Rebates for solar panels and battery storage

If the BC Hydro account for a tenanted property is in the name of the property owner, follow the application steps listed above.

If the BC Hydro account for the property is not in the name of the property owner, you'll need to follow these steps in addition to those above:

1. With the help of your contractor, create a self-generation application and send it to the BC Hydro account holder for review and approval.  Make sure to sure to use the e-mail address the account holder (tenant) uses to sign into their MyHydro account.  
2. As the BC Hydro account holder, the tenant must agree to participate in the self-generation program, since their rate will change and they will receive the benefit of the self-generation credits on their bill.  When they review the self-generation application, the tenant will respond “no” to being the registered property owner. They’ll then be asked to agree to the utility account holder consent, which will give the property owner permission to apply for the rebate separately using the tenants account information.
3. Email solarrebates@bchydro.com to request a Landlord/Developer rebate application form.
4. Once the self-generation application has been reviewed and accepted by BC Hydro, the property owner can submit the rebate application using the self-generation application number and the tenant's account information.

• The property must have a BC Hydro residential account
• You must own the home. Tenanted properties are eligible but the rebate is paid to the registered property owner.  See landlord application process above.
• Customers of other utilities within B.C., such as FortisBC or the City of New Westminster, are not eligible for these rebates.
• The property must be a grid-connected residential home.
• The property must be located in BC Hydro's service territory [PDF, 176 KB] .
• Eligible property types include:
  • Single-family detached dwellings.
  • Duplex, triplex, row home or townhomes.
  • Mobile homes that are fixed to a permanent foundation that are structurally complete with installed and connected plumbing, heating, electrical, water and sewer services, and with towing apparatus and axle removed.

See similar solar rebate offers for Indigenous communities, including single family homes on reserve land, and for multi-unit residential buildings.

Rebates are per BC Hydro account (not per system or sub-meter).  Properties with multiple accounts, systems or meters may be eligible in the following circumstances.

1. The property has one BC Hydro account/meter for the building with all sub-metered units connected to it, and the solar or battery storage system is connected to the primary BC Hydro account/meter.
   
   For example, a single-family home that has been renovated to include four suites within one master BC Hydro account/meter for the whole building/home.

Or

2. Have multiple separate BC Hydro accounts/meters for a housing complex where each unit is connected to its own solar or battery storage system via the BC Hydro account/meter for that individual unit.

• Solar generation must connect to our distribution system through the self-generation program.
• You must receive application pre-approval before purchasing equipment. This is to ensure your project meets eligibility and safety requirements.
• Systems must have a combined aggregate nameplate capacity of no more than 100 kW. 
• Installations and connections must be completed after June 27, 2024. 
• Ground-mounted and detached garage-mounted installations are eligible if they’re fixed to the property and connected to the primary BC Hydro account/meter to serve the main residence. Temporary or mobile installations aren’t eligible.
• Self-installations aren’t eligible. Must be designed and installed by a licensed contractor with a GST number and a valid B.C. license.
• 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 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.
• 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. See terms and conditions [PDF, 108 KB] for details.
• Commonly used batteries that meet the certification requirements are included on our battery list [PDF, 125 KB].

For details on how to safely install a battery storage system inside or outside of your home please see our guide [PDF, 259 KB].