When Tannis and Mark moved into their Guelph home, they were drawn to its unique 1970s design. With large windows and roof overhangs that naturally shaded the house in summer while letting in winter sun, it already had a touch of energy-savvy design. But for decades, one dream remained out of reach: solar panels.

“It’s something I’ve wanted since the 1970s,” Tannis says. “Back then, it wasn’t affordable, but I always hoped one day it would be possible.”

That dream came to life thanks to Guelph Greener Homes, delivered by the City of Guelph. The program gave the couple the financial flexibility to pursue a deep retrofit of their home.

Tackling a deep retrofit

Tannis and Mark decided to make the most of the program, bundling several major upgrades into a single project. They installed a rooftop solar power system—10.4 kilowatts of panels paired with a 10-kilowatt inverter—large enough to cover most of their household electricity needs and even supply power back to the grid. They also added a cold-climate air-source heat pump that can operate efficiently even during Ontario’s cold winters, and switched out their water heater, dryer, and range for electric models. They also bought an electric vehicle, making their household nearly fossil-fuel free.

The solar installation was especially meaningful. “It was turnkey,” says Tannis. “The contractor took care of everything—the permits, the inspections, the coordination. It couldn’t have been easier.”

A smooth program experience

The couple first heard about Guelph Greener Homes through local media and applied right away. The program’s structure—zero-interest loans repaid overtime through their property tax bill, combined with available rebates—made it financially manageable.

They also appreciated the program’s design. While a bridging loan was required to cover the contractor deposits and final payments, the reimbursement process was remarkably quick and efficient. “It was a matter of days from submitting receipts to receiving a cheque from the city,” says Tannis.

“We were impressed with how fast it all moved,” says Mark. “From the time we applied to the time the work was complete, it felt seamless.”

Comfort and efficiency gains

The impact of the upgrades was immediate. Their three-storey home, once prone to hot and cold spots, is now consistently comfortable throughout the year. “The temperature is even on every floor,” Tannis explains. “And in summer, the solar panels keep the roof cooler, so the house stays more comfortable too.”

Their energy bills tell the same story. Compared to their 12-year average, household energy use has dropped by 85 percent. With the solar panels generating much of their electricity, overall costs have fallen by more than 60 percent—and that includes charging their electric car. “In reality, it’s probably closer to 70 percent,” Mark says.

Climate change, close to home

For Tannis and Mark, the decision to retrofit wasn’t just about bills or comfort. Their motivation was deeply personal, rooted in lived experience with the impacts of climate change.

“We’ve had friends and family members under threat of evacuation from wildfires in Kelowna and Moncton, while those in Winnipeg were too close for comfort,” says Tannis. “When it touches people you love, it stops being abstract. That’s when we knew we wanted to take action in our own lives.”

The upgrades have also inspired those around them. “Friends and family see what we’ve done, and it sparks conversations,” Mark adds. “It shows that these changes aren’t just possible—they’re worthwhile.”

Advice for other homeowners

Looking back, Tannis and Mark encourage others to do their homework. “Contractors are knowledgeable, but in order to make the right choice for you when comparing quotes, it helps if you are knowledgeable too,” Tannis says. “It’s important to research and ask the right questions.”

They also recommend thinking about timing and long-term planning. “If you’re considering solar, make sure your roof is in good shape first,” Mark advises. “And pay attention to the specifications of the heat pump so you know it will perform in your climate.”

Most importantly, they stress the role of programs like Guelph Greener Homes. “Without the loan and rebates, we couldn’t have done this all at once,” says Tannis. “These programs are what make it possible for families to make meaningful upgrades.”

Investing in the future

Today, Tannis and Mark are living in the kind of home they once only imagined: powered by the sun, heated and cooled efficiently, and designed for a climate resilient future. For them, it’s more than just a home improvement project—it’s an investment in the well-being of future generations.

“It feels good,” Mark says. “This was a dream we had for decades, and now it’s real. We’re proud of what we’ve done—not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.”

When Adam and his family moved into their Guelph home in 2023, they knew one big project was looming. The furnace was nearly two decades old and unlikely to last much longer. Adam, who had already installed a heat pump in his previous home, hoped to avoid simply replacing the aging system with another conventional furnace.

“We’d already been through the process once,” Adam recalls. “We knew about the audits, the rebates, and the loans. When the furnace died that first fall, it just accelerated our timelines.”

Finding the right fit

That timing led Adam to Guelph Greener Homes, delivered by the City of Guelph. The program helps homeowners make energy upgrades by combining rebates, zero-interest loans, and technical support.

For Adam, the program was a perfect match. “It was really the combination of cost and environmental impact,” he explains. “In milder weather, the home runs on the efficient heat pump, which is better economically and environmentally.”

Through Guelph Greener Homes, Adam replaced the aging furnace and air conditioner with a new heat pump that now supplies most of the family’s heating and cooling needs, with a secondary system available for the very coldest days. He also swapped out the natural gas water tank for a tankless unit and looked at options like solar panels, a heat pump water heater, and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). Some of those upgrades would have required an electrical panel upgrade, so Adam decided to focus first on the heat pump and ERV.

A straightforward process

Having been through retrofit programs before, Adam says Guelph’s program stood out for its ease. “The city was responsive to questions, the portal was easy to use, and the communication was clear,” he says. He was also surprised by how inclusive the program felt. “Some items we weren’t sure would qualify—like the ERV—ended up being covered. That was a nice surprise.”

The program also allows participants to request part of the loan upfront to help with contractor deposits. Adam says that option can make a big difference for homeowners who might not be able to pay contractors before rebates or loans come through. “That’s where the program really helps,” he says.

Rebate funding through Enbridge took longer—several months and two rounds of energy audits—but the Guelph Greener Homes loan moved quickly. “It was about a month from submitting everything in the portal to having the money in my account,” Adam says.

Comfort without compromise

Since installing the new system, Adam says the day-to-day experience feels seamless. “We just set the thermostat, and it decides which equipment to use based on outdoor temperature,” he explains. “From our perspective, it feels just like having a normal furnace. The difference is what’s happening behind the scenes.”

Bills are harder to compare—the family moved into a bigger house and bought an electric vehicle around the same time—but Adam believes the upgrades have lowered their reliance on fossil fuels significantly. “We expect our energy costs are lower than they would have been,” he says. “And overall, the savings outweigh the increased electricity consumption”

Lessons learned

Looking back, Adam says there are a few things he would encourage other homeowners to keep in mind. The first is to get multiple quotes. “At our old house, one contractor didn’t even seem to know what a heat pump was. Another came in, looked around, and knew exactly what to do. Without asking the right questions, you can end up with an outdated system,” he explains.

He also stresses the importance of planning upgrades before equipment fails. “If your furnace is on its last legs, don’t wait for it to break. Planning ahead gives you more options,” he says.

Finally, Adam encourages homeowners to think about the bigger picture when scheduling upgrades. For example, if you’re considering solar panels, it’s important to ensure the roof is in good condition first. “You don’t want to install panels if you’ll need to replace the shingles in a few years,” he adds.

A program that lowers barriers

One of the program’s biggest advantages, Adam says, is that the loan is tied to the property tax bill rather than the individual. That means if you sell your home before the loan is fully repaid, the next homeowner simply continues the payments. “You’re not left paying for upgrades that someone else is benefiting from,” he explains.

It’s a model he believes could work across Canada. “Being able to repay your loan through your property tax bill makes it simple—just one less thing to manage. And the environmental benefits are clear. It just makes sense.”

The Green Municipal Fund’s Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) initiative is helping municipalities make home energy upgrades accessible and affordable. By reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, and lowering monthly bills, CEF is bringing environmental sustainability and household affordability together in impactful ways.

Launched in 2020 as a six-year, $300-million initiative, CEF has already supported more than 40 municipal programs across eight provinces—resulting in over 4,400 home retrofits.

This article series highlights innovative local approaches that are empowering homeowners to cut energy costs, boost comfort and invest in a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Articles in the series

Calgary homeowner turns to solar to power her home and future
When a Calgary couple bought their 1958 bungalow, they found higher energy bills than expected. A loan through the City’s Clean Energy Improvement Program helped them install energy-saving upgrades that made their home more comfortable and affordable.

Efficiency that works for families: Comfort and savings made simple
In Colchester, Nova Scotia, a single mother of three used the Cozy Colchester program to install energy-saving upgrades without upfront costs. The result: a warmer home and lower bills.

From oil to efficiency: One Saanich homeowner’s path to cleaner heating
A flyer from the District of Saanich led one homeowner to switch from oil to a cleaner, more efficient system through the municipality’s home retrofit pilot—showing how local programs make participation simple and accessible.

From upgrades to peace of mind: One rural family’s path to efficiency
After moving to rural Nova Scotia, one family found comfort and savings through Cozy Colchester’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which offers low-interest loans for energy retrofits with flexible repayment.

How one Saskatoon family transformed their home with energy upgrades
A south-facing garage roof made one Saskatoon home perfect for solar. Through the city’s Home Energy Loan Program, the homeowners added solar panels, a heat pump, and insulation—boosting comfort and savings.

Investing in a brighter, more resilient future
In Guelph, a 1970s home went through a full transformation: solar panels, an all-electric heating system, and modern appliances—financed through the city’s Guelph Greener Homes program.

Turning an energy upgrade into everyday comfort
Also in Guelph, another homeowner used Guelph Greener Homes to replace an aging furnace with an efficient hybrid system—showing how flexible financing and expert support make energy upgrades achievable.