The Government of Canada is now offering a rebate of $1,250 (an increase from $500 previously offered) for the purchase of eligible solar hot water systems until March 31, 2011. In addition, the Government of Ontario is matching the increased rebate offered by the federal government for a total combined rebate of $2,500 towards the cost of an approved solar domestic hot water system.
 
The Halton Residential Solar Project can help you determine whether your chosen system is eligible for these rebates.
 
The federal rebate is available through the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program which encourages various retrofits to increase the energy efficiency of a home. All rebates under the program are being increased by at least 25% until March 31, 2011.
 
For details on the federal program and a list of available federal rebates visit: http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm
 
See news article: http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/610800

Note that to qualify for the abovementioned rebates, an NRCan-certified energy advisor must conduct a pre and post-retrofit assessment in your home.

Solar hot water systems are also eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit, which returns to you 15% of expenses between $1,000 and $10,000, until February 1, 2010.

For a complete table of government inventives, visit: http://www.the-hen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=572&Itemid=91