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.
- North-facing or heavily shaded solar arrays may not be approved, depending on azimuth, slope and shading factors. Only solar energy systems that have a total solar resource fraction (TSRF) of at least 70% will be approved.
- 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.