Step 1: Register for the Solar City program
- Property owner registers online for the Solar City program.
- Solar City office confirms property owner eligibility.
Step 2: Select a solar contractor and request a solar energy assessment
- Property owner chooses a solar contractor to get a solar energy system proposal that meets their energy consumption habits and obtain quotes.
- To select a contractor, you can use our Tips for Choosing a Solar Contractor and the Nova Scotia Go Solar Guide. A list of Atlantic Canadian solar companies registered with Solar Nova Scotia is also available.
- The municipality does not select a contractor on your behalf; this is the sole responsibility of the property owner. Participants should obtain quotes from at least three solar contractors.
- Solar City financing will only be approved for those portions of a system (i.e. roof aspect) that generate at least 70% of what an optimal system would generate at the same site. This means that north-facing or heavily shaded solar panels may not be approved, depending on azimuth, slope and shading factors. For further details, please reach out to the Solar City administrator before designing your system.
- Once satisfied with a solar contractor's proposal, the property owner emails the Solar City office with their selection.
Step 3: Solar contractor review and property owner agreement
- Solar City office completes a detailed third party review of the selected solar contractor and solar energy system.
- Solar City office approves financing for the proposed project and sends the property owner an Energy Efficiency Equipment Participant Agreement for their review and signature.
- An Energy Efficiency Equipment Participant Agreement is signed by the property owner and executed by the municipality before the installation begins.
Step 4: Solar contractor completes installation
- Solar contractor completes the solar energy system installation.
Step 5: Project Completion Report and Close Out
- Solar contractor submits the signed Certification of Completion to the Solar City office along with proof that final inspections have been passed.
- Solar City office reviews and approves the Certification of Completion.
Step 6: Payment
- Solar City office reimburses the solar contractor for work completed.
- Property owner receives a Local Improvement Charge (LIC) invoice and a schedule of payments from the municipality.
Are you a property owner? See the Property Owner Guide. Also see tips for selecting a contractor and installation professional.
Are you a solar contractor? See the Information for Solar Contractors.