Solar Financing in Alberta Has Changed: What Homeowners Need to Know About CEIP

Solar Financing in Alberta Has Changed: What Homeowners Need to Know About CEIP

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If you’ve been researching solar for your home in Alberta over the past few years, you may have come across the Canada Greener Homes Loan (CGHL). For many homeowners, it was the go-to option for financing solar and other energy-efficiency upgrades thanks to its interest-free structure and federal backing.

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However, the CGHL program is now closed to new applicants. While it played an important role in accelerating clean energy adoption, it’s no longer an option for homeowners looking to install solar today.

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That shift has left many Albertans asking the same question: What’s the best financing option available now?

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For homeowners in participating municipalities, the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) has become the primary pathway to finance solar and other energy-efficiency upgrades in a cost-effective, long term way. This guide explains how CEIP works, how it compares to the former CGHL program, and why it may be worth considering if solar is a part of your home’s future.

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A Brief Look Back at the Canada Greener Homes Loan

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The Canada Greener Homes Loan was a federal initiative designed to help homeowners complete eligible energy-efficiency upgrades, often including solar installations.

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What the CGHL Offered:

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• Interest-free financing
• Loan amounts ranging from $5,000 up to $40,000
• Repayment terms of up to 10 years
• Mandatory EnerGuide home evaluations before and after upgrades
• Direct repayment to the lender by the homeowner

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For many people, the interest-free structure made solar more accessible and helped offset the upfront costs associated with solar installs.

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Why CGHL Is No Longer an Option

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The CGHL program is now closed to new applications. Homeowners who already secured funding can continue under their existing terms, but new solar projects unfortunately can no longer rely on this program.

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As a result disappointed homeowners considering solar today needed to look at alternative financing options that support long-term energy upgrades, fortunately this is where CEIP comes into focus.

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What is CEIP? An Overview for Alberta Homeowners

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The Clean Energy Improvement Program is a municipal financing program designed to help homeowners complete energy-efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, including solar.

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Rather than being a federal loan, CEIP is administered at the municipal level through participating Alberta municipalities.

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How CEIP Works:

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• Financing is provided for eligible clean energy upgrades (Eligible items will be covered later)
• Repayment is made through property tax payments (More on this later)
• The program is tied to the property NOT the homeowner
• Terms are long term, often extending up to 20-25 years depending on the municipality and project
• Funding availability is limited and allocated by municipality

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CEIP is designed to support upgrades that improve the long-term performance, comfort, and value of a home. This makes it a natural and logical fit for those exploring solar.

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CEIP vs. CGHL: The Key Differences That Matter

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While both programs were designed to support clean energy upgrades for your home, the way they are structured is very different.

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Funding Source & Administration:

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• CGHL: Federal Program
• CEIP: Municipal Program administered locally

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This difference affects availability, timelines, and how funding is allocated. All of which to say, there are less slots available for the CEIP program being that it is not federally backed.

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Repayment Method:

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• CGHL: Direct loan repayment by the homeowner
• CEIP: Repayment through the property tax bill as a clean energy improvement charge

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This property-based repayment model is one of CEIP’s defining features and contributes to its long-term affordability. This is also a key factor in the transferability of this loan which we will cover later in this guide. 

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Loan Size & Term Length:

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• CGHL: ($5,000-$40,000) The loan is tied to the homeowner
• CEIP: ($3,000-$50,000) The financing is tied to the property

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For CEIP, this does NOT mean the obligation must automatically transfer to a future buyer of your home (although this can be done), instead it provides flexibility for the selling homeowner. 

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Homeowners may:

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• Pay off the remaining CEIP balance in full at the time of sale
• Do so without an early repayment fee or penalty
• Negotiate how the balance is handled as part of the sale process

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This flexibility allows homeowners to decide what makes the most sense for their situation, rather than being locked into a typical personal loan structure.

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Why CEIP Can Be a Strong Option for Solar Projects

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Solar is a long-term home investment, and CEIP is structured to reflect that reality.

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Longer-Term Financing for Long-Term Value

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Solar systems are designed to operate for decades. CEIP’s longer repayment terms align more naturally with the lifespan of the system, this helps homeowners to spread costs over time rather than compressing repayment into a short window.

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Lower Monthly Payment Potential

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By extending the repayment period, CEIP can reduce monthly payments, making solar more accessible for homeowners who want predictable, yet manageable costs.

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Flexibility for Bundling Upgrades

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CEIP allows you to finance multiple eligible upgrades together, some examples of possible eligible upgrades are: (Full list of eligible improvements covered later)

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• Solar Power
• Insulation Improvements
• Heat Pumps
• Windows and Doors
• Water Heating Upgrades

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This can simplify planning and financing if you’re looking to improve overall energy performance, not just install solar in isolation. 

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Solar and CEIP: Why They Pair Well Together

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Solar fits naturally within CEIP’s framework because it focuses on value for you over a longer-term. Solar is also one of the more expensive and impactful energy improvements you can make to a home making financing programs extremely valuable.

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Solar as a CEIP-Eligible Upgrade

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Solar photovoltaic systems are an eligible upgrade under CEIP when installed by a qualified contractor, like Orizon Energy. This is to ensure that the installations meet the rigorous program standards and deliver lasting value for you, the homeowner. 

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CEIP allows you to:

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• Finance solar affordably over time 
• Enjoy reducing electricity costs while you are living in your home
• Retain control over repayment decisions should you choose to sell your home
• Pay off the balance early without penalty if desired

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This structure gives homeowners options rather than constraints which is why CEIP allocations are going fast. 

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What Upgrades Are Eligible Under CEIP?

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CEIP supports a wide range of energy-efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, even more than the previous CGHL offered. Below we list the primary eligible upgrades CEIP funding can help support.

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• Solar Photovoltaic Systems
• Insulation and Air Sealing
• Windows and Doors
• Space Heating Systems
• Heat Pumps
• Water Heating Systems
• Thermostats
• Lighting
• Air Conditioning

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The flexibility in options is what makes CEIP especially attractive for people looking to take a whole home approach to energy efficiency. Rather than having multiple loans your energy improvements can all be under the same umbrella providing consistent interest rates and an easier to manage repayment plan. 

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How the CEIP Process Works for Alberta Homeowners

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The steps in the CEIP process may vary slightly based on municipality; the general blueprint is provided below to give you a better understanding of how you can utilize the benefits of CEIP.

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Pre-Qualification:

• Confirm homeowner and property eligibility
• Review municipal program terms
• Submit required documentation

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EnerGuide Home Evaluation:

• Professional assessment of current home energy performance
• Identification of recommended eligible upgrades
• Required to move forward in the program

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Project Planning & Application:

• Choose a CEIP-Qualified Contractor (Orizon Energy)
• Finalize upgrade scope
• Submit project documentation for approval

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Agreements & Approvals:

• Clean Energy Improvement Agreement with the municipality
• Project agreement with the contractor

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Installation:

• Permits and code compliance
• Completion within the approved timeframe

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Upgrade Completion:

• Submit invoices and documentation
• Confirm installation meets program requirements

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Post-Project Energuide Evaluation:

• Measure energy performance improvements
• Finalize participation in the program

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Repayment:

• Repayment added to the property tax bill
• Structured according to agreed-upon terms

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Important Considerations Before Choosing CEIP

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While CEIP can be an excellent option for many different situations, it’s not universal.

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Homeowners should consider:

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• Whether they are located in a participating municipality
• Limited funding availability
• Application timelines and deadlines
• The importance of working with experienced CEIP-Qualified Contractors like Orizon
• Reviewing all terms carefully before committing

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CEIP availability and conditions can change so acting early is often beneficial.

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Is CEIP the Right Path for Your Solar Project?

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CEIP may be a strong fit if you:

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• Plan to stay in your home for several years
• Want manageable monthly payments
• Are considering solar with or without additional upgrades
• Value flexibility if you sell in the future

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Because CEIP is currently the primary financing program available for Albertans, it is often the most convenient for those looking to install solar on their home. This means availability is fading quickly and is already capped in some municipalities.

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Navigating Solar Financing in Alberta After CGHL

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With the Canada Greener Homes Loan no longer available, Alberta homeowners needed new pathways to finance clean energy upgrades responsibly. For many, CEIP is filling that gap.

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While no single program is right for everyone, CEIP offers long-term, flexible financing that aligns well with solar’s life span and value. Understanding how it works, and how it compares to similar programs in the past, allows you to make confident, informed decisions about your energy independence. 

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If you’re exploring solar and want to understand whether CEIP may apply for your project, Orizon Energy Reps will be able to help you make the process smooth and easy.

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Orizon Energy is proud to help Albertan’s navigate CEIP and solar installations with clarity, transparency, and practical guidance, so you can decide what makes sense for your home now and in the decades to come.

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