In today’s world, harnessing the power of renewable energy has become more important than ever as it allows you to save a significant amount of money on your energy bills in the long run.
Fortunately, there exists a diverse array of incentives, grants, and funding options designed to assist residential, commercial, and agricultural enterprises in offsetting the initial expenses associated with solar panel installation.
The newly introduced Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) is one such program that is meant to support agri-businesses in Saskatchewan in adopting renewable energy. As professional solar panel contractors, we can help you get these incentives and enjoy the numerous benefits of solar energy.
Let’s explore the various aspects of SLIM in detail.
An Overview Of The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements In Manufacturing (SLIM) Program
The Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) program offers funding assistance to agri-businesses in Saskatchewan. Under this program, eligible applicants can receive financial support to adopt best practices, incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, and implement processes that enhance production efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Hence, it is a great program for agriculture-related businesses to get incentives for installing renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.
Also Read: How To Choose Between Solar Leasing And Solar Financing In Canada?
Funding
The funding amounts available through SLIM are determined based on the project size and fall under three tiers:
- Tier 1: For projects ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000, the maximum funding available is up to $300,000.
- Tier 2: Projects exceeding $1,000,000 but not surpassing $5,000,000 can receive a maximum funding of up to $500,000.
- Tier 3: Projects surpassing a value of $5,000,000 are eligible for a maximum funding amount of up to $750,000.
Eligibility Criteria
The following criteria must be met to be eligible for the SLIM program:
- The applicant must be a commercial enterprise located in Saskatchewan.
- The applicant must be federally or provincially incorporated and have filed income tax in Saskatchewan within the past year.
- The facility involved in value-added processing should be in operation for at least two years.
- The applicant must demonstrate a minimum of $100,000 gross annual revenue related to value-added processing.
- The value-added products processed should originate from primary agricultural commodities grown or raised in Canada.
- First Nations businesses are encouraged to apply, and special provisions are in place to ensure accessibility.
Eligible And Ineligible Expenses
Under the SLIM program, certain expenses are deemed eligible for funding, while others are not. Here’s a summary of these expenses:
Eligible Expenses
- Emissions Reduction Stream: Funding is provided for upgrades to reduce wasted products or by-products and improve energy resource efficiencies, such as energy-efficient building enhancements and adopting alternative energy sources like solar power. If you want to install solar panels on your property, you can qualify for SLIM under this provision.
- Business Analysis: A comprehensive review of current production methods to identify areas of improvement and opportunities for adopting new technologies. Costs associated with third-party business analysis reports are eligible for a rebate of 50% up to a maximum of $20,000.
- Efficiency Stream: Funding is available to purchase new or refurbished equipment and machinery, enhancing processing efficiency. This stream covers installation, delivery, shipping/handling fees, and related training costs.
- Expansion Stream: Funding is available for water development projects and the purchase of equipment necessary for processing new products complementary to the existing operations.
Ineligible Expenses
- Expenditures made before April 1, 2023, or prior to project approval are not eligible.
- Costs related to new buildings, major modifications, or land purchases are not eligible.
- Labour, wages, or travel costs of the applicant or employees are not eligible.
- Leased, used, or self-made equipment, as well as farm equipment, are not eligible.
- Office equipment, computers, and non-productivity-increasing software are not eligible.
Deadline
It’s important to adhere to the following deadlines to participate in the SLIM program:
- Pre-Approval Application: The deadline to submit a pre-approval application is on or before October 31, 2027.
- Business Analysis: A completed business analysis must be submitted on or before December 31, 2027. Pre-approval is required before conducting the analysis.
- Project Completion: All approved projects must be fully completed, with equipment paid for, installed, and operational. The final claim should be submitted no later than the dates indicated in the approval package or by March 31, 2028, whichever comes first.
The Importance Of Solar For Agriculture And How SLIM Can Help
SLIM recognizes the importance of solar energy for agriculture and aims to support agri-businesses in adopting solar technologies through its funding program. By providing financial assistance for the installation of solar panels and related equipment, SLIM helps agri-businesses harness the power of the sun to meet their energy needs.
Solar energy can be utilized in various ways within the agricultural sector. It can power irrigation systems, greenhouse operations, and farm equipment, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. This not only lowers operational costs but also increases energy independence and resilience for farmers.
About Sundawg Solar
Sundawg Solar is a solar energy company in Saskatchewan. We offer professional solar panel installation services for all types of residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. If you want to benefit from professional solar panel installation services and learn more about incentives like SLIM and our own referral incentive program, contact us for details.
