Greener Homes London is launching in 2026 — and London homeowners could get solar for $0 upfront
The City of London is preparing to launch LIC/PACE solar financing that lets homeowners install solar panels with no upfront cost and no credit check. Repayment is added to your property tax bill over 5-20 years — often fully offset by hydro savings. Stack it with the $5,000 federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and your effective out-of-pocket cost can be $0.
What Is Greener Homes London?
Greener Homes London is the City of London's upcoming municipal financing program designed to help homeowners afford the upfront cost of energy-efficiency upgrades — including solar panels, battery storage, and building envelope improvements. The program uses a Local Improvement Charge (LIC), also known as PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing, to eliminate the biggest barrier to going solar: the upfront cost.
Unlike a traditional loan, an 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 5 to 20 years. If you sell your home, the remaining balance transfers to the new owner — along with the solar system and its savings.
The program is expected to launch in 2026, with application portals anticipated in Q2-Q3 2026. London is following the proven model established by municipalities like Lanark County (Better Homes Lanark) and other Ontario communities that have already implemented successful LIC solar financing programs.
| Program Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Financing Type | LIC / PACE (Local Improvement Charge) |
| Administering Body | City of London |
| Expected Launch | 2026 |
| Property Type | Residential |
| Expected Financing Range | $5,000 – $50,000+ |
| Interest Rate | Expected low / zero interest (2%–4% or 0%) |
| Repayment Term | 5–20 years via property tax bill |
| Transferable on Sale | Yes — LIC transfers to new owner |
Why London is launching this now: The City of London's Climate Emergency Action Plan targets net-zero emissions by 2050. Residential solar is a key pillar — and LIC financing removes the biggest adoption barrier for homeowners. London's 250,000+ residential properties represent massive untapped solar potential.
How LIC/PACE Financing Works for Solar Panels
LIC financing fundamentally changes how London homeowners can pay for solar. Here's how it compares to traditional financing:
| Factor | Traditional Financing | LIC/PACE Financing |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Check | Required — credit score dependent | Not required — tied to property |
| Approval Process | Bank underwriting — weeks to months | Municipal approval — streamlined |
| Upfront Cost | $15,000–$35,000 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 |
LIC Solar Installation Example — London, Ontario
System size: 10 kW residential rooftop solar
Total system cost: ~$25,000
After federal rebate ($5,000): ~$20,000 financed via LIC
Annual LIC addition to property tax: ~$1,500/year (~$125/month)
Estimated annual hydro savings: $1,800–$2,200/year
Net result: Positive cash flow from day one
Your solar savings exceed your LIC payments — you save money every month while building equity in a 25-year asset.
Expected Eligible Measures
Based on the City of London's climate action plans and comparable Ontario LIC programs, the following measures are expected to be eligible for Greener Homes London financing:
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
Building Envelope
- Insulation upgrades (attic, wall, basement)
- High-performance windows and doors
- Air sealing and weatherization
HVAC
- Air-source and ground-source heat pumps
- High-efficiency furnace upgrades
- Smart thermostat integration
Water Heating
- Heat pump water heaters
- Solar thermal / solar water heating
- Drain water heat recovery
Why Solar PV Is Expected to Qualify: The City of London has identified residential solar as a priority measure in its Climate Emergency Action Plan. Every comparable Ontario LIC program includes solar PV as an eligible measure. Solar generates a financial return — unlike passive upgrades — making it the most cost-effective use of LIC financing.
Why This Changes Solar Affordability in London
Before Greener Homes London, the solar equation for most London homeowners looked like this:
| Factor | Before LIC | After LIC |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $20,000–$35,000 | $0 |
| Credit Requirement | Good credit score needed | No credit check |
| Monthly Payment | Bank loan: $200–$400/mo | Tax add: $100–$150/mo |
| Net Monthly Impact | Out-of-pocket expense | Cash-flow positive |
| If You Sell | Pay off remaining loan | Transfers with property |
The Economic Impact for London Homeowners
The average London homeowner pays $150–$250/month in electricity costs. A properly sized solar system (8–12 kW) can offset 80–100% of that consumption through London Hydro's net metering program.
With LIC financing, the monthly tax addition is approximately $100–$150/month — meaning your net savings are $50–$150/month from day one. The solar system pays for itself while it's still being financed.
Over 25 years (the warranted lifespan of most solar panels), total cumulative savings range from $15,000 to $45,000+ — after accounting for all financing costs. Once the LIC is paid off, your savings increase dramatically because the tax addition disappears while the solar system continues producing for another 10-15 years.
How to Prepare Now for the 2026 Launch
Smart London homeowners are getting solar-ready now so they can be first in line when applications open. 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 applications open — giving you a head start on program funding before it's allocated.
Complete an Energy Audit
An EnerGuide home energy audit may be required for LIC eligibility. Solar X can coordinate your audit with a certified energy advisor and ensure all documentation is ready before the portal 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 when the program launches.
Plan Your Rebate Stacking Strategy
Work with Solar X to identify all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal programs. We help you stack the Canada Greener Homes Grant, federal loan programs, and the LIC to minimize your total cost.
Expected Program Timeline
| Milestone | Expected Timing |
|---|---|
| Program design & council approval | Q1–Q2 2026 |
| Contractor approval process | Q2 2026 |
| Application portal launch | Q2–Q3 2026 |
| First approved projects begin | Q3 2026 |
| Full program rollout | Q4 2026 – 2027 |
Combining with Federal & Provincial Rebates
The real power of Greener Homes London is that it stacks with existing federal programs. Here's how a London homeowner could maximize savings:
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| 10 kW solar system — base cost | $25,000 |
| Canada Greener Homes Grant (federal) | −$5,000 |
| Remaining cost after grant | $20,000 |
| Save on Energy rebate (if available) | −$1,500 |
| Amount financed via LIC | $18,500 |
| Your upfront out-of-pocket cost | $0 |
| Estimated net monthly cash flow | +$650/year net savings |
Illustrative example for a 10 kW system in London, Ontario. Exact savings depend on system size, roof orientation, shading, utility rates, LIC terms, and program availability. Solar X provides a custom proposal for every London homeowner.
How to Stack Your Rebates
LIC vs Traditional Solar Financing
Not sure which financing path is right for you? Here's a decision matrix:
Choose LIC If...
- You want $0 upfront with no credit check
- You prefer property tax repayment over bank loans
- You may sell your home before the loan is paid off
- You want the lowest possible interest rate
- You want to keep your mortgage debt-to-income ratio clean
Choose Traditional If...
- You have cash available and want to avoid any financing
- You want to own the system outright with no property tax addition
- You have excellent credit and can get a competitive bank rate
- You want the fastest possible installation timeline
- The LIC program hasn't launched yet and you want solar now
Best of Both: Some homeowners use a traditional loan to install solar now, then refinance through the LIC when Greener Homes London launches. Solar X can advise on the best strategy for your timeline and budget.
Application Process (Expected Timeline)
Based on comparable Ontario LIC programs, here's what the Greener Homes London application process is expected to look like:
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. Solar X coordinates this step and ensures all required documentation is prepared.
Submit Your LIC Application
When the Greener Homes London portal opens, Solar X guides you through the application process and prepares all supporting documentation for municipal approval.
Receive LIC Approval
The City of London reviews and approves your application. Expected processing time: 4-8 weeks based on comparable programs.
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.
Inspection, Net Metering Activation & LIC Repayment Begins
After ESA inspection sign-off, London Hydro activates your net metering account. Your system goes live, and LIC repayment begins on your next property tax bill.
Expected processing time: 4-8 weeks from application to approval, plus 2-6 weeks for installation and interconnection. Solar X pre-prepares all documentation so your application is ready to submit the day the portal opens.
Solar X London: Your LIC-Approved Solar Installer
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 for their LIC solar project:
LIC Expertise
Solar X has deep experience with Ontario LIC/PACE programs. 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
Solar X identifies and applies for every applicable rebate — federal, provincial, and municipal — simultaneously. We maximize your savings across all available programs.
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 Greener Homes London?
Solar X serves all of London, St. Thomas, Stratford, Woodstock, and surrounding areas. Get your free assessment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Greener Homes London launch?
Greener Homes London is expected to launch in 2026, with application portals anticipated to open in Q2-Q3 2026. The City of London is currently finalizing program design and contractor approval processes. Solar X monitors all announcements and will notify pre-registered homeowners as soon as applications open.
Do I need good credit to qualify for LIC financing?
No. 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 LIC financing accessible to homeowners who may not qualify for traditional loans.
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 solar system and its energy savings also transfer with the home, this is typically positioned as a value-add rather than a liability. Buyers inherit both the asset and the remaining payments.
Can I combine LIC with the Canada Greener Homes Grant?
Yes. You can apply for the $5,000 federal Canada Greener Homes Grant first, then use the LIC to finance the remaining balance. Solar X helps clients stack both programs simultaneously to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
How much can I finance through Greener Homes London?
The expected financing range is $5,000 to $50,000 or more per eligible residential property, based on similar Ontario LIC programs. Final amounts will be confirmed when the City of London publishes official program guidelines.
What interest rate will the LIC charge?
Based on comparable Ontario municipal LIC programs, the expected interest rate is between 2% and 4%, with some programs offering zero-interest financing. The City of London will confirm the final rate when the program launches.
Is solar PV confirmed as an eligible measure?
Solar PV is a high-probability eligible measure based on the City of London’s published climate action plans and comparable Ontario LIC programs. Final confirmation will come with the official program launch.
How long does the application process take?
Based on similar Ontario LIC programs, expect 4 to 8 weeks for the application and approval process, followed by 2 to 6 weeks for solar installation. Solar X pre-prepares all documentation so your application is ready to submit as soon as the portal opens.
Can I add battery storage to my solar system?
Yes. Battery storage systems are expected to be LIC-eligible under Greener Homes London, based on the City of London’s energy resilience goals. Adding a battery allows you to store excess solar energy for use during peak rates or power outages.
What happens if I have a solar lease or PPA already?
An existing solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) may limit your eligibility for LIC financing on a new solar system. Contact Solar X for a free assessment — we can evaluate your current agreement and advise on the best path forward.
Do I need to own my home outright?
No. You can have an existing mortgage on your property and still qualify for LIC financing. The LIC is added to your property tax bill, not your mortgage. Some mortgage lenders may require notification, but this does not typically affect eligibility.
Can I use LIC for commercial solar projects?
No. Greener Homes London is expected to be a residential-only program. For commercial solar financing, contact Solar X about C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) options 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 Greener Homes London
Greener Homes London is expected to launch in 2026 — and program funding can be limited. The best time to get your assessment and documentation ready is now.
Solar X will assess your home, prepare your LIC 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. Greener Homes London program details, eligibility criteria, launch timing, and funding availability are based on publicly available City of London climate action plans and comparable Ontario LIC programs. Final program terms will be set by the City of London. Confirm current program status directly with the City of London or through Solar X before making decisions based on this information.