Solar Rebates For Your Business

Solar Rebates For Your Business

We offer a rebate of $0.50 per direct current (DC) watt installed on buildings connected to Manitoba Hydro’s grid.

Rebates are available for all solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sized appropriately to offset your building’s annual electricity consumption. If the equipment cost of your new solar PV system is less than the calculated rebate amount, your rebate will be capped at the lesser of the two amounts.   

Effective October 2, 2024, all commercial solar PV systems will require approval from Efficiency Manitoba before starting any work, including prior to purchasing or installing any portion of the solar PV system. We’ll accept applications for systems less than 100 kW that are currently underway without prior approval until December 31, 2024.

BENEFITS OF A SOLAR PV SYSTEM

There are many benefits to installing a solar PV system.

  • It provides energy to your business in a sustainable manner.
  • It helps reduce your monthly energy bill.
  • It mitigates the impact of future rate increases.

DO YOU QUALIFY?

  • Your new solar PV system is connected to Manitoba Hydro’s grid.
  • Your building has its own meter and an active Manitoba Hydro account billed at a commercial general service electricity rate.
  • You must receive pre-approval from Efficiency Manitoba before starting any work, including prior to purchasing or installing any portion of the solar PV system.
  • You’re the building owner or designated representative of the building.
  • Your contractor is registered with Efficiency Manitoba.
  • Your solar PV system is new (not a replacement) and purchased in Canada.
  • Your solar PV equipment and its components are certified by an approved certification organization as required by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
  • All work meets the Manitoba Electrical Code and any applicable local laws and regulations.
  • Your solar PV system is designed by a person with the credentials as required by the Authorities Having Jurisdiction and installed by a registered contractor who holds an Electrical Contractor’s License.
  • New buildings and building additions must also participate in Efficiency Manitoba’s New Building Program.

PROJECTS THAT AREN’T ELIGIBLE

  • Seasonal buildings
  • Buildings with existing solar PV systems
  • Portable or temporary structures
  • Solar PV systems designed primarily to sell excess electricity back to the grid

Steps to Participate

  1. CHECK TO SEE IF YOU AND YOUR PROJECT ARE ELIGIBLE

    Read the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions to see if you qualify for a rebate.

    Before installing solar, you should consider if your business is as energy efficient as possible. Improving the energy efficiency of your business can be a cost effective first step that reduces the size of solar PV system required to meet your electricity needs.

  2. CHOOSE A REGISTERED EFFICIENCY MANITOBA CONTRACTOR

    Your contractor must be registered with Efficiency Manitoba. We recommend browsing our list of registered suppliers, getting several quotes, and checking references before making your choice. Be sure to compare the proposed design of each contractor; pay attention to the costs and post-installation services. If your preferred contractor isn’t a registered Efficiency Manitoba supplier, we can help them join our supplier network. 

  3. APPLY FOR PERMITS & APPROVALS

    Grid-connected solar PV system installations must comply with Manitoba Hydro’s interconnection requirements and be approved by Manitoba Hydro before starting any work. Work with your solar contractor to submit an application and the required documentation to receive interconnection approval from Manitoba Hydro. To learn more about grid-connected solar PV systems in Manitoba, visit Manitoba Hydro’s website. It’s also a good time to obtain any necessary permits and ensure your system complies with any municipal building code requirements.

  4. SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

    Once you have received interconnection approval from Manitoba Hydro and a project quote from your contractor, apply for project approval with Efficiency Manitoba before you purchase or install your new solar PV system.

  5. GET APPROVAL FOR YOUR PROJECT

    We’ll review your application and send your approval by email. Remember not to start any work before we approve your application.

  6. INSTALL YOUR SOLAR PV SYSTEM

    You and your contractor can proceed with installing your new solar PV system. You’ll have 12 months to complete your project and submit completion documentation to be eligible for a rebate.

  7. SUBMIT COMPLETION DOCUMENTS

    You and your contractor can submit the completion documents to Efficiency Manitoba. You’ll sign the completion declaration and submit all invoices to confirm the solar PV system is installed and operational. 

  8. RECEIVE YOUR REBATE

    We’ll review these documents and finalize your rebate. A post-installation verification may be required prior to finalizing your rebate.

RESOURCES

Looking for more information? Check out our articles to learn more about solar.

MORE HELP IS AVAILABLE

The Government of Canada recently announced a Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit. To learn more, visit the Government of Canada web page.

SUPPLIER NETWORK

If you’re a solar contractor, join our supplier network. You can offer our Solar Rebate to your customers and be listed in our online supplier directory