London homeowners now have a $40,000 path to solar through their property tax bill
The City of London officially launched BetterHomes London on April 23, 2026. Borrow up to $40,000 at low-interest rates for solar, heat pumps, insulation and more. Earn up to $10,000 in incentives based on the energy savings you achieve. Repay through your property tax bill over 10 to 20 years. Stack with Ontario's Home Renovation Savings rebates for thousands more.
Program Status (April 27, 2026): BetterHomes London was officially launched by the City of London on April 23, 2026. Total program funding is $6.66 million, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund ($1.7M grant + $3.5M loan). Applications open Spring 2026 and continue while funds are available. Apply at betterhomeslondon.ca.
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. It is administered by the City of London and funded by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund through its Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) initiative.
The program combines three components:
The total program is $6.66 million, funded primarily by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund through its Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) initiative. The funding split is a $1.7 million grant plus a $3.5 million loan. Every applicant also receives free access to a Retrofit Coach: an independent expert who helps plan upgrades, review contractor quotes, and identify other rebate programs to maximize savings.
| Program Detail | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Official Program Name | BetterHomes London |
| Financing Type | LIC (Local Improvement Charge) |
| Administering Body | City of London |
| Funded By | Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) + City of London CEAP budget |
| Official Launch Date | April 23, 2026 |
| Total Program Funding | $6.66 million |
| FCM Green Municipal Fund Split | $1.7M grant + $3.5M loan |
| Property Type | Residential homes in the City of London |
| Maximum Loan Amount | $40,000 per home |
| Minimum Loan | $5,000 |
| Interest Rate | Low-interest (final rate confirmed at application) |
| Repayment Term | 10, 15, or 20 years via property tax bill |
| Incentive (Energy Savings) | Up to $10,000 based on verified energy savings achieved |
| Free Service Included | Retrofit Coach (independent energy advisor) |
| Apply At | betterhomeslondon.ca · info@betterhomeslondon.ca |
Why this matters for Londoners: most home energy upgrades stall on the same problem, the upfront cheque. BetterHomes London takes that off the table. The City pays your contractor on day one and you repay through your property tax bill, the same way you already pay for snow clearing, garbage collection, and the road in front of your house.
How the BetterHomes London Incentives Work
BetterHomes London offers a two-part financial package: low-interest loans plus income-based incentives.
The Loan: Low-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 Incentive: Up to $10,000 Based on Verified Energy Savings
The April 23, 2026 launch announcement confirms BetterHomes London pays an incentive of up to $10,000, scaled to the actual energy savings achieved by your retrofit. Savings are verified through pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide audits.
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 on top of the loan.
How It Compares to Traditional Financing
| Factor | Traditional Financing | BetterHomes London |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 5%–10% (bank loan or line of credit) | Low-interest (set at application) |
| 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, with the incentive payment scaled to the verified energy savings your retrofit achieves. Specific eligibility thresholds (such as a 25% minimum energy improvement or an 80%-of-project-costs energy rule) appeared in earlier City of London staff reports but are not confirmed in the official April 23, 2026 launch announcement. Confirm with your Retrofit Coach during application.
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 pulls its weight in this program: insulation reduces what you use, but solar offsets what you actually pay London Hydro every month. Pair an 8 to 10 kW rooftop system with insulation or a heat pump and you sail past the 25% energy reduction threshold, which unlocks both the loan and the incentive. Most pure insulation projects sit right at the edge of that threshold.
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
Pick the wrong path and the gap over a 25-year system can run into the tens of thousands. We model both side-by-side against your actual London Hydro consumption history before you sign anything.
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 (low-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
Now that BetterHomes London is live, you can layer the loan on top of Ontario's 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 interest rate
- You want to stack the loan with the up-to-$10,000 energy-savings incentive
- 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
- You want full ownership and to avoid any property-tax-tied financing
- 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. Solar X can advise on the best strategy for your timeline and budget.
How to Prepare Now
Now that BetterHomes London is live and funds are running on a first-come basis, here are 5 steps to get your application package ready before funding tightens:
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.
Engage a Retrofit Coach
The Retrofit Coach service is free through BetterHomes London. Use them, even alongside us. An independent review only strengthens your application and helps you stack the right rebate programs. Contact info@betterhomeslondon.ca to start.
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
Here is what to expect from application through to repayment, based on the official BetterHomes London program rules:
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
Solar X guides you through the BetterHomes London application at betterhomeslondon.ca, including the loan request, supporting documentation, and Retrofit Coach coordination.
Receive Approval & Confirm Your Project
The City of London reviews and approves your application. Loan amount and incentive eligibility are confirmed at this stage.
Installation by Solar X
Our ESA-certified crew completes your solar installation. Standard residential roofs are typically 1 to 2 days. We handle permits, ESA compliance, and London Hydro interconnection. Bundled projects (solar + insulation + heat pump) take longer.
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. Funding is limited and applications run while funds are available. Book your assessment now.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did BetterHomes London launch?
BetterHomes London was officially launched by the City of London on April 23, 2026. Applications are accepted through betterhomeslondon.ca and continue while funds last. Apply early: funds are limited and run on a first-come basis.
What is BetterHomes London?
BetterHomes London is the City of London's home energy retrofit financing program, officially launched April 23, 2026. It combines low-interest LIC financing (up to $40,000), incentives up to $10,000 based on energy savings achieved, and a free Retrofit Coach service that helps homeowners plan upgrades, review contractor quotes, and identify other rebate programs. Total program funding is $6.66 million, delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund as a $1.7M grant plus a $3.5M loan. The exact interest rate is confirmed at application. Earlier staff reports referenced 2.5%, but that figure is not confirmed in the official launch announcement.
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 a low-interest rate over 10, 15, or 20 years through your property tax bill. The exact interest rate is set at application.
Do I qualify for the income-based incentives?
The April 23, 2026 launch confirms the incentive is up to $10,000 based on the energy savings you actually achieve. Earlier City of London staff reports referenced household income thresholds (individuals up to $95,000/year, families up to $115,000/year) and a base $2,500 award, but those figures are not confirmed in the official launch announcement. Confirm exact incentive structure with your Retrofit Coach during application.
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?
BetterHomes London is structured as an energy-savings-based program: the incentive payment is scaled to the actual energy savings your retrofit achieves (verified through pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide audits). Specific thresholds (a 25% minimum energy improvement or an 80%-of-project-costs energy rule) appeared in earlier City of London staff reports but are not confirmed in the official April 23, 2026 launch announcement. Confirm exact eligibility rules with your Retrofit Coach.
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 total program is funded at $6.66 million, sourced from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund ($1.7M grant plus a $3.5M loan). Funds run on a first-come basis until exhausted, so early applicants have the best chance of approval before the budget tightens.
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 open for applications now and runs while funds are available. The best time to get your assessment and documentation ready is today.
Solar X will assess your home, prepare your documentation, and build your custom savings proposal at no cost or 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.