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Ontario Incentives Guide

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 homeowners combine rebates with net metering. Updated March 2026.

By Solar X Engineering Team — ESA/ECRA Certified·

Key Takeaways

  • 1Save ON Energy's Home Renovation Savings Program offers $1,000–$5,000 for residential solar and an additional $500–$2,000 for paired battery storage.
  • 2Homeowners combine the Home Renovation Savings Program rebate with net metering; 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 is a registered Save ON Energy contractor and manages the full rebate application process at no additional cost.
  • 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.

ProgramWho It's ForSolar RebateBattery Rebate
Home Renovation SavingsResidential homeowners$1,000–$5,000$500–$2,000
saveONenergy for BusinessCommercial & industrialCustom (per kWh saved)Custom (per kWh saved)
Indigenous & RemoteRemote/off-grid communitiesProject-based grantsProject-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 most powerful strategy is stacking Home Renovation Savings Program rebates with net metering. 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.

SystemGross CostSave ON RebateFederal 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. 1

    Free Solar Assessment

    Solar X assesses your home, identifies eligible rebate programs, and calculates your projected savings and rebate amounts.

  2. 2

    Pre-Approval Submission

    We submit a pre-approval application to your LDC before any work begins. Approval is required before installation.

  3. 3

    ESA-Certified Installation

    Solar X completes the installation with ESA-licensed electricians. All work meets Ontario Electrical Safety Code requirements.

  4. 4

    ESA Inspection

    The Electrical Safety Authority inspects and approves the installation. This is a mandatory step for rebate eligibility.

  5. 5

    Completion Documentation

    Solar X submits ESA approval, system specifications, and cost documentation to your LDC on your behalf.

  6. 6

    Rebate Payment

    Your LDC processes the rebate within 6–10 weeks of approval — issued as a bill credit or cheque.

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:

→ Oakville (Oakville Hydro)→ Hamilton (Alectra)→ Kingston (Kingston Hydro)→ Ottawa (Hydro Ottawa)→ Barrie (Alectra)→ Guelph (Alectra)
View all 34 Ontario cities →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Save ON Energy program?+
Save ON Energy is Ontario's suite of energy efficiency and conservation programs administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and delivered through local distribution companies (LDCs). For solar and battery storage, the most relevant streams are the Home Renovation Savings Program (residential) and the saveONenergy for Business program (commercial). Programs provide rebates and incentives for eligible energy-saving upgrades.
How much is the Save ON Energy solar rebate in 2026?+
Under the Home Renovation Savings Program, eligible Ontario homeowners can receive rebates of $1,000–$5,000 for solar panel systems, depending on system size and energy savings achieved. Battery storage additions qualify for an additional $500–$2,000 rebate when paired with solar. Program funding is allocated annually — apply early in the calendar year as funding can be exhausted.
Can I stack Save ON Energy rebates with the federal ITC?+
For businesses, yes. The federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (30%) is for businesses, farms, and incorporated entities, and it stacks with saveONenergy for Business incentives on the same commercial installation. Individual homeowners do not qualify for the ITC. For a home, the main incentives are the Home Renovation Savings Program rebate and net metering, which lower your net installation cost and your ongoing bills.
Who administers Save ON Energy rebates?+
Save ON Energy programs are funded by Ontario electricity ratepayers and administered by the IESO. Delivery is handled by your local distribution company (LDC) — Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Alectra, Oakville Hydro, Burlington Hydro, etc. Applications are typically submitted through your LDC's website or through a registered contractor like Solar X.
Is my home eligible for Save ON Energy solar rebates?+
Eligibility requirements include: Ontario residential property served by an LDC participating in the Home Renovation Savings Program, installation by an ESA-licensed and registered contractor, and a system that meets minimum efficiency specifications. Most Ontario homeowners with grid-connected solar qualify. Properties served by Hydro One remote communities or municipal utilities not participating in Save ON may have different programs available.
How do I apply for Save ON Energy rebates?+
Applications are typically submitted by your registered installer (Solar X handles this as part of the installation package). The process involves: pre-approval of the project scope, installation by an ESA-licensed contractor, ESA inspection and approval, submission of completion documentation to your LDC, and rebate payment within 6–10 weeks of approval. Solar X manages the entire application process.
Are Save ON Energy programs available for commercial solar?+
Yes. The saveONenergy for Business program offers custom incentives for commercial and industrial solar installations. Rebate amounts are calculated based on projected kWh savings and can significantly exceed residential rebate caps. Commercial projects also qualify for the federal ITC and accelerated capital cost allowance (CCA Class 43.2 — 100% write-off in year one).

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.

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