Solar + battery installation in British Columbia
Battery-coupled solar is the package that closes most often in British Columbia. Federal Clean Tech ITC (30%) on storage stacks with provincial net metering. Free quote, ~2 minutes.
Get my free solar + battery quote- 7 kW
- Average system size
- $3.00/W
- Average cost (CAD)
- 13 yrs
- Average payback
- 78+
- Local installers
Why solar in British Columbia
British Columbia has a growing but comparatively smaller residential solar market. The economics here are unique: BC Hydro's electricity rates are among the lowest in North America thanks to abundant hydroelectric power, which lengthens solar paybacks, while the south and interior of the province still receive solid summer sun-hours. Canada has no federal investment tax credit for residential solar like the U.S. ITC; instead BC homeowners rely on BC Hydro's net-metering program plus whatever federal or provincial home-energy programs are active at the time of purchase. BC Hydro net metering credits exported solar against the bill, with an annual settlement of net excess generation. Because retail rates are low and there is no upfront federal tax credit, a typical 7 kW BC system generally takes roughly 12-16 years to pay for itself - buyers here are often motivated by energy independence and environmental goals as much as pure financial return.
Incentives & rebates
Last verified:
BC Hydro Net Metering / Self-Generation Service
BC Hydro's legacy net metering rate (Rate Schedule 1289) closes to new customers on July 1, 2026. New applicants and any homeowner taking the BC Hydro solar rebate are moved to the Self-Generation Service rate (Rate Schedule 2289), which pays a fixed 10 cents per kWh for exported energy, settled each billing cycle rather than annually. Existing net-metering customers without rebates stay on Schedule 1289 for 10 years from their start date and then transition automatically.
BC Hydro Solar & Battery Rebate
BC Hydro offers up to $5,000 for residential solar ($1,000 per kW of installed generator capacity, capped at 50% of total installed cost). Battery storage paired with solar earns up to $1,500 ($500 per kWh, 5 kWh minimum, 50% cost cap), rising to up to $5,000 when paired with Peak Saver enrollment. As of June 1, 2026 the work must be done by a Home Performance Contractor Network member. Taking this rebate places you on the new Self-Generation Service rate.
Federal Programs (Greener Homes Loan & Affordability Program)
The Canada Greener Homes Loan (interest-free up to $40,000) stopped accepting new applications on October 2, 2025 - only previously approved loans are still being funded. Its replacement, the Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP), launched in September 2025 and delivers no-cost retrofits through provincial partners for low- to median-income households; solar PV is federally eligible but each province sets its own technology list. Canada still has no federal investment tax credit equivalent to the U.S. ITC for residential solar.
PST Exemption on Solar Equipment
British Columbia has at times exempted qualifying solar/renewable energy equipment from provincial sales tax (PST). Exemption scope and eligibility change with provincial budgets - confirm the current PST treatment of your equipment at time of purchase.
Net metering: BC Hydro net metering
BC Hydro offers net metering: exported solar is credited against the bill at the applicable rate, with an annual true-up. Net excess generation remaining at year-end is paid out at a set per-kWh price rather than the retail rate, so systems are typically sized to the home's annual load.
Related British Columbia resources
Start your British Columbia quote
Tell us where your home is and we will match you with a vetted local installer.
How payback works in British Columbia
- System cost
- $21,000
- Estimated net cost
- $21,000
- Estimated payback
- ~13.0 years
- 25-year net savings
- ~$19,500
These figures are illustrative; your actual quote reflects your roof, sun exposure, and local utility rates.
Cities we serve in British Columbia
39cities with vetted local solar + battery installers.
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Surrey
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- Kelowna
- Abbotsford
- Coquitlam
- Langley
- Kamloops
- Nanaimo
- Prince George
- Chilliwack
- Vernon
- Penticton
- Campbell River
- West Kelowna
- North Vancouver
- Delta
- Courtenay
- Cranbrook
- Squamish
- Saanich
- Maple Ridge
- New Westminster
- Port Coquitlam
- Mission
- Port Moody
- Whistler
- Fort St. John
- White Rock
- Pitt Meadows
- Salmon Arm
- Comox
- Powell River
- Parksville
- Dawson Creek
- Terrace
- Prince Rupert
Frequently asked questions
How much do solar panels cost in British Columbia?
BC solar averages roughly CA$3.00 per watt installed, so a typical 7 kW system costs about CA$19,000-CA$23,000 before any programs. Canada has no federal solar tax credit, so most value comes from long-term net-metering bill savings.
Does British Columbia have net metering?
Yes. BC Hydro offers net metering, crediting exported solar against your bill with an annual settlement. Net excess generation at year-end is paid out at a set per-kWh price rather than the retail rate, so systems are usually sized to annual usage.
Why are solar paybacks longer in BC?
BC Hydro's rates are among the lowest in North America because of plentiful hydroelectricity, so each kWh of solar offsets less money. Combined with no upfront federal tax credit, typical payback is roughly 12-16 years.
Is solar worth it in British Columbia?
It can be, but the financial case is weaker than in high-rate or sunnier regions. Many BC homeowners go solar for energy independence, EV charging, and environmental reasons as much as for the long-run payback.