Some solar power contractors in Nova Scotia say the viability of their businesses is threatened because of long waits to get paid through a federal program that offers incentives to homeowners to improve energy efficiency.

The Canada Greener Homes Loan program offers homeowners a 10-year, interest-free loan of up to $40,000 for projects such as solar power.

The program’s website says payment will take 10 days after a job is complete.

“That’s never been close to what’s come to fruition,” said John Jennex, the executive director of Solar Nova Scotia.

Contractors CBC News spoke with said the average wait to get paid is around three months, but some have seen up to eight months.

“It’s been really hard on a lot of installers, especially smaller ones that just don’t have the cash flow to float these jobs,” said Jennex, who is also the president of Hammonds Plains-based installer Solar Ascent.

Jennex said the average installation his company does costs about $35,000, with a lot of the costs tied up in parts.

To take part in the Greener Homes Loan program, homeowners must follow a series of steps that include getting a home energy audit and obtaining quotes from installers. They have to apply through the program’s portal.

If all goes well, contractors say it can take around two months from a homeowner starting the application process to having the installation completed.

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