Why Solar Is Still Worth It In 2026 Despite Changing Financing Incentives

If you’ve been researching solar lately, you’ve probably come across some headlines questioning if solar is “still worth it” in 2026.

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Every year energy incentives evolve, electricity rates fluctuate, financing programs change, and technology evolves. With all the instability, it’s fair to ask if solar still makes financial sense today.

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We can give you a short answer: yes, but being we’re a solar company that may seem a little bias.

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That’s why we have created this blog to show you why solar, maybe now more than ever, is still a worthwhile financial investment.

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Solar’s value in 2026 isn’t just about rebates or short-term programs. It’s about long-term energy stability, rising utility costs, improved technology and smarter home energy management.

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Allow us to expand.

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What’s Changed in 2026?

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Before we can accurately answer whether solar is still worth it, we need to address what has actually changed.

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Across Canada, we’ve seen:

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• Shifts in federal and provincial incentive programs
• More municipal-based financing options (CEIP in Alberta)
• Continued volatility in electricity pricing
• Improvement in Solar Panel Efficiency
• Growth in home Electrification (Heat pumps, EV Chargers and Smart Appliances)

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Some homeowners assume that if a specific rebate or loan program, solar suddenly becomes less attractive. Think, the ending of the Canada Greener Homes Loan last year. A program that allowed many energy conscious homeowners the opportunity to install solar energy systems.

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But at the end of the day, solar has never depended on a single incentive to make sense. The incentives and programs increase accessibility but the value remains unchanged.

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The real question we should be asking isn’t “Are incentives as generous as before?”

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It’s “Does solar still provide long-term value in today's evolving energy landscape?”

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Electricity Costs Are Not Standing Still

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One of the biggest drivers behind residential solar adoption has always been electricity pricing. 

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In deregulated markets like Alberta, homeowners are exposed to market-based energy rates. While pricing fluctuates, long-term trends show increasing pressure from:

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• Grid Upgrades
• Transmission and Distribution Costs
• Infrastructure Modernization
• Growing Electricity Demand

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Solar gives homeowners like you partial control over their future energy costs. Instead of being fully exposed to rate changes for the next 20-30 years, you generate a portion of your own power. The size of the portion being offset depends on a bunch of factors including location and solar system size. 

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This stability and predictability is one of solar’s most underrated benefits in 2026. 

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Solar Technology is Better Than it Was Five Years Ago

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Another factor often overlooked in the “Is solar still worth it?” Discussion is technology improvement.

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Modern solar systems in 2026 are:

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• More efficient
• More durable
• Better designed for cold climates
• Paired with smarter monitoring tools
• Easier to integrate with batteries and electrified homes

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Panels are producing more power per square foot than previous generations. Inverters are more reliable, monitoring is more precise, and system software is more accurate.

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In other words, today's systems are not the same systems homeowners were installing in 2020.

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You’re getting more performance per panel than ever before, making the value of solar more enticing.

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Micro-generation Programs Balancing Your Annual Usage

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In Alberta, residential solar operates under netbilling, our specific micro-gen program. This system allows homeowners to:

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• Use their solar power first
• Export excess unused energy to the grid
• Receive bill credits for the exported energy
• Carry those credits forward to off-set lower production months

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That seasonal credit carryover is especially valuable in climates with longer winters. Summer production helps offset winter consumption, smoothing out seasonal differences and helping you benefit from your solar year round. 

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While net billing isn’t “free money”, it’s a practical system that reduces overall annual electricity costs, and helps you save year round, making the most of your solar system.

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Solar Isn’t Just About Today’s Savings

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One of the biggest mindset shifts happening in 2026 is this:

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Solar is no longer just about short-term savings.

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It’s about:

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• Energy independence 
• Home electrification
• Future proofing your home
• Increasing property value
• Carbon emission reduction
• Lifestyle stability

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Homeowners adding EV chargers, heat pumps, or electric appliances are increasing their electricity use. Solar becomes a strategic asset during and after that transition.

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Instead of asking, “will this pay off in X years?” many homeowners are asking, “How does this fit into my long-term energy and savings plan?”

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This is a much better question when it comes to assessing the value of solar and how it fits into your life.

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What About Financing Changes?

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Some previous national programs have closed or evolved. That has understandably caused hesitation.

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But financing hasn’t disappeared, it has simply shifted.

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In Alberta, for example, municipal programs like CEIP allow homeowners to finance energy upgrades over longer terms through property-based repayment structures. 

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Private financing options have also expanded. Many homeowners have chosen to structure solar repayments in a way that aligns with expected energy savings and long-term planning.

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Solar’s financing viability in 206 is not dependant on one single federal program. It’s supported by a mix of multi-level financing pathways available to all kinds of different situations and financial levels.

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Home Value and Market Appeal Still Matter

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Another common question homeowners considering solar often ask is:

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“If I sell my home, will solar still be attractive?”

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The answer is yes, and maybe more so now than before.

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Energy conscious buyers are paying more attention to:

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• Low operating costs
• Efficient heating and cooling systems
• Solar generation capacity
• Electrification readiness

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A properly installed solar system signals modernization and forward thinking.

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 As energy awareness increases across Canada, homes with solar often stand out in listings.

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Why Solar Makes Sense in 2026:

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Solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. But in 2026, it makes a strong case for homeowners who:

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• Plan to stay in their home for several years
• Want predictable energy costs
• Are considering electrifying their home
• Have suitable roof orientation and good sun exposure
• Value long term sustainability

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For these homeowners, solar remains a logical, strategic upgrade.

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So… Is Solar Still Worth it in 2026?

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If you’re expecting CGHL level loan structures or zero dollar bills on day one, your expectations may need adjusting.

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But if you’re thinking long-term, about energy stability, home efficiency, electrification, and rising utility costs, then yes solar is still absolutely worth considering in 2026. 

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The incentives may evolve. The market may shift. But the fundamentals remain:

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• The sun still shines
• Electricity still costs money
• Technology continues to improve
• Homeowners still value control over their energy future

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And that’s exactly why solar continues to make sense.

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If you’re exploring whether solar is still worth it for your home in 2026, the next step isn’t guessing, its getting a clear customized assessment.

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Orizon Energy is here to help you evaluate your home, energy usage, and long-term energy goals so you can make an informed decision about solar with confidence. 

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