Batteries for power storage

Store renewable energy for when you need it

Battery storage systems store excess renewable energy, typically from private solar generation, to provide uninterrupted power to your home on cloudy days, overnight or in the event of a power outage.

On this page:

Benefits of battery storage
How batteries work
Costs
Rebates for batteries
Safety guidance
Install and connect

Benefits

1. Energy independence

By storing surplus solar energy generated during the day you can reduce your reliance on the grid and power your home overnight or whenever you need it most with your own energy.

2. Lower bills

Storing and using the electricity you've generated helps to lower your electricity bills. The technology provides long-term savings as you purchase less electricity from the grid and use the electricity you've generated instead.

3. Backup power during an outage

Battery storage can act as a reliable backup power source and provide energy in the event of a power outage or when needed.

4. Reduced on-peak costs

With our optional time-of-day pricing battery storage provides a way to save more money.

Charge your batteries with grid-supplied electricity during the cheapest hours (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), or with your self-generated power during any sunny hours of the day. Then, use your batteries to power your home during on-peak hours (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) to reduce how much electricity you need to buy from us during the period when it's most expensive.

How battery storage systems work

Use your battery to collect and store excess energy to use when you need or want to.

Battery types

1. Lithium-ion batteries: Using the latest in battery technology, lithium-ion batteries are smaller, lighter and able to store more energy for their size than other types. They are also very efficient at charging and discharging, making them ideal for residential and commercial customers.

2. Lead-acid batteries: Although less efficient than lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries remain a cost-effective option for solar energy storage. They’re well-suited for off-grid installations and can withstand deep discharges, making them reliable for backup power.

View a list of common battery makes and models [PDF, 125 KB]

Battery capacity

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and indicates the amount of energy a battery can store. When choosing a battery for your solar panel system, consider your energy consumption patterns and desired backup capacity to determine the appropriate size.

Charging and discharging

If connected to a solar panel system, batteries charge during periods of sunlight when solar panels generate electricity. They discharge stored energy when solar production is low, like in darker times of the day, or during power outages or other times when you need it.

Cost

There is a wide range in cost for installing a battery storage system and it will depend on the type and size of battery that you decide is best suited for your home.

The average cost of a lithium-ion solar battery system and installation ranges from about $18,000 to $25,000 for a residential home.

Available rebates

As of July 23, 2024, you can qualify for up to $5,000 in rebates for installing an eligible battery storage system and up to an additional $5,000 for eligible solar panels in residential homes. You can get rebates for a battery storage system, with or without solar panels.

Explore rebates

Safety

There are rigorous safety standards and protocols followed during the installation and maintenance of battery energy storage systems. Always work with qualified professionals and obtain necessary approvals to help mitigate potential risks and ensure safe and effective operation.

Keep in mind these factors when installing a battery in your home:

1. Proper installation: Ensure that batteries are installed according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes. Improper installation can lead to safety hazards and reduced system performance.

2. Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to dissipate heat generated during charging and discharging cycles. Install batteries in well-ventilated areas to prevent overheating.

3. Fire protection: Implement and maintain fire protection measures such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire-resistant barriers to mitigate the risk of fire.

4. Monitoring and maintenance: Regularly monitor battery performance and conduct routine maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation. Keep batteries clean, check for signs of corrosion or damage, and promptly address any issues that arise.

5. Continuous monitoring: A battery management system (BMS) continuously monitors the battery's state, including its voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge. This helps prevent conditions that could lead to overheating, overcharging, or other unsafe states.

6. Protective measures: If it senses irregularities, the BMS can take corrective actions such as disconnecting the battery from the load or charger, alerting you, or activating cooling systems.

7. Training and education: Make sure to get training and education on proper battery handling, maintenance, and emergency procedures.

8. Emergency response plan: Develop a clear emergency response plan outlining steps to take in case of battery-related incidents, such as overheating or fire. Ensure all household members are familiar with the plan and know how to respond effectively.

Install and connect

All battery energy storage systems must be approved by BC Hydro before installation to ensure safety and effective operation – even if your battery will not be sending power to our grid. It is important for BC Hydro's crews and other service providers to know if there is a battery onsite to ensure they can work safety.

If you're interested in connecting a small (less than 100 kW) battery energy storage system, apply for connection through the self-generation program.

For systems larger than 100 kW, learn about distribution generator interconnections.

Apply for self-generation

Batteries for power storage

Benefits