When the federal government launched the Canada Greener Homes Initiative, it included not only a grant but also a zero-interest loan to help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient. For Alberta homeowners looking to install solar panels, the Canada Greener Homes Loan offered a major opportunity to finance their upgrades affordably.
This article explains how the program worked as of 2022 and how it supported Calgary homeowners looking to reduce energy costs through solar power.
What Is the Canada Greener Homes Loan?
The Canada Greener Homes Loan provided interest-free financing to help homeowners complete energy-efficient home retrofits, such as solar panel installations, insulation, and heating upgrades. The goal was to help Canadians save on utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from residential energy use.
The loan complemented the existing Canada Greener Homes Grant, which covered a portion of the total installation cost.
Loan Amount and Conditions
Under the program, eligible homeowners could apply for an interest-free loan ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, repayable over ten years. Each homeowner could receive one loan per eligible property. The loan was designed to cover the costs of recommended energy-efficiency improvements identified in an EnerGuide home evaluation.
Applicants could request a small advance to cover contractor deposits, with the remaining balance issued after the post-retrofit evaluation was completed. This structure made it easier for homeowners to start major projects such as solar panel installations without large upfront expenses.
Who Could Apply?
To qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Loan, applicants needed to meet the following requirements:
- Be approved for and meet the eligibility requirements of the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
- Have completed a pre-retrofit EnerGuide assessment on or after April 1, 2020.
- Live in the home as their primary residence.
- Have a good credit history and provide proof of ownership.
- Have not yet begun or completed all retrofits before applying for the loan.
For Calgary homeowners, the program helped bridge the gap between available grants and the total cost of a solar installation — often covering the full remaining balance through the ten-year repayment option.
How to Apply for the Loan
Applying for the Canada Greener Homes Loan involved a few structured steps designed to ensure upgrades were properly assessed and eligible for federal support. Below is a summary of the original 2022 application process:
- Confirm eligibility and apply for the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
- Book a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation with a licensed energy advisor.
- Review the evaluation report and decide which recommended retrofits fit your goals and budget.
- Log in to your Greener Homes Grant account and access the loan application portal.
- Submit your loan application, including quotes and contractor estimates.
- Begin your retrofit project and save all receipts and documentation.
- Schedule a post-retrofit EnerGuide assessment after completion.
- Receive your final loan payment once the retrofit is verified and approved.
The total loan amount, minus any advance received, was typically deposited within ten business days after approval.
Learn More About Solar Financing in Calgary
Although the Canada Greener Homes Loan was a nationwide initiative, it helped thousands of Calgary homeowners take advantage of Alberta’s excellent solar potential. For detailed, up-to-date information on current solar incentives and financing options, visit the official Natural Resources Canada Greener Homes page.
If you’re exploring solar financing or considering installing panels for your home in Calgary, contact Panel Upgrade Experts today. Our team can help you design a cost-effective solar system and guide you through available rebates, loans, and energy-efficiency programs in Alberta.
