City of Nanaimo Opens Interest-Free Financing for Home Energy Upgrades
For Nanaimo homeowners considering solar, a new round of interest-free financing is opening this September.
The City of Nanaimo is opening a second intake of its Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program, offering eligible homeowners up to $15,000 in zero-interest financing for qualifying home energy improvements, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery storage.
Applications will be accepted from September 14 through October 31, 2026.
How does the program work?
The City of Nanaimo’s program uses a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing model. Approved financing is tied to the property and repaid over 10 years through an additional charge on the homeowner’s property tax bill.
For example, a homeowner who receives the full $15,000 in financing would repay $1,500 per year over the 10-year term, with no interest.
For homeowners considering solar, the program provides another way to approach the upfront investment. By offering interest-free financing over a 10-year term, eligible homeowners can spread the cost of qualifying upgrades over time, helping make solar more accessible to more Nanaimo homeowners.
The program supports a range of eligible home energy improvements, including heat pumps, insulation, windows, doors, solar, and battery storage.
For homeowners considering solar and energy storage, eligible upgrades include:
- Solar panel installations for homeowners with electric heating
- Battery storage where solar is already installed or when installed alongside solar through the program
Who is eligible?
The program is available to eligible properties within the City of Nanaimo. Homeowners must meet the City’s eligibility requirements, complete a pre-upgrade EnerGuide evaluation, use a program-approved contractor, and register for the free Home Energy Navigator program.
Considering solar in Nanaimo?
If you’re a Nanaimo homeowner considering solar, the Shift team can help. From solar and battery storage to available incentives, our team can walk you through your options and provide a free assessment and quote tailored to your home.
Get started with a free solar assessment.
For full eligibility requirements and application details, visit the City of Nanaimo’s Home Energy Retrofit Financing Program website.