Blog > Solar Investing Guide for Impact Investors
July 15, 2025 by VCT Group
Solar Investing in Canada: A 2025 Impact Investing Guide
As we look toward 2025, one thing is certain: the shift to clean, reliable energy isn’t just a trend, it’s a transformation. For Canadians who want their investments to do more than grow, solar investing offers something rare: real-world impact with financial returns.
Whether you’re backing the growth of global clean tech or helping power your own community, solar is where returns meet responsibility. It’s a place to begin, or deepen your impact investing journey with clarity and confidence.
Three Ways to Invest in Solar for Impact Investors
Community-owned solar
CED Co-operative is a clear standout for investors who want their dollars to stay close to home and go further. Based in Ontario, CED Co-op connects individuals directly to crowdfunding investment opportunities in large-scale solar projects across the province.
These are systems you can visit. Teams you can talk to. Impacts you can see.
Why it matters:
- 119+ solar projects operating and generating clean power today
- Targeted annual return of 6%
- Eligible for RRSPs and TFSAs
- Democratically governed: every member has a voice
Who it’s for:
Impact-driven investors looking for stable, long-term returns—while helping build a zero-carbon Ontario, one solar panel at a time.
Public markets: Investing in innovation at scale
If your strategy leans toward growth and innovation, publicly traded solar stocks can offer exposure to leading-edge technologies and global markets.
From smart inverters to solar storage breakthroughs, companies are building the backbone of tomorrow’s energy system. Many of these are accessible through Canadian investment platforms.
Names to know in 2025:
- First Solar (FSLR): Utility-scale panel manufacturing leader
- SolarEdge (SEDG): Smart energy optimization
- Enphase Energy (ENPH): Residential solar and battery storage
- Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP.UN): Canadian-led, globally diversified
- Northland Power (NPI.TO): Focused on solar and offshore wind
Who it’s for:
Investors seeking scalable growth and access to a fast-evolving sector with diverse investment options.
Clean energy funds: Diversified, accessible, forward-looking
You don’t need to pick stocks to back solar. Clean energy ETFs and mutual funds offer an easy way to stay diversified while aligning with climate-positive values. These funds spread your investment across a range of companies in solar, wind, and other renewables.
Top Canadian-accessible options:
- iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN)
- Harvest Clean Energy ETF (HCLN.TO)
- BMO Clean Energy Index ETF (ZCLN)
- iShares Growth ESG ETF (GGRO)
All are eligible for registered accounts, such as RRSPs and TFSAs, and many are designed for passive, lower-risk, long-term growth.
Who it’s for:
New investors, retirement planners, or anyone building a portfolio for both performance and sustainability.
Why Start Impact Investing with Solar in 2025?
The clean energy transition isn’t coming – it’s already here – and solar is one of the most practical, proven, and visible ways to participate. In 2025, the case for solar investment is stronger than ever:
- Technology gains: Solar panels are more efficient and affordable than ever
- Policy support: Incentives continue to improve project economics
- Local impact: Co-ops and funds offer transparency and tangible results
- Climate action: Every dollar helps displace carbon, right here in Canada
Make Your Money Matter
This moment calls for more than passive investing. It calls for purposeful action.
Solar invites you to be part of something larger: a clean energy shift that benefits communities, economies, and future generations. As the electrification of the global economy continues, governments and businesses are transitioning to solar at a rapid rate. As an individual you can make a difference. Whether you’re starting with crowdfunding local renewable energy projects through a community co-op, diversifying or divesting your portfolio through clean tech ETFs, or leaning into high-growth public stocks, your investment can do more. You can still grow your investments, while affecting lasting, positive change in line with your values.
Start with solar.
Because when it comes to sustainable, responsible investing, profit and impact go hand in hand.
Want to learn more about how your investments can help diversify your portfolio and support clean energy close to home? We’d be happy to help. Let’s start the conversation.