With Central Alberta's sunny skies, harnessing the benefits of solar energy can be a great way to lower power costs. To help make the up-front costs of installing solar panels more affordable, residents, business owners and not-for-profits within the City of Wetaskiwin can apply for funding through the Solar Installation Grant Program.
It's year 2 for the program, launched last year when the John Maude and Susan Quinn Charitable Foundation donated $150,000 to the City to help homeowners access the renewable energy source.
This year, a $75,000 anonymous donation has allowed the program to grow: $50,000 is allocated for ten $5,000 grants to residential applicants to install a minimum 4kWh solar panel system; additionally, five $5,000 grants will be available to business and not-for-profit applicants to install a minimum 5kWh solar panel system.
Landlords can also apply on behalf of rental properties they own using the business and not-for-profit application form, however, note that you can only apply for the program once, even if you own multiple Wetaskiwin properties.
Apply today!
To obtain pre-approval for the Solar Installation Grant Program, submit your application with a quote from your installer to permits@wetaskiwin.ca or drop it off at Wetaskiwin City Hall. Applications are accepted and pre-approved on a first-come, first-serve basis – find your form here:
What comes next?
Wetaskiwin's Planning and Development team will review your application and issue pre-approval. Your contractor will then apply for development and building permits from Planning and Development and an electrical permit from Superior Safety Codes. Following permit approvals, your contractor will install the solar panel system. Once the installation is inspected and any additional requested information is provided, the grant payment will be made to either you or the contractor, depending on payment arrangements.
Note that application for approval and payment of the Solar Installation Grant must be completed within eight months of notification of pre-approval. To meet this deadline, applicants must submit all required permit applications within four months of pre-approval.
An extension may be granted if the project has been initiated but proof is provided that it will take longer than eight months to complete. If no proof is received, the grant funds may be awarded to another applicant.
Don't forget: Wetaskiwin's Census deadline is June 30
Haven't completed your 2025 Municipal Census? The last day for residents to complete their municipal census is Monday, June 30. Learn more and complete it online at wetaskiwin.ca/Census.