Solar Manitoba

Saving with Solar in Manitoba.

Manitoba encourages its residents to use solar to reduce their power consumption. While the province enjoys clean generation from Hydro plants, the supply is limited. As needs grow province wide, expensive upgrades and new generation will be needed. Manitoba Hydro would like customers to reduce power consumption, and considers self-generation from solar a key to its future.

Solar installations, whether on a residential roof, ground mounted on a acreage, or on commercial roofs, produce power for its owners at costs close to buying utility power now. If the power is not needed during the day, it can be exported back to Manitoba Hydro as part of their Net Billing program, for a credit. The customer then uses this credit against power used at night, or during the winter.

What’s in it for Manitoba customers?

• Control of current power costs: A solar system can produce 20 to 100% of the annual power needed to run a home. With the incentives the electricity off the roof is close to the same as buying power from Manitoba Hydro. Add future rate increase and the solar electricity gets cheaper every year.
• Investment: A solar system typically yields 5-10% rate of return on the cash invested. Since solar systems last 30 years or more, it’s like a long term GIC. Commercial customers can take advantage of Class 43.2 Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance for an even better rate return.
• No cash? Use the Manitoba Hydro Home Energy Efficiency Loan to add the solar costs to your monthly electrical bill. This can be paid off at any time.
• Empowerment: Now you are in control of your own power. Rising costs will not affect you in the same way. Plan for lower costs when you retire, and enhance the value of your property

Solar Rebate Progam

Efficiency Manitoba has launched a provincial solar rebate program to bolster their transition to green energy. The program was developed for home owners and business owners connected to Manitoba’s hydro grid. The program details are as follows: