On June 27th, 2024, the Government of British Columbia announced that they’ve introduced new rebates for customers looking to install solar panels and battery energy storage systems. To be eligible for rebates, installations and connections must meet all eligibility requirements, as with all rebates and programs – they are also introducing rebates for apartment buildings, social housing providers, medium businesses, non-integrated areas, and Indigenous communities.
How to Apply
If customers submit a net metering application on or after May 1st, 2024, they will be eligible for solar panel rebates if your equipment is installed after June 27th, 2024 – prior installations don’t qualify. If customers are applying for battery energy storage rebates without energy generation, they must apply on or after June 23rd, 2024 to be eligible – prior applications and/or installations don’t qualify.
BC Hydro has a self-generation program application link available for those who want their system reviewed and approved to connect to the grid and be eligible.
Finding a qualified contractor through the Canadian Renewable Energy Association member directory or the BC Sustainable Energy Directory is encouraged to ensure that users are getting the best-qualified contractors and not meeting the criteria otherwise. Qualified contractors will:
- Design and install the clean and/or renewable energy systems safely.
- Optimize the system size based on customers electricity use profile.
- Follow all jurisdictional requirements including securing permits for the user.
- Assist with the application process overall.
- Provide an estimate monthly savings and may be able to also assist with calculating the payback of any users projects.
Solar Panel Rebates
Solar power allows users to harness the power of the sun to generate renewable energy. Solar generation is a sustainable choice if customers are looking to gain energy independence from the grids and lower electricity bills.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panel rebates:
- Up to $5,000 rebate
- $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 Energy storage systems (Minimum storage size is 5 kilowatt hours (kWh)
- Up to $,5000 rebate
- $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
More to come on this rebate program as information comes out in late July, 2024. The official BC Hydro page will be updated with more information closer to this date.
