BC · Solar

Solar quotes in Surrey, BC.

One real quote from a vetted local Surrey installer, sized to your roof, your bill, and every federal + provincial rebate you qualify for.

Permits in ~20 days One vetted local installer · no lead list

What you get

One vetted local Surrey installer
Rebates checked for your exact address
No call-center spam, no lead list

7 kW
Average system size: $3.00/W
Average cost (CAD): 13 yrs
Average payback: 78+
Local installers

Sun hours / day

3.2

in Surrey

Avg system size

7 kW

on a typical roof

Avg payback

14 yrs

all incentives applied

Permits in

~20 days

city of Surrey

Why solar in Surrey

Solar panel installation in Surrey is growing quickly as one of BC's largest and fastest-expanding cities. Surrey sits in the Lower Mainland, where BC Hydro's low hydro-based electricity rates make paybacks longer than in high-rate provinces, but strong summer sun and rising bills still make solar worthwhile for many homeowners - especially those adding an EV or heat pump. A typical Surrey system runs about CA$3.00 per watt installed, and BC Hydro's solar and battery rebate plus net metering shape the economics. Most homeowners here go solar for energy independence and long-term savings as much as a fast payback.

What we install on in Surrey

Surrey's housing stock, briefly.

Surrey has a fast-growing mix of newer detached homes in Clayton, Grandview Heights, and South Surrey, older detached and rancher stock in Whalley and Newton, and a large share of strata townhomes. Newer detached homes with large asphalt roofs are the best solar candidates.

Newer detached (South Surrey, Clayton, Grandview Heights) - large modern roofs, easiest installs
Older detached and ranchers (Whalley, Newton, Guildford) - good candidates, may need roof or panel updates
Strata townhomes - roof is strata-controlled, so installs need strata council approval
Condos and apartments - generally not solar candidates

HOA reality: Detached Surrey homes are typically fee-simple with full owner control of the roof. Townhome and some detached communities fall under a strata, which controls the roof and common property - a strata install needs council approval, so confirm before you commit.

Your utility

How BC Hydro treats solar.

Surrey is served by BC Hydro. BC Hydro's legacy net-metering rate (Schedule 1289) closes to new customers on July 1, 2026; new solar homes and anyone taking the BC Hydro solar rebate move to the Self-Generation Service rate (Schedule 2289), which pays a fixed 10 cents per kWh for exported energy settled each billing cycle. Size your system to your annual usage to get the most value.

Permits in Surrey

The City of Surrey requires an electrical permit for residential solar, and structural work may need a building permit. BC Hydro interconnection approval is required before the system is energized. Roofs must meet Lower Mainland snow, wind, and seismic loads under the BC Building Code.

Incentives & rebates

Last verified: 2026-05-26

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.

View official source → Updated 2026-05-26

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.

View official source → Updated 2026-05-26

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

How payback works in British Columbia

System cost: $23,953
Estimated net cost: $23,953
Estimated payback: ~13.0 years
25-year net savings: ~$22,110

These figures are illustrative; your actual quote reflects your roof, sun exposure, and local utility rates.

Frequently asked questions

How much does solar panel installation cost in Surrey?

Surrey solar averages roughly CA$3.00 per watt installed, so a typical 7 kW system costs about CA$19,000-CA$23,000 before rebates. The BC Hydro solar and battery rebate can offset part of that cost.

Does Surrey have net metering?

Yes, through BC Hydro. Note BC Hydro's legacy net-metering rate closes to new customers on July 1, 2026; new systems move to the Self-Generation Service rate that pays a fixed 10 cents per kWh for exports. Systems are usually sized to annual usage.

Is solar worth it in Surrey, BC?

BC Hydro's low rates make paybacks longer than in high-rate provinces (often 12-16 years), but many Surrey homeowners still go solar for energy independence, EV charging, and protection against rising future rates rather than a fast payback.

Are there solar rebates in Surrey?

Yes. BC Hydro offers up to CA$5,000 for residential solar plus battery incentives, subject to program rules. Taking the rebate moves you to the Self-Generation Service rate, so weigh both together.