Rebates for solar panels and battery storage

Save up to $10,000 on eligible solar panels and battery storage

As of July 23, 2024, we're offering rebates up to $5,000 on eligible grid-connected solar panels and up to an additional $5,000 for battery storage systems to qualifying residential customers. You can install solar panels or a battery, or both to maximize the value of your project and your rebate.

Rebates for self-generation are one of the ways we're helping meet the province's growing need for renewable electricity and providing you with more options for managing your energy use.

Solar panel rebates

Harness the power of the sun to generate your own renewable energy. Solar generation is a sustainable choice if you're looking to gain energy independence and lower your electricity bills.

• $1,000 per kilowatt (kW) of installed generator capacity.
• Rebate amount capped at 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials).
• Maximum rebate $5,000.

Battery storage rebates

Battery storage allows you to store your excess renewable energy to power your home on cloudy days, overnight, or in the event of a power outage.

Battery energy storage systems

Minimum storage size: 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

• $500 per kWh of installed storage capacity.
• Rebate amount capped at 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials).
• Maximum rebate $5,000.

How to apply

1. Review our guides to solar panels, battery storage systems, and the process for connecting your system to our electrical grid through the self-generation program.
2. Before you purchase or install your system, review the eligibility criteria below to make sure you qualify.
3. Find a qualified contractor to design and install your solar and/or battery storage system.
4. Work with your contractor to follow the steps to apply for the self-generation program and the rebates.

Self-generation (previously net metering) customers who applied between May 1, 2024, and July 22, 2024 contact solarrebates@bchydro.com for a link to the rebate application form.

Log in to start your application.

Eligibility

To be eligible for rebates, your system needs to be reviewed and approved to connect to our grid through the self-generation program. If you submitted a self-generation (net metering) application on or after May 1, 2024, you'll be eligible for solar panel rebates if your equipment is installed after June 27, 2024 – prior installations don't qualify. If you're applying for energy storage rebates without energy generation, you must apply on or after July 23, 2024 to be eligible – prior applications and/or installations don't qualify.

Review additional eligibility criteria for your property, installation and products below.

Eligible customers and properties

• You must have a BC Hydro residential account.
• The property must be a grid-connected residential home.
• You must own or lease the home.

Eligible installations

• Solar generation must connect to our distribution system through the self-generation program.
• Systems must have a combined aggregate nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kW.
• Installations and connections must be completed after June 27, 2024.
• As of June 2024, a new rate structure for self-generation has been proposed to the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC). By applying for and accepting these rebates, you’re accepting this potential future rate.

If you’ve already applied for or are participating in self-generation:

• Rebates won't be processed for any self-generation application that was submitted before June 27, 2024.
• Additional solar panels and/or a new battery added to an existing system after June 27, 2024 will be considered for rebates as long as they meet the overall system requirements.
• Replacements of system components that increase the size or capacity of your system are eligible for a rebate for the incremental increase of the system's size or capacity. For example, if you're replacing a 5 kW system with an 8 kW system, the 3 kW increase is rebate-eligible.

Eligible solar panels

• Must be new, not previously installed in another home or property.
• Must be purchased in Canada; products can be manufactured outside of Canada.
  
• Cannot replace an existing solar photovoltaic system. However, additional solar panels added to an existing system will qualify.
• Has a Canadian Standards Association certification, has a nameplate rating of no more than 100 kW, and is compliant with CSA C22.2 No. 107.1:16 (R2021), CSA C22.3 No. 9:20 and CSA C22.2 No. 61730. See terms and conditions [PDF, 108 KB] for more details.

Eligible battery storage systems

• Must be new, not previously installed in another home or property.
• Must be purchased in Canada; products can be manufactured outside of Canada.
• Cannot replace an existing battery energy storage system.
• Is compliant with CSA C22.2 No. 107.1:16 (R2021), CSA C22.3 No. 9:20.
• Battery energy storage systems must be certified to CUL 1973 and CUL 9540, and if installed in the habitable or living space of a dwelling must be tested to pass CUL9540A requirements. Lithium-ion batteries must be certified to CUL 1642. See terms and conditions [PDF, 108 KB] for details.

For complete eligibility and program details, see our solar and battery rebate terms and conditions [PDF, 108 KB] .

Resources

Finding a contractor

You can find a qualified contractor through the Canadian Renewable Energy Association member directory or the BC Sustainable Energy Directory.

Qualified contractors will:

• Design and install your clean or renewable energy system safely
• Optimize your system size based on your electricity use profile
• Follow all jurisdictional requirements including securing permits
• Assist with the application process
• Provide estimated monthly savings and may be able to assist with calculating the payback of your project

The contractors listed in the directories provided are independent contractors and not affiliated with or employees of BC Hydro. We don't endorse the quality of work provided by these contractors or guarantee any of their services. It's your responsibility to interview and select a contractor that meets your needs, and we recommend that you get multiple quotes. You may select a contractor from these directories, or select your own qualified contractor.

Related offers

Rebates for business

Meet your business' energy needs with combined rebates of up to $50,000 on grid-connected solar panels and battery storage systems.

Rebates for social housing

Eligible social housing providers can apply for combined rebates of up to $150,000 on grid-connected solar panels and battery storage systems.

Rebates for remote microgrid communities

Invest in solar panels and a battery storage system with up to $150,000 in combined rebates available for customers in our non-integrated areas.

Rebates for multi-family buildings

Offset upfront costs with up to $50,000 in combined rebates on eligible grid-connected solar panels and battery storage systems for qualifying multi-family buildings.

Rebates for Indigenous communities

Indigenous customers living on-reserve and Indigenous governing bodies in our integrated (grid connected) area can apply for up to $150,000 in combined rebates on grid-connected solar panels and battery storage systems.