Interest in solar installation Calgary grows as residents seek renewable energy solutions to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. The recent approval of a $30 million expansion to Calgary’s Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) greatly enhances the accessibility of solar panel installations for homes and businesses.
Let’s take a look at how the expanded retrofit loans make solar energy more attainable for Calgary residents and business owners.
Key Takeaways
- CEIP has expanded by $30 million to support more energy-efficient upgrades.
- The program offers up to 100% financing with favourable terms.
- The extra funding will let 800 more homes qualify for loans when applications reopen on May 28, 2025.
What Is Calgary’s Green Retrofit Loan Program?
Launched in 2023, Calgary’s CEIP assists home and business owners in financing energy-efficient upgrades, including solar panel systems. The program operates on a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) model that allows loan repayments through property taxes.
Here are the key features of the program:
- Financing up to 100% of project costs
- Competitive interest rates (3.75% in 2025)
- Repayment terms up to 20 years
- Incentives up to 10% of total project costs
- Repayment through property tax bills
As for the upgrades, here are some of the projects:
- Solar panel installations
- Insulation improvements
- Window and door replacements
- High-efficiency heating systems
- Energy-efficient appliances
By reducing upfront costs and tying repayments to property taxes, CEIP makes solar power solutions more accessible to residents and businesses.
What Happened to the Initial Launch?
The initial launch of CEIP in 2023 saw 238 applications in a single day, which quickly exhausted available funds. The original $15 million budget included a $10 million grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and $5 million from the city’s reserve. However, the demand quickly exceeded the funding. In 2023, the interest rate started at 2.95% and rose slightly to 3.25% in 2024.
What’s New – $30 Million Expansion Approved
In response to overwhelming demand, Calgary City Council authorized an additional $30 million in funding for CEIP. This expansion includes $20 million for residential retrofits and $10 million for a new commercial pilot program. The funding is sourced from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and future loan repayments to guarantee the program’s sustainability.
The Goal of the Expanded Program
The expanded funding aims to accommodate more homeowners and businesses seeking to implement energy-efficient upgrades. The interest rate is 3.75%, and repayment periods are available for up to 20 years.
Ward 11 Councillor Kourtney Penner emphasized the importance of the expansion, stating, “We’ve already seen Calgarians who have missed opportunities because there hasn’t been enough funding. This is us providing the opportunity to those individuals and families who want our help and support, retrofitting their homes.”
Alberta Municipalities, which represents communities across the province, manages all CEIP applications. The extra funding will allow 800 more homes to qualify for the loans. Applications for the expanded program are set to reopen on May 28, 2025.
Why This Is a Big Deal for Solar Installation in Calgary
The expense of installing solar panels in Calgary can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more. The cost poses a significant barrier for many property owners. The expanded CEIP addresses this challenge by offering long-term, low-interest financing options.
Benefits of the expanded CEIP include:
- Affordability: Financing covers up to 100% of project costs to reduce substantial upfront payments.
- Savings: Combining CEIP with other incentives can reduce installation costs and power bills.
- Property Value: Energy-efficient upgrades can raise the value of a home.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions contributes to a healthier planet.
By making solar installations more accessible, the expanded CEIP supports the solar industry’s growth in Western Canada and encourages residents to invest in renewable solutions.
Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Eligibility Criteria
- Property must be a primary residence in Calgary
- Applicant must be listed on the property’s Certificate of Title
- Property taxes must be up to date
- Completion of a pre-qualification application, including an EnerGuide Home Evaluation
Application Process
| 1 | Pre-Qualification | Check the program terms and complete the Pre-Qualification Form online to confirm if your property is eligible. |
| 2 | Home Energy Evaluation | Book an EnerGuide evaluation to find out how your home uses energy and which upgrades will make the biggest impact. |
| 3 | Apply for the Project | MAG Solar is a CEIP-certified contractor. We help submit your project application. |
| 4 | Sign Agreements | If approved, you’ll sign two agreements to move forward with the project. |
| 5 | Install Upgrades | Our solar contractor will complete the approved energy improvements |
| 6 | Confirm Completion | Submit your forms to confirm the upgrades are done. |
| 7 | Final Home Evaluation | Get a second EnerGuide evaluation to see how your home’s efficiency has improved. |
| 8 | Start Repayment | Pay back the loan through your property tax bill over time |
For more information and to apply, visit the Clean Energy Improvement Program page.
Maximize Solar Potential | Get Your Solar Installation Calgary Today
With the expanded CEIP, more Calgary property owners can now afford solar panel installations. Solar energy leads to long-term savings and environmental benefits. So, now is the best time to invest in a commercial or residential solar system. Apply for the CEIP loan with the help of MAG Solar.
A solar panel system gives you renewable energy that saves money and helps the environment. Begin your solar journey with CEIP funding and trusted support from MAG Solar.
