Solar panel and battery storage rebates for Indigenous communities
Save up to $150,000 on eligible solar panels and battery storage
As of July 23, 2024, Indigenous customers living on-reserve and Indigenous governing bodies in our integrated (grid connected) area can apply for rebates of up to $75,000 on grid-connected solar panels and up to an additional $75,000 for battery storage systems. This offer is available for qualifying projects while funding lasts.
Investing in solar panels, batteries, or both will help reduce electricity costs over time. By participating in our self-generation program, you'll also have greater control over energy use and a reliable backup power source for your home or business, or the homes and commercial or community buildings in your community.
Solar panel rebates
Reduce your reliance on the grid and strengthen your self-sufficiency by generating your own electricity with solar panels. Solar panels are a long-term solution for reducing your electricity bills and for taking control of your energy expenses.
| PRODUCT | REBATE AVAILABLE |
|---|---|
| Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels | Up to $75,000
|
Battery storage rebates
Increase the resiliency of your home or business with the added reliability of storing excess renewable energy. Battery storage can power essential services overnight, during cloudy days, and in the case of an outage. You can also reduce your environmental impact by switching from a backup fossil fuel-powered generator to one powered by renewable energy.
| PRODUCT | REBATE AVAILABLE |
|---|---|
Battery energy storage systems Minimum storage size: 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
|
Up to $75,000
|
How to apply
- Review our guides to solar panels, battery storage systems for residential customers and for business customers, and the process for connecting your system to our electrical grid through the self-generation program.
- Before you purchase or install your system, review the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions below to make sure you qualify.
- 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.
Self-generation (previously net metering) customers who applied between May 1, 2024, and July 22, 2024 contact solarrebates@bchydro.com for a link to the rebate application form.
Log in to start your application.
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.
Review additional eligibility criteria for your property, installation and products below.
- You're an individual who owns a home or business located on-reserve or are a representative of an Indigenous governing body applying for your homes, businesses or community buildings.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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, 108 KB] for more details.
- 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, 108 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.
For complete eligibility and program details, see our solar and battery rebate terms and conditions [PDF, 108 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.
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
More offers
Programs for Indigenous communities
Indigenous communities can get training, free energy-saving products and rebates to implement home energy upgrades for their community members.
Free upgrades for Indigenous communities
Help your community members save on their energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes year 'round.