Direct Answer
Better Homes Kingston reopened on Monday, May 4, 2026. Eligible Kingston homeowners can apply for up to $50,000 in low-interest loans, or 20% of home value, whichever is less, to fund energy-efficient upgrades including solar photovoltaic systems, battery storage, EV chargers, heat pumps, insulation, and more. The loan repays through the property tax bill over 5, 10, 15, or 20 years at fixed interest rates published by the City. The 2026 program also offers rebates through two streams: a bundled stream (two or more upgrades, with a home energy assessment) and a single-upgrade stream. There is a $450 administrative fee for loan applicants, waived for Municipal Fee Assistance Program members. Funding is first-come, first-served, with approximately $1.25 million available, expected to fund around 65 projects in 2026.
🟢 Program Status: Open as of May 4, 2026
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully allocated. Apply through the City of Kingston BHK Portal → Book a free Kingston solar assessment with Solar X →
Key Takeaways (Verified May 4, 2026)
Better Homes Kingston Loan Terms (Official 2026 Rates)
Per the City of Kingston's official program page, homeowners can choose the repayment term that best fits their project's expected useful life. The interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan and depends on the term selected.
| Loan Term | Fixed Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| 5 years | 3.25% |
| 10 years | 4.00% |
| 15 years | 4.50% |
| 20 years | 4.75% |
Source: City of Kingston, Better Homes Kingston program page.
Important rules
- The maximum loan amount is $50,000 or 20% of the home's value, whichever is less.
- The improvements being financed must have an expected useful life equal to or greater than the loan term.
- The loan can be repaid early at any time, without penalty.
- Financing is provided net of any rebates received, except for the home energy assessment rebate. The loan covers what is left after rebates.
- The $450 administrative fee is charged on the first tax bill after the project is completed. No interest accrues on the admin fee itself.
Solar X is the installer, not the lender. We do not set the rate or the administration fee. Confirm current values directly on the City of Kingston Better Homes Kingston program page before signing any contract.
What Is Better Homes Kingston?
Better Homes Kingston is a home energy retrofit loan and rebate program run by the City of Kingston. It uses a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) structure, meaning the loan is registered against the property's tax account and repaid through the annual property tax bill, not through a personal loan or credit line.
The program originally launched in 2022, paused later that year due to overwhelming demand, and reopened on May 4, 2026 with new municipal funding and a new Utilities Kingston rebate stream for natural gas customers.
Who Runs the Program
The City of Kingston administers the loan. Utilities Kingston runs the new natural gas customer rebate stream introduced in the 2026 relaunch. Per the City's January 2026 council report cited by Kingstonist News, the 2026 funding breaks down as $1,250,000 from the Municipal Operating Budget for loans, $225,000 from the Municipal Capital Reserve Fund for rebates and administration, and $260,800 from the Environment Reserve Fund for the Utilities Kingston incentive stream.
Eligibility Checklist
You can apply if all of the following are true, per the City of Kingston's official eligibility rules.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property type | Detached, semi-detached, row house, or small residential apartment building (≤3 storeys, ≤600m²), under Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code |
| Use | Primary residences and rental properties both eligible |
| All owners agree | Every property owner must agree to participate |
| Tax account | Property must have a tax account in good standing |
| Bills current | Property taxes, utility bills, and other payments to the City must be current |
| Project impact | Minimum 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or energy consumption, OR qualification via the prescribed list of eligible upgrades |
| Improvement lifespan | Expected useful life ≥ financing term (5 to 20 years), and improvements must be permanently affixed |
| Heritage properties | Properties under the Ontario Heritage Act need a heritage permit before exterior alterations |
| Administrative fee | $450 for loan applicants. Waived for Municipal Fee Assistance Program members |
Eligible Improvements (Loan Financing)
The City has published the following eligible measures for loan financing. All improvements must be permanently affixed and last 5 to 20 years. Maintenance costs are not covered.
Thermal envelope upgrades
Attic, wall, foundation, and basement insulation; air barriers; window, skylight, and exterior door replacements; tubular daylighting devices and exterior shadings; air-sealing and weather stripping.
Mechanical systems
Thermostats and controllers, energy or heat recovery ventilators, air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, biomass wood-pellet heaters, heat distribution systems, duct sealing, fans, and associated electrical equipment. High-efficiency water heaters (heat pump or electric tank), drain water heat recovery systems, solar hot water systems.
Renewable energy, energy storage, and EV chargers
Solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations (Level 2), battery storage devices, associated electrical and load management equipment.
Health and safety measures
Electrical wiring and panel upgrades required to support energy improvements.
Climate adaptation
Storm damage prevention measures, back-flow prevention valves, sump pumps, basement waterproofing, eavestrough and downspout work, exterior landscaping for water management.
Additional eligible technologies
Permanently affixed lighting, lighting controls, and certified energy-efficient products.
Source: City of Kingston, Better Homes Kingston program page.
2026 Rebate Tables (Verified from City of Kingston)
The City has published two rebate streams for 2026. Solar PV is not on either rebate table; solar customers should plan to use the loan stream.
Stream A: Bundled Upgrades (Two or More) — Requires Home Energy Assessment
This stream requires a home energy assessment by a registered energy advisor and the completion of at least two upgrades. The assessment itself is eligible for a $600 rebate.
| Upgrade | Qualifier | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Energy assessment (pre + post) | One per premise, paid after post-work assessment | $600 |
| Exposed floor insulation | R-20+ over ≥120 sq ft | $300 |
| Exterior wall insulation | R-20+ over 100% of wall area | $3,600 |
| Exterior wall insulation | R-12 to R-20 | $2,100 |
| Exterior wall insulation | R-7.5 to R-12 | $1,200 |
| Attic insulation | To R-50 from R-12 or less | $1,500 |
| Attic insulation | To R-50 from R-12 to R-25 | $1,200 |
| Attic insulation | To R-50 from R-25 to R-35 | $900 |
| Cathedral / flat roof insulation | To R-28 from R-25 or less | $780 |
| Cathedral / flat roof insulation | To R-20 from R-12 or less | $780 |
| Basement wall insulation | R-22+ over 100% of basement wall | $1,500 |
| Basement wall insulation | R-10 to R-22 | $900 |
| Basement slab insulation | ≥R-3.5 over ≥50% slab area | $500 |
| Foundation header insulation | ≥R-20 over ≥80% header area | $300 |
| Crawlspace wall insulation | R-22+ over 100% wall | $1,200 |
| Crawlspace wall insulation | R-10 to R-22 | $600 |
| Crawlspace ceiling | R-24+ over 100% ceiling | $1,200 |
| Air sealing | ≥10% performance improvement vs base case | $250 |
| Window / door / skylight | Each ENERGY STAR certified replacement | $100 |
| Heat pump water heater | ENERGY STAR certified, replacing a gas water heater | $500 |
Stream B: Single Upgrade — No Home Energy Assessment Required
| Upgrade | Qualifier | Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-climate air-source heat pump (ccASHP) | Utilities Kingston gas-heated home; on NRCan ccASHP qualified products list | $500/ton (up to $2,000) |
| Ground-source heat pump (GSHP) | Utilities Kingston gas-heated home; on NRCan or ENERGY STAR list | $3,000 |
| Smart thermostat | Replaces a manual thermostat | $100 |
Source: City of Kingston, Apply for Better Homes Kingston Program.
The heat pump rebates require the home to be currently heated by Utilities Kingston natural gas. This is a fuel-switch incentive.
Solar PV and Better Homes Kingston
The honest picture for Kingston homeowners considering solar.
What the program offers solar customers
- Loan financing for solar PV at fixed rates from 3.25% to 4.75% depending on term
- Up to $50,000 (or 20% of home value) covering solar, battery, EV charger, and panel upgrades in one application
- 50% of funds upfront for contractor deposits
- Repayment through the property tax bill, over a term matching the system's useful life
What the published 2026 rebate tables do NOT cover
- Solar photovoltaic systems
- Battery storage
Where solar rebates exist for Ontario homeowners
- The provincial Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP) offers a separate solar rebate stream. Taking the HRSP solar rebate forfeits net metering for the life of the system (covered below).
For most Kingston solar customers, the practical play is to use the BHK loan to finance the installation, keep net metering for long-term bill credits, and skip the HRSP solar rebate. Solar X models the trade-off for every Kingston quote.
HRSP Solar Rebate vs. Net Metering: You Must Choose
This is the single most important rule for Kingston solar customers, and it is non-negotiable. The provincial Home Renovation Savings Program offers a solar PV rebate, but the official program terms state:
“Participants who receive a Home Renovation Savings incentive for a solar PV system are required to operate the system for load displacement purposes for the life of the system, where the Participant Agreement prevents the participant from entering into a net-metering agreement or any other compensation agreement for electricity that is generated and injected into the grid by the solar PV system.”
Translation: Take the HRSP solar rebate, lose net metering for life. Choose one. For most Kingston homeowners with above-average daytime export (south-facing roof, 8 kW or larger system), keeping net metering produces stronger lifetime returns than the upfront rebate. Solar X models both scenarios for every customer before quoting.
How a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) Works
A Local Improvement Charge attaches the loan to the property, not the homeowner personally. Per the City:
“The Better Homes Kingston Program registers your loan on eligible properties tax accounts as a Local Improvement Charge (LIC). The annual repayment amount, including principal and any applicable interest, shall be added to and form part of the property tax bill and shall be due and payable on the same dates and in the same manner as property taxes.”
Three practical consequences:
- 1
Repayment shows up on your property tax bill, not as a separate monthly debt payment.
- 2
If you sell before the loan is fully repaid, the balance transfers with the property through the tax roll. Disclose the LIC in your real estate listing and at closing.
- 3
Late payments on the LIC are treated like late property taxes, with the same penalties, interest, and collection rules.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply (Official 10-Step Process)
The City has published a 10-step application process. The order matters. Skipping a step voids loan and rebate eligibility.
You will need your tax roll number (format: 1011 123 456 78900) and your Utilities Kingston account number if applicable.
- 1
Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements.
- 2
Receive your Approval to Participate letter (typically 1 to 2 weeks; longer during the initial relaunch period).
- 3
Book a pre-retrofit EnerGuide home energy assessment with a registered energy advisor from the City's published list. The City may rebate $600 of this cost.
- 4
Apply for other rebates and obtain quotes from licensed contractors. For solar, your contractor must be ECRA/ESA licensed. Solar X is licensed (ESA Licence 7017538).
- 5
Submit your Funding Request Form through the BHK Portal with the Energy Coach's help.
- 6
Sign the property owner agreement (about 2 weeks to process). Once signed, you can request 50% of funds upfront for contractor deposits.
- 7
Complete the retrofit work.
- 8
Book a post-retrofit EnerGuide home energy assessment if your stream requires it.
- 9
Submit your Project Completion Report through the BHK Portal.
- 10
Receive final payment (about 3 to 4 weeks). Begin loan repayment through your property tax bill.
Critical rule from the City: “Failure to complete these steps before starting your energy improvements means they will not qualify for Better Homes Kingston loan funding or Utilities Kingston Rebates.”
Rebate and Program Stack for Kingston Solar Customers
| Program | Who Runs It | What It Covers | Stackable With BHK Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Homes Kingston Loan | City of Kingston | Up to $50K low-interest loan covering solar (rates 3.25%-4.75% by term) | This is the base |
| BHK Bundled Rebate Stream | City of Kingston | Insulation, windows/doors, heat pump water heater, energy assessment | ✅ Yes (does not include solar) |
| BHK Single Upgrade Rebate Stream | City of Kingston | ccASHP, GSHP, smart thermostat (Utilities Kingston gas-heated homes only) | ✅ Yes (does not include solar) |
| Net Metering | Kingston Hydro | kWh credits for solar exports | ✅ Yes |
| HRSP Solar PV Rebate | Save on Energy / IESO | Solar + battery, load displacement only | ⚠️ Cannot be combined with net metering. Choose one. |
Important: Per the City, financing advanced by the City is net of any rebates (except the home energy assessment rebate). The loan covers what is left after rebates are applied.
Risks and What Could Go Wrong
We tell every Solar X customer the same thing: programs change, approvals are not guaranteed, and timelines can slip.
- Funding can run out. The 2026 envelope is approximately $1.25M for 65 projects. If you wait, you risk being shut out.
- Pre-approval is required. Buying equipment or signing a final installation contract before approval voids the loan and any rebates.
- Solar PV is not on the published 2026 rebate tables. Solar customers should plan around the BHK loan stream and net metering, not direct solar rebates from BHK.
- The 20% reduction or prescribed-upgrade route is mandatory.
- HRSP solar excludes net metering. Choosing the upfront HRSP rebate locks your solar system into load-displacement-only operation for life.
- Heat pump rebates require existing gas heat. The BHK ccASHP and GSHP rebates require a Utilities Kingston gas-heated home. This is a fuel-switch incentive.
- Property loan implications. The LIC stays with the property. Buyers must be informed at sale. Some mortgage lenders may require consent.
- Solar approvals are separate. Better Homes Kingston is financing only. You still need ESA inspection, Kingston Hydro net metering approval, and any required permits before your solar system can be turned on.
How Solar X Supports Kingston Homeowners
Solar X is a licensed Ontario solar installation company (ESA/ECRA Licence 7017538) serving Kingston and the rest of Ontario. We handle every phase of a residential solar project.
1. Pre-Application System Design
We size your solar and battery system correctly for your roof, your household electricity consumption, and your financing envelope before you submit your BHK application.
2. ESA-Compliant Installation
All Solar X installations meet Ontario Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) requirements. ESA inspection is mandatory for any grid-tied solar system in Ontario and a prerequisite for net metering activation.
3. Municipal Permit Coordination
We manage building permit applications with the City of Kingston so you are not chasing paperwork between your installer and city hall.
4. Net Metering Activation
We coordinate with Kingston Hydro to activate your net metering agreement so bill credits begin the moment your system is commissioned.
5. Rebate Strategy and Stack Modeling
We model HRSP rebate vs. net metering scenarios for every Kingston quote so you can make an informed choice between upfront cash and long-term bill credits.
Better Homes Kingston Funding Is Limited. Apply Early.
Approximately 65 projects will be funded. Book your free Kingston solar assessment today and have your application package ready before the funding runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Better Homes Kingston 2026 open?
Applications opened on Monday, May 4, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. They stay open until the $1.25 million loan envelope is fully allocated, which the City expects to fund approximately 65 projects.
How much can I borrow through Better Homes Kingston?
The maximum loan is $50,000 or 20% of your home's value, whichever is less. Repayment is added to your annual property tax bill over the term you choose (5, 10, 15, or 20 years).
What is the interest rate on the Better Homes Kingston loan?
Interest rates are fixed and depend on the loan term you choose, per the City of Kingston's official program page: 5 years at 3.25%, 10 years at 4.00%, 15 years at 4.50%, and 20 years at 4.75%. The rate is set by the City; Solar X is the installer, not the lender.
Is solar eligible under Better Homes Kingston?
Yes. Solar photovoltaic systems are listed as an eligible improvement for loan financing, alongside battery storage and Level 2 EV chargers. Solar is loan-eligible only — it is not on the published 2026 rebate tables.
Are there direct rebates for solar through Better Homes Kingston?
Not in the 2026 rebate tables. The published rebate streams cover insulation, windows and doors, heat pump water heaters, cold-climate and ground-source heat pumps (Utilities Kingston gas-heated homes only), and smart thermostats. Solar customers should plan around the BHK loan stream and net metering.
Can I take the HRSP solar rebate AND keep net metering?
No. Per the official HRSP terms, participants who receive a Home Renovation Savings incentive for solar PV cannot enter into a net-metering agreement. The system must be operated for load displacement only for its life. You must choose between the upfront HRSP rebate or net metering. Solar X models both scenarios for every Kingston quote so you can make an informed choice.
What is the administrative fee?
$450 for loan applicants, charged on the first tax bill after project completion. No interest is charged on the admin fee. The fee is waived for Municipal Fee Assistance Program (MFAP) members.
What happens to the loan if I sell my home?
Under the LIC structure, the outstanding loan balance transfers to the new property owner through the municipal tax roll. The loan does not need to be repaid in full at the time of sale. You must disclose the LIC in your real estate listing and at closing.
Can I pay off the loan early?
Yes. The loan balance can be repaid early at any time, without penalty.
How much can I get upfront for contractor deposits?
Up to 50% of the loan amount can be released upfront after you sign the property owner agreement. This is meant to cover contractor pre-payments.
Are rental properties eligible?
Yes. Eligibility is open to both primary residences and rental properties. Property types include detached houses, semi-detached houses, row houses, and small residential apartment buildings up to 3 storeys and 600m² (covered under Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code).
Does my home have to be older than 1991 to qualify?
No. The qualification path is a minimum 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or energy consumption, OR qualification via the prescribed list of eligible upgrades published by the City.
Who is Utilities Kingston and why do they have separate rebates?
Utilities Kingston is the local water, wastewater, natural gas, and electricity utility serving most of Kingston. Most Kingston homes use Utilities Kingston for natural gas, not Enbridge. The new 2026 rebate stream is specific to Utilities Kingston gas customers. If you heat with natural gas but are not a Utilities Kingston customer, you may be eligible for Enbridge Gas rebates through the Home Renovation Savings program instead.
What heat pump rebates are available?
Per the City's published rebate tables: $500/ton (up to $2,000) for a cold-climate air-source heat pump, and $3,000 for a ground-source heat pump. Both rebates require a Utilities Kingston gas-heated home (this is a fuel-switch incentive). A smart thermostat replacing a manual one is rebated $100.
Does the loan amount get reduced if I receive other rebates?
Yes. Financing advanced by the City is net of any rebates received, except for the home energy assessment rebate. The loan covers what is left after rebates are applied.
How long does the full process take?
From application to final disbursement typically takes several months. Approval to Participate runs 1 to 2 weeks (longer during the initial relaunch period). The property owner agreement processes in about 2 weeks after submission. Final payment processes about 3 to 4 weeks after the Project Completion Report. For solar specifically, ESA inspection and Kingston Hydro net metering approval add their own timelines on top.
The Bottom Line
Better Homes Kingston is one of the strongest financing tools available to Kingston homeowners considering solar. A municipal low-interest loan up to $50,000, repaid through the property tax bill, with up to 50% upfront for contractor deposits, combined with Ontario net metering credits, creates conditions where solar becomes financially accessible for a much broader range of Kingston households.
The 2026 envelope is small. Approximately 65 projects will be funded. The homeowners who move now, by booking their assessment, designing their system, and submitting a complete application package, will be first through the door before funding runs out.
Get a Free Solar Assessment for Your Kingston Home
Solar X is an ESA-licensed Ontario solar installer (ESA/ECRA Licence 7017538). We design, permit, install, and commission residential solar systems across Ontario, including Kingston. We will model your expected production, walk you through Better Homes Kingston eligibility, identify every rebate you qualify for (including the HRSP-vs-net-metering trade-off), and provide a written proposal you can take to the BHK Energy Coach.
Or call: 1-833-376-5279
Sources and Further Reading
Every factual claim in this article is sourced from one of the following primary references, last verified May 4, 2026.
- City of Kingston: Better Homes Kingston (main program page, including loan amounts, interest rates, and eligible improvements)
- City of Kingston: Apply for Better Homes Kingston Program (eligibility, rebate tables, application process)
- City of Kingston: Better Homes Kingston Portal
- Kingstonist News: Better Homes Kingston relaunches (May 1, 2026)
- Home Renovation Savings Program: Help and Support (HRSP solar net metering exclusion)
- Utilities Kingston
- Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
For program-specific questions, contact the BHK Program Manager at betterhomes@cityofkingston.ca or 613-217-7281.
Author and Review
Author: Solar X Engineering Team. ESA/ECRA Licence 7017538. Licensed Ontario electrical contractor with 1,000+ residential solar installations across the province.
Last verified: May 4, 2026, against the live City of Kingston program pages.
Last updated: — full content rewrite to reflect verified 2026 program terms including the $50,000 maximum loan, the published fixed interest rate table (3.25% to 4.75% by term), the $450 administrative fee, the expanded property eligibility (rentals + small apartment buildings), the official 10-step application process, the new Utilities Kingston gas-customer rebate stream, and the HRSP solar rebate vs. net metering exclusion rule.
Next scheduled review: August 4, 2026, or sooner if the City of Kingston updates program terms, funding allocations are exhausted, rebate tables change, or interest rates are adjusted.
Disclaimer: Solar X does not administer the Better Homes Kingston Program and does not guarantee approval, funding availability, rebate amounts, savings figures, or timelines. All program details are subject to change by the City of Kingston, Utilities Kingston, and the IESO. Confirm current terms directly with the City of Kingston before signing any contract. Net metering, ESA inspection, and utility interconnection approvals are separate processes and are never guaranteed.