The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) is revolutionizing how Alberta homeowners can access energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades, including solar power. This innovative program allows you to finance upgrades like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems through your property tax bill, spreading payments over time and making the switch to clean energy more affordable.
The CEIP supports a wide range of energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades. These include the installation of solar PV systems, insulation, energy-efficient heating systems, windows, and more. As more and more communities, cities, and districts across Alberta adopt the CEIP, more homeowners can take advantage of its financing options. To find out if your municipality is involved, you can check out the complete list on the CEIP website here.
Why Solar Makes Sense in Alberta
Alberta’s sunny days, even in the winter, provide great production for solar energy.
According to the Alberta Energy Regulator, for many households, energy costs can be as high as $5,000 annually. With electricity prices in Alberta having more than doubled over the past decade—rising from 7.3 cents per kWh in 2013 to over 16 cents per kWh in 2023—solar energy provides a way to offset these rising costs.
How the CEIP Makes Solar Energy Affordable
The CEIP provides an innovative way to finance solar installations. Homeowners can add the full cost to their property tax bill instead of paying the full cost upfront. This spreads the payments out over time, making solar energy a more attainable investment for many.
The program offers several benefits, including:
- – Competitive interest rates
- – Extended repayment terms (up to 20 years for some upgrades)
- – The ability to pay off the balance at any time
This flexible financing structure makes the switch to solar energy more manageable and reduces the financial strain associated with large, one-time expenses.
Making the Process Simple
Here’s how you can take advantage of the CEIP for your solar upgrade:
- Check eligibility: Confirm if your municipality participates in the program. Visit the CEIP website for a complete list of participating areas.
- Pre-qualification: If you’re eligible, submit a pre-qualification form to get started. Please note the qualification windows in each community may be short, with a limited number of applications being accepted.
- Choose your upgrades: After pre-qualification, decide on your upgrades. For solar, you can work with SkyFire Energy, which is a qualified contractor and is found in the CEIP directory.
- Submit your application: Once you’ve chosen your upgrades, you’ll submit your application. Get approval and install: After your project is approved, your contractor will install your solar system. After, the cost will be added to your property tax bill.
- Repayment: The total project cost will be included in your property tax payments, which will be spread out over a long period.
With this process, you can make your home more energy-efficient, reduce your utility bills, and help the environment—all while enjoying an affordable and manageable repayment plan.
Why Solar is Worth the Investment
If you have been considering solar, you likely know that the benefits are numerous. The combination of long-term savings, environmental impact, incentives like CEIP, and energy independence makes it a smart financial and sustainable decision. Whether for homeowners or businesses, solar power offers a great return over time.
At SkyFire Energy, we’re excited to help homeowners in Alberta make this transition towards a renewable energy source toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. With over 20 years of experience, SkyFire Energy specializes in delivering dependable, high-quality solar solutions tailored for homeowners across Western Canada. As a locally owned, employee-driven company, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service and craftsmanship.
Our focus on safety and a strong history of residential energy projects make us your trusted solar advisor in your solar journey. Ready to make the switch to solar and start saving? Take the first step by scheduling a free consultation today!
Keep in mind that incentive programs can change quickly, and the information above was up to date as of Jan. 21, 2025. Please contact SkyFire Energy for the most up-to-date information.