Newly launched federal grant program will make rooftop solar panels, battery storage and a wide range of other low-carbon technologies more accessible, which is great news for Canada’s renewable energy industry and Canadian homeowners.
Ottawa, June 17, 2022—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Canada for investing in the first phase of the new Canada Greener Homes Loan program, announced today.
The $4.4-billion program, part of the Canada Greener Homes Initiatives, will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 per household, making energy-efficient upgrades—such as solar panels and energy storage technologies—more affordable for Canadian homeowners.
The program will also help make national decarbonization goals more attainable, said Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO, at the June 17 announcement in Ottawa.
“Rooftop solar panels and residential battery storage are two game-changing technologies that will play an important role in helping Canada to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050,” Hornung said.
These technologies will also help Canadian families reduce their energy bills and make their homes more resilient to the extreme-weather events that are become increasingly common as a result of climate change.
Significant upfront costs can be a barrier for Canadian families to access these proven technological solutions against the climate crisis. That’s why the Government of Canada’s Greener Homes Loan initiative is so important.
“This program makes rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and a wide range of other low-carbon technologies more accessible for Canadian families. This will help to create jobs, drive investment, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and make our communities more resilient, which is great news for the renewable energy industry and Canadian homeowners,” said Hornung.
As of Friday, the first phase will be open to eligible homeowners who are applying or have an open application (pre-retrofit stage) to the Canada Greener Homes Grant. The second phase, starting in September 2022, will include homeowners with closed applications (those who have requested their post-retrofit evaluation or grant) but have other eligible retrofits they are hoping to pursue.
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Background
- CanREA has been vocal in its support for the Canada Greener Homes Grant program since its launch in May 2021, as it greatly increases the accessibility of energy-efficiency retrofits and the deployment of solar energy and energy storage for Canadian homeowners.
- Since its launch in May 2021, the Canada Greener Homes Grant has helped homeowners across the country retrofit their homes while creating good jobs for Canadians.
- As of June 8, over 171,000 applications have been received through the national portal and $38 million in grants have been sent to over 10,000 Canadians.
Quotes
“Rooftop solar panels and residential battery storage are two game-changing technologies that will play an important role in helping Canada to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.”
“This program makes rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and a wide range of other low-carbon technologies more accessible for Canadian families. This will help to create jobs, drive investment, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and make our communities more resilient, which is great news for the renewable-energy industry and Canadian homeowners.”
—Robert Hornung, CanREA’s President and CEO
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About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vison.” Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
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