Solar panel and battery storage rebates

On July 23, 2024 BC Hydro introduced rebates up to $5,000 for customers looking to install solar panels and battery energy storage systems. To be eligible, the system needs to be reviewed and approved to connect to the BC Hydro grid through the self-generation program. Check out the program webpage here to read more about eligibility and program requirements.

Available Rebates

 

Eligibility Requirements

Residential single-family home requirements:

  • Minimum installed battery storage system size of 5kWh
  • Rebate cannot exceed 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials)
  • Qualifying properties: detached single family, duplex, triplex, row home or town home, mobile homes that are fixed to a permanent foundation
  • Rebates for solar panels and battery storage (bchydro.com)

 

MURBS, small and medium business requirements:

  • Qualifying properties: multi-unit residential building or strata common area on a single meter, or a commercial business property
  • Rebate cannot exceed 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials)
  • Large commercial customers (company-wide consumption of minimum 2Gwh/yr) may be eligible for Custom project incentives for solar and energy storage incentives. These customers are encouraged to reach out to their Key Account Manager or energy manager for details.
  • Solar panel and battery storage rebates for multi-family buildings (bchydro.com)

 

Social housing, indigenous communities, and non-integrated area requirements:

 

Retroactive Eligibility – Retroactive Extension Dates:

  • Customers who installed an eligible solar self generation projects on or after June 27th AND submitted a net metering application on or after May 1, 2024, will be eligible for retroactive extension dates. Battery only projects installed prior to July 23, 2024 ARE NOT eligible for the retroactive rebate.
  • Customers who applied for net metering on or after June 27th, will be contacted with a link to apply. Customers can also send a request to solarrebates@bchydro.com for a link to the rebate application form.

 

Application Steps

  • Review the guides to solar panels, battery storage systems, and the process for connecting the system to the BC Hydro electrical grid through the self-generation program.
  • Before you purchase or install your system, review the program Terms and Conditions.
  • Find a qualified contractor to design and install your solar and/or battery storage system.
  • Work with your contractor to follow the steps to apply for the self-generation program and the rebates.

 

Program Contact Information

 

FAQs

Can I get a rebate if I am replacing or adding on to an existing system or components?
Replacement of system components without any change of system capacity or size is not eligible for a rebate. Replacement or addition associated with an increase to the size or capacity of the system is eligible for a rebate for the incremental increase in the system size or capacity. Adding a battery to an existing solar system is eligible.

Do I need to install solar panels AND a battery energy storage system to qualify for the rebate?
No, customers can choose to install a battery energy storage system only or solar panels only. Customers installing both solar panels and a battery energy storage system are eligible for both rebates.

Are the rebates available for larger commercial or industrial customers?
The rebates are designed for residential and small commercial customers who install smaller scale solar or battery systems. Larger commercial customers who receive service on 16XX rates will be eligible for a rebate if they met the program requirements. However, customers should review and consider if they are eligible for BC Hydro’s solar and battery incentive offers designed for larger customers. See Energy storage incentive  and Load displacement incentives. These programs support larger installations and may provide higher incentives. Many large commercial customers will have a BC Hydro Key Account Manager or Energy Manager who can help them review and understand which BC Hydro offers are the best fit for their project and situation, and can help the customer optimize their incentives.

What types of products are eligible? Are there any limitations or requirements?
A number of certifications and product standards apply. Detailed requirements are outlined in the Terms available at bchydro com/solarrebate

How do I find out if I’m on a rate that qualifies for the rebate?
Eligible rate codes are listed in Appendix 1 of the terms and conditions and include most residential rates, residential multi family rates, and commercial rates. Customers can check what rate schedule they are on by viewing the bill details on their online or paper bill.

Can I still sign up for net metering/self generation if I do not qualify for or do not want the rebate?
Yes, net metering/self generation is open to residential and commercial customers who meet the eligibility criteria found at bchydro.com/selfgenerationapplication

For social housing sites is there any study/pre-development funding available? (i.e. structural assessment costs)

No. Study funding is not a part of this rebate offer. Note, the rebate amount is calculated on the respective kWh and kW of the solar PV and battery equipment thus that type of cost recovery scenario is not part of the rebate offer

New and existing homes?

Yes

Can apartments do this?

If your condo property installed a solar system on the roof, that can be connected into the common area meter. Strata itself would apply for the rebate, instead of individual owners. Needs to have a direct connection between solar system and the account. Therefore, no apartments on a singular unit basis

Is there any interest in creating a qualified contractor list for future incentive programs?

On other offers they have this already, helps industry develop and ensure quality installs, best practices etc. For this program we are looking at moving to that over time, but not in works or launching at this moment

Do newly constructed buildings include projects under construction or sites being developed? If yes, would it be the builder who applies, and when in the development review process should they apply? 

Must wait for the meter to be set up to receive a rebate but can initiate the process before. Contractors can submit applications and BC Hydro approves the system to go ahead. But final review and rebate process happens once BC Hydro is set up with the home with the homeowner.

Can BC Hydro provide any conditional confirmation of the funding amount to specific projects following the application?

For social housing projects funders (CMHC, BC Housing etc) will want to see something confirming the funding will come and how much prior to capital funding approvals. There is a product manager to help with applications. Customer will get an assessment with estimated rebate amount. Then we can work with them if they have particular requirements. Case by case basis. Key account managers can work with them to do these steps and application.

How much is available for this program? Is there a limit on the number or rebates that can be issued?

Utility programs like this are different than the government programs, there is no set funding amount overall regarding a budget or number of allocated homes. Will offer it while it still makes sense for BC Hydro. Example: no longer provide lightbulbs or appliances because those products just became the industry norm – no need for funding to promote it. Market transformation thing. It is their plan to continue to offer it until it doesn’t make sense for them.

For new rental housing developments, when in the development review process should the builder apply to BC Hydro (assuming the builder retains ownership of the building after it is built)?

Engage as soon as possible so they can review plans.