Canada ecoEnergy program for 25% solar rebate?

[Rob Beckers]

Does anyone know if the Canadian federal ecoEnergy program (http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/commercial/financial-assistance/existing/retrofits/index.cfm?attr=0) can be used to pay for the installation of solar panels? Or know anyone that has tried to do this? This program offers potentially a 25% rebate on energy efficiency improvements. When that kind of rebate can be applied to solar it would change the whole economic landscape for PV in Canada.

-RoB-

[Paul Bailey]

I believe this is for Businesses only. So the homeowner have been left out as yet. Paul:) OK Rob now that I have gone back and re-read and followed the link on your post it really is geared to medium to large business. ..At least those willing to invest in energy savings projects. Stringent Auditing process by 3rd parties ensure the saving will be there.!!!!

[Paul Bailey]

Another update and more info Rob; Search out more and related info on Class 43.1.
Heres one link http://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult/class431-1e.html

[Rob Beckers]

I believe this is for Businesses only. So the homeowner have been left out as yet. Paul:) OK Rob now that I have gone back and re-read and followed the link on your post it really is geared to medium to large business. ..At least those willing to invest in energy savings projects. Stringent Auditing process by 3rd parties ensure the saving will be there.!!!!

Actually it doesn't specify business size (other than calling it 'small to medium sized business'). Yes, you are correct this won't work for homeowners, and I didn't mean to imply that. There is a program for homeowners as well, though more restrictive. There's also a program for industry that seems to have similar terms. The Web link in my first post has links to all of them. Businesses are part of my customer base, that's why I'm interested.

What I was trying to get at is if anyone has tried or know about using the ecoEnergy program to get 25% funding for PV (for business use, in combination with the Standard Offer Contract). I'm not just idly asking this, a colleague of mine claims this ought to work. I'm trying to find out if there's any tangible proof out there that it might.

-RoB-

[Wilco Vercoelen]

The answer is simple, No.

The "application guide" does not include photovoltaics and covers only solar assisted heating (Water & Air).

The other program, EcoENERGY for Renewable Power provides funding only for Canadian utilities, businesses, municipalities, institutions and organizations @ 1 cent per kWh for systems of 1MW or bigger.

If it is possible like your neighbour says, where is the approval or proof.

It would be great if it works, but as far as we can see, it is not true.