from rebates and incentive programs. The SolarHomes program (open to all residents of Nova Scotia) and the SolarCity program (open to residents of HRM) have made solar installation financially available to everyone.

3.    Protection from rising power rates. When you’re “buying” your power, you have no control over price hikes, but with solar energy, you gain autonomy over your energy costs.

4.    Long lifespan. An average solar energy system lasts 30 years but is paid off in 10 years. That means a good 20 years of nothing but lower power bills!

5.    Increases the value of your home. Installing a solar energy system increases your home value by at least the cost of the system, so you’ll reap the benefits if you decide to sell your home in the future.

As you can see, solar energy isn’t the pricey, niche market that it used to be. Today, it is an environmentally and financially friendly energy source that starts saving you money from day one.

To get started with your solar energy system, get your FREE customized assessment today!

We’re making solar simple.

Get your free customized solar energy proposal now!

1 (833) 321-4SUN

info@solarascent.ca

The post Why Switch to Solar Energy: The Financial Benefits appeared first on Solar Ascent.