In a climate of rising electricity costs and grid constraints, the province of NB Power is stepping up support for commercial solar deployment through its Modernized Commercial Energy Retrofit Program — a New Brunswick Commercial Solar Rebate opportunity for business owners.
New Brunswick Businesses Facing Higher Bills Are Turning To Solar
Although New Brunswick’s utility rates have historically been moderate, recent regulatory decisions point to meaningful increases. The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board approved rate adjustments that saw increases for business customers in the double-digit range. Meanwhile, the province is facing strains on infrastructure, refurbishment costs (for example, at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station) and increased risk of outages, all of which elevate the value of on-site generation.
For commercial and industrial power users, these pressures translate into heightened urgency to secure alternative energy solutions. A well-deployed solar array, especially when combined with energy efficiency measures, can play a vital role in mitigating rising energy costs while boosting resilience.
What the New Brunswick Commercial Solar Rebate program offers
Under the Commercial Buildings Retrofit Program (delivered by SaveEnergyNB in partnership with NB Power) eligible business owners can access incentives for capital investments in energy efficiency upgrades. Although the program is framed broadly around retrofits, solar and other onsite generation technologies are implicitly in scope alongside measures that reduce building energy consumption.
About the Rebate:
- Funds are approved on a first-come first-serve basis
- The rebate provides up to a max of $250,000 for solar projects
- There is currently up to $1.25 million allocated towards the implementation of eligible energy efficiency upgrades.
- Rebate is based on the annual electricity savings generated in the first fiscal year.
Key features include:
- Pre-qualification via energy audit by a qualified Energy Management Service Provider (EMSP) to identify potential savings (The rebate can also cover 100% of energy audit costs).
- Direct deposit option for incentive payments to streamline receipt of funding.
- The program is administered by SaveEnergyNB with funding support from both the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick.
- The main eligibility criteria focus on commercial buildings including but not limited to: Agriculture, Arenas, Grocery, Healthcare, Hotels, Colleges, Schools, Universities, Nursing Homes, Offices, Religious, Recreational Facilities, Restaurants, Retail, Stand-alone Warehouses, Water Treatment Plants, Pumping Stations, Multi-Unit Residential and Institutional buildings
A Bright Opportunity For Positive Cash Flow
Businesses already have a lot on their plate and we’re not here to add anymore pressure to that. Our programs are created to foster positive cash flow through a curated stream-lined installation process.
Our in-house Sunline financing program offers a 4.99% interest rate on a 15-year term. Sunline has successfully helped thousands of Canadians be cash positive with their investment in just the first year.
Plus, you’re backed by a team of experts. We take care of your rebate applications, prepare a custom design that fits your energy needs and set you up with a tier-1 system using efficient and durable equipment made to last.
If you’d like to explore options for your New Brunswick business, fill out our survey to get your free quote.
