New Brunswick has one of the most time-sensitive solar compliance environments in Canada. The Total Home Energy Savings Program solar rebate closes to new registrations on May 27, 2026, and NB Power has filed a proposal that would slash net metering export credits from full retail rate to roughly half. Customers who act before October 31, 2026, can lock in grandfathered retail-rate net metering through 2037. At the same time, the province receives approximately 1,100–1,150 kWh of annual generation per installed kW in the south, with retail electricity rates that have risen nearly 35% since 2023. The economics are compelling — but the window is narrowing.
This guide covers the full New Brunswick solar compliance stack for 2026: NB Power’s current net metering rules and the proposed changes, the THESP rebate timeline and requirements, permitting across Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John, electrical code compliance under CSA C22.1, and the step-by-step process to secure grandfathered rates.
Two Critical Deadlines in 2026
The THESP solar rebate registration closes May 27, 2026. The NB Power net metering grandfathering deadline is October 31, 2026. Customers who submit a complete net metering application by October 31, 2026, and pass inspection by October 31, 2027, lock in current retail-rate credits until 2037. Missing either deadline means losing the rebate entirely or facing the proposed reduced export rate of approximately 6.77 ¢/kWh.
NB Power Net Metering Framework
New Brunswick’s net metering program operates under the Electricity Act, with rates and rules set by the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board. NB Power administers the program for the majority of the province. Two smaller municipal utilities — Saint John Energy and Edmundston Energy — operate their own programs with different rules.
Current Program (2026)
The current net metering program offers straightforward terms that have made New Brunswick an attractive solar market:
- System size: Up to 100 kW for residential and commercial customers
- Eligible sources: Solar PV, wind, biomass, and other renewable sources
- Credit rate: Full retail rate (~15.39 ¢/kWh as of April 2026)
- Credit mechanism: kWh credits offset future consumption month-to-month
- Annual reset: Unused credits expire on March 31 — no cash payout
- Interconnection fee: None
- Bidirectional meter: Installed by NB Power at no charge
The retail rate has increased significantly in recent years — approximately 34.9% since April 2023. This rising rate improves solar economics even without rebates, as each kWh of self-consumption or export credit is worth more than it was two years ago.
Proposed Changes (Matter EL-003-2025)
In 2025, NB Power filed a proposal with the NBEUB that would fundamentally change net metering for new customers. As of May 2026, the proposal is under review and has not been approved.
Key proposed changes effective April 1, 2027:
| Feature | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Export credit rate | Full retail (~15.39 ¢/kWh) | ~6.77 ¢/kWh (avoided cost) |
| Grid import rate | Bundled in retail rate | ~9.22 ¢/kWh (split rate) |
| Demand charge | None | ~$13/kW per month (based on peak 15-minute usage) |
| Commercial cap | 100 kW | 500 kW (up to 1 MW in certain cases) |
| Annual credit reset | Credits expire to zero | Unused credits carry forward at 6.77 ¢/kWh |
Grandfathering protection: Customers with an approved net metering application by October 31, 2026, and a passed inspection by October 31, 2027, would remain on current retail-rate terms until 2037.
Who is most affected:
- Electric heat users: High winter consumption combined with summer solar exports would see export values cut roughly in half
- EV owners with Level 2 charging: Demand charges from charging spikes would add a new monthly cost
- Solar-only systems (no battery): Most vulnerable to demand charges and reduced export rates
- Solar + battery systems: Better positioned to flatten peaks and shift exports to high-consumption periods
The proposal is being challenged by solar industry groups including Solar NB Solaire. The NBEUB has not issued a final decision. Installers should monitor the proceedings and advise customers that the current rules remain in effect until the NBEUB rules otherwise.
Municipal Utilities
Saint John Energy operates independently of NB Power in the City of Saint John. Saint John Energy’s net metering program pays cash for excess generation at year-end rather than resetting credits to zero. This is a meaningful advantage over NB Power’s program for customers who consistently over-generate.
Edmundston Energy serves the City of Edmundston and operates its own net metering rules. Contact Edmundston Energy directly for current terms.
| Utility | Service Area | Credit Rate | Annual Surplus | System Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NB Power | Majority of province | Full retail | Resets March 31 | 100 kW |
| Saint John Energy | City of Saint John | Full retail | Cash payout at year-end | Contact utility |
| Edmundston Energy | City of Edmundston | Contact utility | Contact utility | Contact utility |
Act Before October 31, 2026 to Lock In Retail Rates
If the NBEUB approves NB Power’s proposal, new net metering customers after April 1, 2027, would receive roughly half the current export credit rate. The difference between 15.39 ¢/kWh and 6.77 ¢/kWh shifts simple payback by approximately 3–5 years on a typical residential system. Customers considering solar should submit their net metering application before October 31, 2026, to secure grandfathered retail-rate treatment through 2037.
Solar Incentives in New Brunswick — 2026 Status
Total Home Energy Savings Program (THESP)
The THESP is the primary provincial solar incentive, but the solar PV stream is ending.
Current terms (for registered participants only):
- Rebate rate: $200 per kW of installed solar capacity
- Maximum rebate: $3,000 (caps at 15 kW of panel capacity)
- Minimum system size: 1 kW
- Registration deadline: May 27, 2026
- Installation deadline: January 31, 2027
Eligibility requirements:
- Legal property owner
- Residential property (maximum 3 stories, under 6,458 sq ft)
- Home must be at least 6 months old
- Pre- and post-energy audits by a Certified Energy Advisor required
- System must be grid-connected through NB Power net metering (or municipal equivalent)
- Equipment must be certified and installed by qualified professionals
Application process:
- Register with Save Energy NB (call 1-800-663-6272 or apply online)
- Schedule initial Home Energy Evaluation ($99 plus HST)
- Receive Renovation Upgrade Report
- Complete solar installation
- Schedule final energy evaluation within 9 months of initial audit
- Receive rebate (typically 60–90 days after final evaluation)
The THESP continues for other energy efficiency upgrades — insulation, heat pumps, air sealing — but the solar PV rebate stream closes permanently after January 31, 2027.
Federal Programs
Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit: Businesses and farms can claim a refundable 30% tax credit on eligible solar PV capital costs through December 31, 2033. This applies to taxable Canadian corporations, including CCPCs. Residential homeowners are not eligible.
Canada Greener Homes Programs: Both the grant and loan are closed to new applicants.
| Program | Amount | Eligibility | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| THESP solar rebate | $200/kW, max $3,000 | Residential homeowners | Register by May 27, 2026 |
| THESP other upgrades | Varies | Residential homeowners | Active |
| Federal CT ITC | 30% refundable | Businesses, farms | Active through 2033 |
| Canada Greener Homes Grant | N/A | N/A | Closed March 2024 |
| Canada Greener Homes Loan | N/A | N/A | Closed October 2025 |
Permitting Requirements in New Brunswick
Electrical Permit
An electrical permit is required province-wide for all solar PV installations. The permit is issued by the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety (Technical Inspection Services) and must be pulled by a licensed electrical contractor.
Key requirements:
- Single-line diagram of the PV system
- Equipment specifications (inverter, modules, combiner, disconnect)
- Proof of contractor license
- Plan review required for installations exceeding 400 amps at 120/240V, 200 amps at 120/208V, or 100 amps at 347/600V
Inspection: A government electrical inspector verifies compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code. The contractor must be present for the inspection. The system cannot be energised before passing inspection.
Building Permits by City
Fredericton: Building permits are typically not required for standard rooftop solar installations on residential properties. Ground-mounted systems may require a building permit and setback approval. Contact the City of Fredericton Building Inspection Department to confirm. Fredericton has its own building inspection department that handles permit inquiries.
Moncton: Building permits are generally not required for rooftop solar on residential properties. Contact the City of Moncton Building Services to confirm for your specific installation. Spring demand can slow permit and meter scheduling — plan accordingly.
Saint John: Building permits are typically not required for standard rooftop residential solar. Contact the City of Saint John Building Department to confirm. Coastal installations should use corrosion-resistant hardware due to salt air exposure.
Rural areas: Contact your local municipal or county authority. Some rural municipalities may require development permits for ground-mounted systems or for installations above a certain size.
In all cases, an electrical permit is required province-wide regardless of whether a building permit is needed.
Electrical Code Compliance: CSA C22.1 Section 64
New Brunswick adopts the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1) for all electrical installations. Solar PV systems fall under Section 64.
Key Section 64 Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum DC voltage (residential) | 600 V DC between any two conductors or to ground |
| Conductor sizing | 125% of module rated short-circuit current (Isc) |
| DC wiring type | Type RPV conductors required for DC wiring on or above buildings |
| DC wiring protection | Must be in raceway or approved mechanical protection |
| Rapid shutdown | Required; voltage reduced to 30 V or less within 30 seconds |
| Rapid shutdown actuator | Located at supply authority meter for dwelling units |
| DC arc-fault protection | Required for systems 80 V DC and above |
| Disconnecting means | Must disconnect all ungrounded DC conductors simultaneously |
| AC disconnect | Dedicated disconnect at utility interconnection point |
| Grounding and bonding | All metallic components bonded to grounding electrode system |
| Inverter certification | CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 or equivalent SCC-accredited certification |
Equipment Certification
All electrical equipment must carry certification marks from a Standards Council of Canada (SCC) accredited body. Acceptable marks include CSA, cUL, ULC, and cETLus. US-only UL listings are not acceptable.
Cold Temperature Considerations
New Brunswick experiences cold winters that increase open-circuit voltage. String voltage calculations must account for the lowest expected ambient temperature. For Fredericton and Moncton, design for temperatures down to approximately -25°C, with colder extremes in northern areas.
Licensing Requirements
Electrical Contractor Licensing
All solar PV installations must be performed by a New Brunswick-licensed electrical contractor. The Department of Justice and Public Safety regulates electrical licensing through Service New Brunswick.
- Permit requirement: Only a licensed contractor can obtain an electrical permit
- Inspection presence: The contractor must be present for the government electrical inspection
- Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines and orders to disconnect
There is no separate solar-specific electrical license in New Brunswick. A licensed construction electrician with the standard Certificate of Qualification can perform solar work.
Solar Potential and System Sizing
New Brunswick’s solar resource is stronger than commonly assumed. Southern New Brunswick receives approximately 1,100–1,150 kWh per installed kW annually, comparable to parts of Ontario.
| Location | Approximate Annual Generation (kWh per kW) |
|---|---|
| Fredericton | ~1,100 |
| Moncton | ~1,120 |
| Saint John | ~1,080 |
| Northern NB | ~1,000–1,050 |
Summer months (May–August) account for roughly 45–50% of annual production. Winter production drops significantly due to shorter days and snow cover. The optimal panel tilt for southern New Brunswick is approximately 40–45 degrees.
Given the proposed reduction in export credits from ~15.39 ¢/kWh to ~6.77 ¢/kWh, system sizing for high self-consumption ratios is critical. Battery storage becomes more economically viable under the proposed rate structure, as stored solar can offset peak consumption rather than being exported at the reduced rate.
Model New Brunswick Solar Economics Before the Rate Change
SurgePV calculates payback under both current and proposed NB Power rate structures, including the THESP rebate, demand charge impacts, and battery storage scenarios — so your proposals reflect the real compliance landscape.
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Common Compliance Issues in New Brunswick
| Issue | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing THESP registration deadline (May 27, 2026) | Rebate forfeited entirely | Register immediately if the customer wants the rebate; do not delay |
| Missing grandfathering deadline (October 31, 2026) | Subject to proposed reduced export rate of ~6.77 ¢/kWh | Submit net metering application before October 31, 2026 |
| Oversizing beyond annual consumption | Annual credit reset on March 31 wastes generation value | Size system to match 12-month historical consumption |
| Unlicensed contractor | Cannot obtain permit; installation cannot be inspected | Verify New Brunswick electrical contractor license before signing |
| Non-certified equipment | Inspection failure; cannot be connected | Verify CSA, cUL, ULC, or cETLus marks on all equipment |
| No electrical permit before work | Illegal installation; potential fines | Contractor must obtain permit before starting work |
| Assuming Saint John Energy rules match NB Power | Saint John Energy has different terms (cash payout for surplus) | Confirm utility and program rules for each specific address |
| Ignoring proposed demand charges in financial models | Understated future costs for customers installing after April 2027 | Model both current and proposed rate structures for customer transparency |
City-by-City Quick Reference
Fredericton
- Utility: NB Power
- Building permit: Typically not required for rooftop solar; confirm with City of Fredericton
- Electrical permit: Department of Justice and Public Safety (Technical Inspection Services)
- THESP rebate: Available if registered by May 27, 2026
- Net metering: 100 kW cap; retail-rate credits; annual reset March 31
Moncton
- Utility: NB Power
- Building permit: Typically not required for rooftop solar; confirm with City of Moncton
- Electrical permit: Department of Justice and Public Safety (Technical Inspection Services)
- THESP rebate: Available if registered by May 27, 2026
- Net metering: Same provincial rules; spring demand can slow scheduling
Saint John
- Utility: Saint John Energy (not NB Power)
- Building permit: Typically not required for rooftop solar; confirm with City of Saint John
- Electrical permit: Department of Justice and Public Safety (Technical Inspection Services)
- Net metering: Saint John Energy program — cash payout for year-end surplus
- THESP rebate: Confirm eligibility with Saint John Energy
Bathurst and Northern NB
- Utility: NB Power
- Building permit: Contact local municipality
- Electrical permit: Department of Justice and Public Safety (Technical Inspection Services)
- Solar resource: Slightly lower than southern NB (~1,000–1,050 kWh per kW annually)
- Cold temperatures: Design string voltage for lows down to -30°C in some areas
Related Canada Compliance Guides
- Canada Solar Compliance Hub
- Nova Scotia Solar Guide
- Ontario Solar Regulations
- British Columbia Solar Regulations
- Alberta Solar Guide
- CSA C22.1 Solar Requirements
For solar design software that generates CSA-compliant documentation for New Brunswick projects, explore solar design software.
