Rooftop solar is making waves in Canada, with homeowners increasingly seeing it as a smart financial investment. More than ever, solar panels are proving their value by reducing electricity costs, boosting property appeal, and even increasing home resale prices. But if you’re planning on selling your home soon, should you still consider installing solar? Will the benefits outweigh the initial costs?

Solar isn’t just about long-term savings anymore. Buyers today value energy efficiency, and homes equipped with solar often sell faster and at higher prices than similar homes without it. Plus, government-backed incentives like the Canada Greener Homes Loan Program, which provides interest-free loans ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, make installation more accessible even if you’re preparing to list.

The decision ultimately depends on a few key factors such as property value, buyer demand, market timing, and available financial incentives. If solar increases your home’s appeal and selling price while offering immediate utility savings, it could be a smart investment, whether you plan to stay or sell. Let’s break it down further.

The Financial Impact: Does Solar Boost Home Value?

For many homeowners who are considering selling their home, investing in rooftop solar could help to increase the resale value of your home. With more buyers actively searching for energy-efficient properties, solar panels are quickly becoming a marketable advantage instead of an eco-friendly upgrade.

Buyers Are Looking for Energy-Efficient Homes

Today’s homebuyers are factoring long-term energy costs into their purchasing decisions. Properties with solar panels offer a built-in cost-saving feature, reducing reliance on traditional grid electricity. This makes them highly desirable, particularly in regions where energy rates fluctuate or continue to rise.

In competitive real estate markets, homes with solar energy systems can sell faster because buyers see them as a smart financial investment rather than just another property feature.

Studies Show Homes with Solar Sell for More

Multiple studies have found that solar-equipped homes tend to command higher sale prices compared to similar non-solar properties. The reason is simple: buyers recognize the long-term financial benefits solar panels provide, from lower monthly utility bills to increased energy independence.

Research from housing markets in North America suggests that homes with rooftop solar may sell for 4-8% more on average than comparable homes without solar installations. These value increases are particularly noticeable in regions with high electricity costs, where buyers are willing to pay a premium to reduce their dependence on traditional power sources.

Furthermore, solar panels are seen as a modern home upgrade, much like renovations to kitchens or bathrooms. They enhance the property’s marketability and future-proof it against rising energy costs, making them an attractive asset for both buyers and appraisers.

Market Timing: Should You Install Solar Before Listing?

Faster Sales & Higher Appeal

Installing solar before listing could give your home a competitive advantage, making it stand out among similar properties in the market. Buyers searching for energy-efficient homes may be more likely to choose a solar-equipped property, knowing they won’t have to navigate the installation process themselves. Many buyers also recognize the long-term savings associated with solar power, making them more willing to pay a premium for a home that already has panels installed.

Additionally, younger homebuyers and tech-savvy investors are increasingly prioritizing homes with advanced features, viewing solar as a future-proofed upgrade rather than just an eco-friendly perk. A home with solar may not only sell faster but also appeal to a broader pool of buyers, potentially leading to stronger offers and smoother negotiations.

Consider Your Selling Timeline

If you’re planning to sell within the next few months, installing solar might not provide enough financial return before you move. While solar adds value to a home, the full benefits—such as monthly utility savings and government incentives—are typically realized over time.

However, if you have a year or more before selling, installing solar now allows you to lock in lower energy costs, while also preparing to list the home at a premium. This means you’ll enjoy savings while still benefiting from higher property value when the time comes to sell.

Will I Lose Money If I Install Solar Before Selling?

There’s no way to predict the future with complete certainty, especially when it comes to real estate. A home’s sale price can be influenced by many variables, from market conditions to buyer preferences. However, there is strong evidence suggesting that homes with rooftop solar panels tend to sell for more than comparable homes without this upgrade.

That said, how much more your home could sell for depends on several factors. One key consideration is your home’s current value. For instance, a 4% increase on a $1 million home translates to $40,000, whereas the same percentage on a $400,000 home only nets $16,000. So the immediate return on investment can vary widely.

If you’re thinking of selling soon, it’s a good idea to speak with your real estate agent. They can provide local market data to help assess whether adding solar could increase your home’s appeal and resale value in your area.

In some cases, a strategic approach might be to install a smaller system now, along with an upgraded electrical panel that can support future expansion. This could make your home more attractive to buyers who see the value of solar and could be satisfied with a smaller system that can be added to later.

Ultimately, while no one can guarantee a profit, solar can be a smart and appealing upgrade, especially if it aligns with buyer demand in your market.

Government Incentives: Can You Take Advantage of Solar Rebates Before Selling?

If you’re a homeowner considering rooftop solar before selling, several government-backed incentives can help reduce upfront costs and make installation more affordable.

Provincial & Municipal Solar Rebates

Many provinces and cities offer additional solar incentives to encourage homeowners to become prosumers. These rebates vary by location but can significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installations.

Examples of Provincial Incentives:

• Alberta: The Banff Solar Production Incentive provides $0.75 per watt for solar installations, up to 20 kW.

• British Columbia: The province offers a PST exemption on renewable energy equipment, reducing costs for homeowners.

• Ontario: Various municipalities provide solar rebates to offset installation expenses.

Canada Greener Homes Loan: Interest-Free Financing for Solar

The Canada Greener Homes Loan provides interest-free financing for homeowners looking to install solar panels and other energy-efficient upgrades. This program offers loans ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, with a 10-year repayment term, allowing homeowners to invest in solar without the burden of high upfront costs.

Eligibility:

• Must own the home and use it as a primary residence

• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or legally authorized worker

• Must complete a pre-retrofit energy evaluation before installation

How It Works:

• Homeowners apply through the Canada Greener Homes Portal

• An energy advisor assesses the home and recommends eligible upgrades

• Once approved, homeowners receive interest-free financing to cover installation costs

Understanding the Canada Greener Homes Loan as Personal Debt

While the Canada Greener Homes Loan Program offers interest-free financing for energy-efficient upgrades, including solar installations, it’s important to recognize that this loan is treated as personal debt rather than being directly tied to your home. Unlike a mortgage or home equity loan, the Canada Greener Homes Loan is unsecured, meaning it is issued based on your personal credit rather than being attached to the property itself.

What Happens If You Sell Your Home Before Your Loan is Paid Off?

One key consideration for homeowners is that the $40,000 loan cap does not reset if you sell your home. Since the loan is issued to the individual rather than the property, selling your home does not clear your eligibility for another loan on a new residence. If you’ve already used the maximum loan amount, you may not be able to apply for additional funding for energy-efficient upgrades in your next home.

Additionally, because the loan is not transferred to the new homeowner, you remain responsible for repayment even after selling the property. This means homeowners should carefully evaluate whether taking on the loan aligns with their long-term financial plans, especially if they anticipate moving in the near future.

Working with Real Estate Agents to Maximize Your Solar Investment

Understanding how the Canada Greener Homes Loan impacts your financial decisions is only one part of the equation—knowing how to position your home for maximum return is just as crucial. Fortunately, Canadian real estate agents are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about the benefits of solar, helping homeowners leverage energy-efficient upgrades to attract buyers and secure higher sale prices.

Agents Recognize Solar as a Market Advantage

As more homebuyers seek energy-efficient properties, real estate professionals are adapting to these trends. Many agents now understand the long-term value solar brings to a home, from lower utility costs to increased property desirability. By working with an agent who is well-versed in solar benefits, you can highlight these advantages in your listing, making your home stand out in competitive markets.

Strategic Pricing & Marketing for Solar Homes

Experienced agents know that homes with solar panels often sell at a premium, but proper positioning is key. They can help determine how your solar installation impacts local market demand, ensuring your home is priced competitively while reflecting the true financial benefits buyers will gain.

Additionally, agents are using solar-specific marketing strategies, such as showcasing utility savings, emphasizing government incentives for buyers, and positioning solar as a modern, future-ready upgrade. This approach can make your property more appealing, leading to faster sales and stronger offers.

Maximizing Your Return Before Listing

If you’ve recently installed solar or plan to take advantage of government-backed incentives, your agent can guide you through timing your sale strategically. Depending on your solar investment and selling timeline, they can advise whether waiting a bit longer could yield higher profits or if listing now is the right move to attract buyers looking for turnkey, energy-efficient homes.

By working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you ensure that your solar investment doesn’t go unnoticed, helping you position your home as a valuable, energy-smart property in today’s evolving real estate market.

Why Now is the Best Time to Go Solar

With rising electricity costs and government-backed incentives, homeowners can lock in long-term savings while increasing their property value. Solar-equipped homes are more attractive to buyers, offering lower utility bills and modernized infrastructure.

Beyond financial savings, solar power provides energy independence—a major advantage as power grids become increasingly strained. Extreme weather events, rising demand, and aging infrastructure contribute to power outages, leaving homeowners vulnerable to disruptions. By installing solar panels with battery storage, households gain a reliable backup source, ensuring seamless power supply even during blackouts. This feature is particularly appealing to buyers who prioritize energy security and uninterrupted home functionality.

Additionally, many provinces and municipalities are rolling out new solar rebate programs, and homeowners who act now may benefit from higher incentives before funding limits apply. Government incentives are known to change over time, and securing financial support while it’s readily available is key to maximizing solar savings.

Final Thoughts: Is Rooftop Solar a Good Move Before Selling?

If you’re planning to sell soon, rooftop solar can still be a valuable investment—boosting property value, attracting buyers, and potentially offering tax incentives. However, timing matters. If selling is imminent, it may be wise to research buyer trends in your area before committing.

For homeowners who have a year or more before selling, solar makes even more financial sense, allowing for upfront savings and a stronger listing price down the road.

Either way, solar is increasingly seen as a valuable home upgrade—and in Canada’s evolving real estate market, it could be the factor that makes your home stand out.