Solar panel and battery storage rebates for Indigenous communities

Program updates

Funding update

As of July 16, 2026, rebates for Indigenous Governing Bodies will be available at the following rebate amounts:

$1,000 per kW of installed generator capacity for solar.
$500 per kWh of installed storage capacity for batteries.
Capped at 50% of total installed product costs, including labour and materials.
Maximum rebate of $50,000 for solar and $50,000 for battery.

Building eligibility update

As of July 16, 2026, the following building types are eligible for up to $50,000 for solar rebates and up to $50,000 for battery rebates:

Multi-family buildings, including stacked townhomes that are three stories or higher, and low-rise and high-rise apartment buildings;
Side-by-side stacked: duplexes, row homes, and townhouses where the building is served by a single meter;
Commercial buildings paying Small, Medium, or Large General Service rates.

Individually metered homes are currently eligible for residential rebates and commercial buildings are currently eligible for business rebates.

There has been tremendous positive interest in the program, and adjusting the program offer will help ensure we can continue to provide rebates to the highest number of applicants with available funding.

If you have any questions, please email us.

New requirement for working with contractors

Beginning June 1, 2026, solar and battery installations must be completed by a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member to be eligible for rebates. Many contractors are currently working to complete their membership and new members are being added daily. Check back if you cannot find an HPCN member in your area.

Self-generation rate change

Effective July 1, 2026, service rates are changing for self-generation customers. Learn more about the rate change here.

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 application (previously called net metering) 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 battery 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.

Already applied? Check your rebate status

This tracker lets you check your rebate status after your self‑generation application is approved and your system is connected to the grid.

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

Eligible customers and properties

You're an Indigenous Governing Body [PDF] who owns a home, business, or community building located on-reserve.
The property must be grid-connected.
The building(s) must have a BC Hydro residential or business account.

If you're an Indigenous customer or Indigenous governing body located in one of our non-integrated areas (i.e., remote microgrids), you can find information on the solar panel and battery storage rebates here.

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 on or 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 May 1, 2024 for systems installed on or after 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, 120 KB] for more details.
Tesla products are not eligible. See our product FAQ for more information.

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.
Must use a renewable resource as defined by the Clean Energy Act (includes solar, wind, and hydroelectricity).
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, 120 KB] for details.
If you are a business customer interested in a battery system that exceeds 100 kWh see our demand response for business energy storage incentive.
Tesla products are not eligible. See our product FAQ for more information.

For complete eligibility and program details, see our solar and battery rebate terms and conditions [PDF, 120 KB].

Resources

Have questions?

If you have questions about your application, eligibility or have questions about this offer, contact our team at 1 800 224 9376.

Finding a contractor

You can find a qualified contractor through the Canadian Renewable Energy Association member directory or the BC Sustainable Energy Directory. We recommend getting at least three quotes and comparing your quote to B.C. cost averages. Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true, like “free solar.”

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