May 28, 2025
Since its launch in 2018, the SolarHomes program has helped thousands of Nova Scotians lower their power bills and invest in clean energy. But this year, the program stopped accepting applications after funds ran out, leaving hundreds of families who qualified for rebates without the support they expected.
“If the government truly cares about solar energy, it must make sure families aren’t left behind,” said Energy critic Iain Rankin. “The least the minister can do is provide additional funding to Efficiency Nova Scotia so homeowners who have qualified can receive the rebates they were promised.”
This funding gap comes at a critical time. A new national report, the Canadian Energy Efficiency Scorecard, shows that Nova Scotia’s leadership position in energy efficiency is slipping. The province has dropped from second place in 2022 to fifth last year, with neighbours Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick moving ahead.
“It’s no surprise Nova Scotia has been declining in these rankings when key programs like SolarHomes are running out of funding,” said Rankin. “If we want to regain our standing and help families reduce their energy costs, the government needs to restore funding – not quietly pull back.”