London homeowners can now access financing and incentives for solar and energy retrofits through BetterHomes London
The City of London is launching BetterHomes London this spring — a new home energy retrofit program that combines low-interest financing at 2.5%, income-based incentives up to $10,000, and support services to help homeowners install solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, and more. Stack it with Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program for up to $20,000 in combined incentives on top of the financing.
Program Status (April 2026): BetterHomes London was discussed by London's Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee on March 23, 2026. The program is funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and is expected to launch in Spring 2026. An official launch date has not yet been set. Solar X monitors all City of London announcements and will update this page as the program goes live.
What Is BetterHomes London?
BetterHomes London is the City of London's new municipal home energy retrofit program, designed to make energy upgrades easier and more accessible for London homeowners. The program is part of the BetterHomes Ontario Consortium, administered by the Clean Air Partnership in partnership with municipalities across Ontario.
The program combines three components:
The program is primarily funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), which is providing approximately $3.5 million in loans and $1.8 million in grants. An additional $1.5 million has been allocated from the City of London's Climate Emergency Action Plan budget. The initial rollout is expected to support up to 150 households.
| Program Detail | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Official Program Name | BetterHomes London |
| Financing Type | LIC (Local Improvement Charge) |
| Administering Body | City of London, in partnership with Clean Air Partnership |
| Funded By | Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) + City of London CEAP budget |
| Expected Launch | Spring 2026 |
| Property Type | Residential |
| Maximum Loan Amount | $40,000 per home |
| Interest Rate | 2.5% fixed |
| Repayment Term | 10, 15, or 20 years via property tax bill |
| Income-Based Incentives | Up to $10,000 for qualifying middle-income households |
| Income Threshold | Up to $95,000/year (individuals) or $115,000/year (families) |
| Minimum Energy Improvement | 25% reduction in energy use required |
| Initial Capacity | ~150 households |
Why London is launching this now: The City of London's Climate Emergency Action Plan targets net-zero emissions by 2050. After transportation, household energy use is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in London. BetterHomes London removes the biggest barrier to home energy upgrades: upfront cost.
How the BetterHomes London Incentives Work
BetterHomes London offers a two-part financial package: low-interest loans plus income-based incentives.
The Loan: 2.5% Interest, Repaid Through Property Taxes
Unlike a traditional bank loan, a BetterHomes London LIC is tied to your property, not your personal credit. The City of London funds the upgrade upfront, and you repay it through a small addition to your annual property tax bill over 10, 15, or 20 years. If you sell your home, the remaining balance transfers to the new owner — along with the upgraded home and its energy savings. The maximum loan amount is $40,000.
The Incentives: Up to $10,000 for Middle-Income Households
BetterHomes London includes targeted financial incentives for middle-income households — individuals earning up to $95,000/year or families earning up to $115,000/year:
A homeowner who achieves a 100% energy improvement (e.g., through a deep retrofit with solar, insulation, and heat pump) could receive the full $10,000 incentive — in addition to the loan.
How It Compares to Traditional Financing
| Factor | Traditional Financing | BetterHomes London |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 5%–10% (bank loan or line of credit) | 2.5% fixed |
| Credit Check | Required — credit score dependent | LIC tied to property |
| Upfront Cost | $15,000–$40,000 out of pocket or financed | $0 — city funds upfront |
| Repayment | Monthly bank loan payments | Annual property tax addition |
| If You Sell | Must pay off loan balance | Transfers to new property owner |
| Impact on Mortgage | Affects debt-to-income ratio | Minimal — separate from mortgage |
| Income-Based Grants | None | Up to $10,000 |
| Support Services | None | Call centre, rebate navigation, net-zero roadmap |
What Upgrades Qualify?
BetterHomes London covers a range of energy efficiency projects. To qualify, at least 80% of project costs must be energy-related, and the project must achieve a minimum 25% reduction in energy use.
Solar PV
- Rooftop solar panel systems (grid-tied with net metering)
- Ground-mount solar arrays
- Solar carport installations
Energy Storage
- Home battery storage systems (lithium-ion, LFP)
- Solar + battery hybrid systems
- Backup power / energy resilience solutions
Heating & Cooling
- Air-source and ground-source heat pumps
- High-efficiency furnace upgrades
- Smart thermostat integration
Building Envelope
- Insulation upgrades (attic, wall, basement)
- High-performance windows, doors, and skylights
- Air sealing and weatherization
Water Heating
- Heat pump water heaters
- Solar thermal / solar water heating
- Drain water heat recovery
Why Solar PV Is One of the Best Uses of This Program: Solar generates a financial return through electricity savings — unlike passive upgrades. A solar system (especially combined with insulation and a heat pump) can easily push your home past the 25% energy improvement threshold required to unlock the income-based incentives, maximizing your total savings.
The Most Important Decision: Net Metering vs. HRS Rebate
Before choosing your system design, London homeowners need to understand the most important financial decision in their solar journey. In 2026, you generally must choose between two paths — and the right choice depends on your home, energy usage, and goals.
Path A: Net Metering (No HRS Rebate)
- Your solar panels send excess electricity to the grid
- You receive a 1:1 credit at your full retail rate (~12–16¢/kWh blended)
- Credits roll over month-to-month but expire annually
- You forego the HRS rebate but gain simplicity of selling all excess power at retail price
- Best for: Homes with high daytime export, moderate electricity usage, no battery
Path B: HRS Rebate + Battery (Load Displacement)
- You receive up to $5,000 for solar ($1,000/kW, capped at 5 kW) + up to $5,000 for battery ($300/kWh)
- System designed for load displacement — generate, store, and consume solar on-site
- With ULO rate at 3.9¢/kWh vs peak at 39.1¢/kWh, battery charging adds significant value
- Best for: Homes that want maximum rebate upfront, backup power, and peak shaving savings
Solar X helps every London homeowner model both paths before making a decision. The right choice can mean thousands of dollars difference over the life of your system.
Stacking BetterHomes London with Other Programs
The real power of BetterHomes London is that it stacks with existing Ontario programs. The City of London's program is specifically designed to help homeowners access and combine multiple incentive programs.
Maximum Stacking Example: Solar + Battery + Insulation + Heat Pump
| Program | Potential Amount |
|---|---|
| BetterHomes London LIC loan (2.5% interest) | Up to $40,000 financing |
| BetterHomes London income-based incentive | Up to $10,000 grant |
| HRS solar rebate ($1,000/kW, max 5 kW) | Up to $5,000 |
| HRS battery rebate ($300/kWh) | Up to $5,000 |
| HRS heat pump rebate | Up to $7,500 |
| Total potential incentives (not including loan) | Up to $27,500 |
| Your upfront out-of-pocket cost | $0 |
Exact stacking amounts depend on household income, project scope, energy improvement achieved, and program eligibility. Two different programs cannot fund the same measure. Solar X models the optimal stacking strategy for every London homeowner.
Currently Available: Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program
While BetterHomes London prepares to launch, Ontario homeowners can already access rebates through the Home Renovation Savings (HRS) Program — delivered by Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas, with support from the Ontario government.
| HRS Rebate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar PV panels | $1,000/kW, up to $5,000 (max 5 kW) |
| Battery storage | $300/kWh, up to $5,000 |
| Air-source heat pump | Up to $7,500 |
| Ground-source heat pump | Up to $12,000 |
| Insulation, windows, doors | Varies by measure |
| Program launched | January 28, 2025 |
| Funding status | First-come, first-served; funded through late 2026 |
Important HRS Rules
Note on Former Federal Programs: The Canada Greener Homes Grant (up to $5,000) closed to new applications in February 2024. The Canada Greener Homes Loan (up to $40,000 interest-free) closed on October 1, 2025. Neither program is accepting new applicants. Do not trust any installer who claims these programs are still available for new homeowners.
For Business Owners: The 30% Federal Clean Technology ITC
While BetterHomes London and the HRS program cover residential homeowners, London business owners have an additional incentive: the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CT ITC).
For commercial solar projects in London, contact Solar X about combining the CT ITC with other commercial financing programs.
Other London-Specific Programs
The City of London's climate action page lists several additional programs available to London homeowners:
BetterHomes London vs. Traditional Solar Financing
Not sure which financing path is right for you? Here's a decision matrix:
Choose BetterHomes London If...
- You want low upfront cost with a below-market 2.5% interest rate
- You qualify for income-based incentives (under $95K individual / $115K family)
- You prefer property tax repayment over bank loans
- You may sell your home before the loan is paid off (LIC transfers to new owner)
- You want help navigating multiple rebate programs
- You want a net-zero renovation roadmap for long-term planning
Choose Traditional Financing If...
- You have cash available and want to avoid any financing
- You want to own the system outright with no property tax addition
- Your income exceeds the program thresholds and you won't benefit from incentives
- You want the fastest possible installation timeline
- You need to finance more than $40,000
Best of Both: Some homeowners use the HRS rebate to reduce their system cost, then finance the remainder through BetterHomes London at 2.5%. Solar X can advise on the best strategy for your timeline and budget.
How to Prepare Now
Smart London homeowners are getting solar-ready now so they can be first in line when BetterHomes London launches. Here are 5 steps you can take today:
Get a Free Solar Assessment from Solar X
We evaluate your roof orientation, shading, structural capacity, and energy usage. You'll know exactly what system size you need and what your savings will look like — at no cost and no obligation.
Register for Priority Notification
Solar X monitors all City of London program announcements. Register with us and you'll be notified the moment BetterHomes London applications open — giving you a head start before the initial 150-household capacity is filled.
Complete an Energy Audit
A pre-retrofit EnerGuide home energy audit will likely be required for BetterHomes London and is recommended for maximizing your HRS rebate. Solar X coordinates your audit with a certified energy advisor and ensures all documentation is ready before the program opens.
Confirm Your Property Tax Status
LIC eligibility typically requires your property taxes to be current with no outstanding arrears. Verify your tax status with the City of London now to avoid delays.
Plan Your Stacking Strategy
Work with Solar X to determine the optimal combination of BetterHomes London financing, HRS rebates, and your choice of net metering vs. load displacement. We model both scenarios for every London homeowner at no cost.
Application Process (Expected)
Based on the BetterHomes London program design and comparable Ontario LIC programs:
Book a Free Solar Assessment with Solar X
We assess your roof, energy usage, and site conditions. We confirm your home is solar-ready and provide a detailed savings proposal — at no cost.
Complete an EnerGuide Energy Audit
A certified energy advisor conducts a pre-retrofit audit of your home. This establishes your baseline energy use and identifies which upgrades will achieve the required 25% minimum improvement. Solar X coordinates this step.
Apply Through BetterHomes London
When the program launches, Solar X guides you through the application process, including financing approval, income verification for incentives, and supporting documentation.
Receive Approval & Confirm Your Project
The City of London reviews and approves your application. Your project plan, including the scope of upgrades, must achieve a minimum 25% energy improvement with at least 80% energy-related costs.
Installation by Solar X
Our ESA-certified crew completes your solar installation — typically 1–2 days for a standard residential roof. We handle permits, ESA compliance, and London Hydro interconnection. For bundled projects (solar + insulation + heat pump), timelines will vary.
Post-Retrofit Audit, Inspection & Activation
After installation, a post-retrofit energy audit confirms your energy improvement. ESA inspection signs off, London Hydro activates your net metering account (if applicable), and your system goes live. LIC repayment begins on your next property tax bill. Income-based incentives are issued based on the verified energy improvement.
Solar X London: Your BetterHomes London Installation Partner
Solar X is an Ontario-licensed, ESA-certified solar installer serving London, St. Thomas, Stratford, Woodstock, and all of southwestern Ontario. Here's why London homeowners choose Solar X:
Program Expertise
Solar X has deep experience with Ontario LIC/PACE programs and the Home Renovation Savings rebate process. We handle the financing paperwork, municipal applications, and program coordination — so you don't have to.
Full-Service Installation
From initial assessment to ESA inspection and London Hydro net metering activation — Solar X manages the entire process. One team, one point of contact.
London-Specific Knowledge
We understand London Hydro's net metering process, local permitting requirements, and the specific solar production characteristics of the London, Ontario climate.
Rebate Navigation & Stacking
Solar X identifies and applies for every applicable rebate — BetterHomes London incentives, HRS rebates, and any other eligible programs — simultaneously. We maximize your savings across all available programs and help you choose the right path: net metering or HRS + battery.
Get Started Today
Phone: 1-833-376-5279
Email: info@solar-x.ca
London page: solar-x.ca/ontario/london-solar-installation
Ready to get solar-ready for BetterHomes London?
Solar X serves all of London, St. Thomas, Stratford, Woodstock, and surrounding areas. The initial program capacity is limited to approximately 150 households — get your assessment done now.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does BetterHomes London launch?
BetterHomes London is expected to launch in Spring 2026. The program was discussed by London's Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee on March 23, 2026. An official launch date has not yet been set. Solar X monitors all City of London announcements and will notify pre-registered homeowners as soon as applications open.
What is BetterHomes London?
BetterHomes London is the City of London's new home energy retrofit program. It combines low-interest LIC financing at 2.5%, income-based incentives of up to $10,000, and support services including a call centre and a net-zero renovation roadmap. The program is funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the City of London's Climate Emergency Action Plan budget.
Do I need good credit to qualify?
LIC (Local Improvement Charge) financing is tied to your property, not your personal credit score. As long as your property taxes are current and your home is in the City of London, you are generally eligible. This makes BetterHomes London accessible to homeowners who may not qualify for traditional loans.
How much can I borrow?
The program will finance projects up to $40,000. Any costs above that limit must be covered by the homeowner. The loan is repaid at 2.5% interest over 10, 15, or 20 years through your property tax bill.
Do I qualify for the income-based incentives?
The incentives are targeted at middle-income households — individuals earning up to $95,000/year or families earning up to $115,000/year. The base incentive is $2,500 for achieving a 25% energy improvement, with an additional $100 per percentage point beyond that, up to a maximum of $10,000.
What if I sell my home before the LIC is paid off?
The LIC transfers to the new property owner at the time of sale. Because the energy upgrades and their savings also transfer with the home, this is typically positioned as a value-add rather than a liability. Buyers inherit both the upgraded home and the remaining payments.
Can I stack BetterHomes London with the HRS rebate?
Yes. BetterHomes London is specifically designed to help homeowners access and stack multiple incentive programs. You can combine the BetterHomes London loan and incentives with the Home Renovation Savings Program rebates, though two different programs cannot fund the same measure. Solar X helps you optimize the stacking strategy.
Is the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant still available?
No. The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applications in February 2024. The Canada Greener Homes Loan closed on October 1, 2025. Neither program is accepting new applicants. BetterHomes London and Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program are the primary programs available in 2026.
What's the minimum energy improvement required?
Projects must achieve a minimum 25% reduction in energy use to qualify for BetterHomes London financing. At least 80% of project costs must be energy-related. This is verified through pre- and post-retrofit energy audits.
Does solar PV qualify?
Yes. Solar panel systems, battery storage, and solar + battery hybrid systems are eligible upgrades under BetterHomes London. Solar is one of the most effective ways to achieve and exceed the 25% energy improvement threshold, especially when combined with insulation or heat pump upgrades.
Should I choose net metering or the HRS rebate?
This depends on your home's energy profile, roof size, and goals. Net metering is often better for homes with high daytime export and no battery. The HRS rebate path is often better when paired with battery storage, especially if you're on Ontario's Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) rate plan, where peak shaving delivers significant savings. Solar X models both scenarios for every London homeowner at no cost.
Can I add battery storage to my solar system?
Yes. Battery storage is an eligible upgrade under BetterHomes London and qualifies for up to $5,000 in additional HRS rebates. Adding a battery allows you to store excess solar energy for use during peak rates or power outages.
How many households can the program support?
The initial rollout is expected to support approximately 150 households, with potential to scale up in the future. This limited initial capacity means early applicants will have the best chance of accessing the program.
Can I use BetterHomes London for commercial solar projects?
No. BetterHomes London is a residential program. For commercial solar financing, contact Solar X about the federal 30% Clean Technology ITC and other commercial financing programs available in Ontario.
Key Takeaways
Solar Installation Across Ontario
Solar X serves homeowners across Ontario. Find solar installation information for your city:
Get Solar-Ready for BetterHomes London
BetterHomes London is launching Spring 2026 — and the initial program capacity is limited to approximately 150 households. The best time to get your assessment and documentation ready is now.
Solar X will assess your home, prepare your documentation, and build your custom savings proposal — completely free, no obligation. We serve London, St. Thomas, Stratford, Woodstock, and all of southwestern Ontario.
Solar X is a Canadian residential and commercial solar installer licensed in Ontario. We serve London and surrounding regions including St. Thomas, Stratford, and Woodstock. All systems are installed by ESA-certified crews. Cost estimates, savings projections, and financing amounts are approximate and depend on individual circumstances. BetterHomes London program details referenced on this page are based on the City of London staff report presented to the Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee on March 23, 2026, and reporting by the London Free Press (March 19, 2026). Final program terms, eligibility criteria, and application processes will be confirmed by the City of London upon official program launch. The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant (closed February 2024) and Canada Greener Homes Loan (closed October 2025) are no longer accepting new applications. Current rebates referenced (Home Renovation Savings Program) are subject to change, funding availability, and program rules. Confirm current program status directly with the relevant program administrator before making financial decisions. Last updated: April 1, 2026.