Save ON Energy Program:
Solar & Battery Rebates 2026
Everything Ontario homeowners need to know about Save ON Energy rebates for solar and battery storage: eligible programs, rebate amounts, how to apply, and how the Home Renovation Savings rebate compares with net metering as a separate path. Updated September 2026.
Key Takeaways
- 1Save ON Energy's Home Renovation Savings Program pays $1,000 per kW for solar (up to $5,000) and $300 per kWh for battery storage (up to $5,000) when a battery is paired with new solar, for a combined maximum of $10,000.
- 2Homeowners choose one path: the Home Renovation Savings Program rebate (which requires load displacement) or net metering. The two cannot be combined. The federal 30% Clean Technology ITC is for businesses, farms, and incorporated entities, not individual homeowners.
- 3Applications must be pre-approved before installation begins — retroactive applications are not accepted.
- 4Solar X manages the full Home Renovation Savings Program application on your behalf at no additional cost. Note that the program does not publish a qualified-contractor list for solar, so no installer is an official program partner.
- 5Commercial solar qualifies for the saveONenergy for Business program with custom incentive amounts exceeding residential caps.
Save ON Energy Programs for Solar & Battery — 2026
Save ON Energy is Ontario's umbrella for IESO-administered energy efficiency incentives. For solar and battery installations, three programs are most relevant to homeowners and businesses.
| Program | Who It's For | Solar Rebate | Battery Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Renovation Savings | Residential homeowners | $1,000/kW, up to $5,000 | $300/kWh, up to $5,000 |
| saveONenergy for Business | Commercial & industrial | Custom (per kWh saved) | Custom (per kWh saved) |
| Indigenous & Remote | Remote/off-grid communities | Project-based grants | Project-based grants |
Rebate amounts are program-year estimates. Actual amounts depend on system size, energy savings achieved, and available program funding.
Stacking Save ON Energy + Federal ITC (Businesses)
Individual homeowners do not qualify for the federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, which is for businesses, farms, and incorporated entities. For a home, the Home Renovation Savings Program rebate and net metering are mutually exclusive: the rebate path requires load displacement, so homeowners choose one path or the other rather than stacking them. For eligible businesses and farms, stacking saveONenergy for Business incentives with the federal ITC is the strongest option. The table below shows illustrative commercial stacking scenarios for common system sizes.
| System | Gross Cost | Save ON Rebate | Federal ITC (30%) | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 kW Solar only | $25,000 | −$2,000 | −$7,500 | $15,500 |
| 10 kW Solar only | $30,000 | −$3,000 | −$9,000 | $18,000 |
| 10 kW Solar + 13.5 kWh Battery | $45,000 | −$5,000 | −$13,500 | $26,500 |
| 12 kW Solar + 27 kWh Battery | $62,000 | −$7,000 | −$18,600 | $36,400 |
These scenarios apply to businesses, farms, and incorporated entities; individual homeowners do not qualify for the federal ITC. ITC calculated on gross cost. Save ON rebate does not reduce ITC base. Net cost excludes HST. Use the solar calculator for your personalized estimate.
How to Apply for Save ON Energy Rebates
The application process must be initiated before installation. Retroactive applications are not accepted. Solar X manages every step as part of the installation package.
- 1
Free Solar Assessment
Solar X assesses your home, identifies eligible rebate programs, and calculates your projected savings and rebate amounts.
- 2
Pre-Approval Submission
We submit a pre-approval application to your LDC before any work begins. Approval is required before installation.
- 3
ESA-Certified Installation
Solar X completes the installation with ESA-licensed electricians. All work meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements.
- 4
ESA Inspection
The Electrical Safety Authority inspects and approves the installation. This is a mandatory step for rebate eligibility.
- 5
Completion Documentation
Solar X submits ESA approval, system specifications, and cost documentation to your LDC on your behalf.
- 6
Rebate Payment
The program issues your rebate after your completed installation and documentation are approved. Processing times vary, so confirm current timelines on homerenovationsavings.ca.
Save ON Energy Availability by City
Save ON Energy program availability depends on your local distribution company. Most major Ontario LDCs participate. See your city page for utility-specific rebate details:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Save ON Energy program?+
How much is the Save ON Energy solar rebate in 2026?+
Can I stack Save ON Energy rebates with the federal ITC?+
Can I combine the Home Renovation Savings rebate with net metering?+
Who administers Save ON Energy rebates?+
Is my home eligible for Save ON Energy solar rebates?+
How do I apply for Save ON Energy rebates?+
Are Save ON Energy programs available for commercial solar?+
Don't Leave Rebate Money on the Table
Solar X manages the entire Save ON Energy application process. Most homeowners don't know all the rebates they qualify for — book a free assessment and we'll show you every dollar available.