Prince Edward Island’s solar energy rebate initiative has been temporarily halted due to overwhelming demand, as announced by the province in a press release on Friday.
The program has reached its capacity for the current fiscal year, leading efficiencyPEI to stop accepting applications for solar electric rebates after Friday.
In the release, Environment, Energy, and Climate Action Minister Gilles Arsenault expressed satisfaction with the program’s popularity, noting that it is now fully subscribed for the year.
Arsenault also voiced support for the continuation of the solar rebate in the upcoming fiscal year beginning in April 2026.
Existing clients holding pre-approval letters can proceed with their installations, while applications submitted by Friday will be processed as usual.
This year, the solar program accommodated 561 residential and commercial clients, along with 19 agricultural clients, receiving a total of $4 million in rebates.
Since 2019, the province has issued 5,077 solar rebates.
Arsenault encouraged Islanders to explore increased rebates and incentives for home insulation, new homes, and commercial buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Previous Halts
This recent pause is not the first time the program has been put on hold, as a similar situation occurred in January.
Derek Ellis, director of the sustainability division at the department, explained that the pause was due to nearing the program budget and necessitated a re-evaluation.
Ellis highlighted the blend of economic and environmental awareness among Islanders driving the popularity of the program.
He emphasized the consciousness of Islanders towards climate change impacts and their relationship with the environment, given their close proximity to nature.
Program Evaluation
The pause offers an opportunity for the department to review program parameters and assess how it can benefit Islanders and the grid.
Ellis mentioned the potential of integrating battery storage with solar energy to enhance grid support during peak demand periods.
He expressed the need for improvements in the program, such as addressing the intermittency of solar energy to align with electricity demand.
Enhanced Offerings
The department is exploring the feasibility of smaller solar panel installations for patios to power
