Solar panel and battery storage rebates for social housing
Funding update
As of May 13, 2025, rebate amounts for social housing will be up to $50,000 for solar panels and $50,000 for battery storage. We have experienced high customer interest in the program, and this will help ensure we can continue to provide rebates to the highest number of applicants with the available funding. Applications submitted on or before May 12 will be reviewed for eligibility at the previous rebate amount.
If you have any questions, please email us.
Save up to $100,000 on eligible solar panels and battery storage
Eligible social housing providers can apply for rebates of up to $50,000 on grid-connected solar panels and up to an additional $50,000 for battery storage systems. This offer is available on a first come, first served basis for qualifying projects while funding lasts.
Improve your building's resilience and energy independence by investing in solar panels, batteries, or both to maximize the value of your project. When you’re approved for our self-generation program, you'll reduce electricity costs over time and be able to refocus your budget on other building improvements.
Solar panel rebates
By generating your own electricity with solar panels, you'll reduce your reliance on the grid and see savings over time with lower electricity bills.
| PRODUCT | REBATE AVAILABLE |
|---|---|
| Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels | Up to $50,000
|
Battery storage rebates
Take greater control over your energy use and benefit from a reliable backup power source for your tenants. Increase the comfort and safety of your tenants by providing self-generated, renewable power for essential services in the case of a power outage, and benefit from energy you've generated to power your building on cloudy days and overnight.
| PRODUCT | REBATE AVAILABLE |
|---|---|
Battery energy storage systems Minimum storage size: 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh). |
Up to $50,000
|
How to apply
- Before you purchase or install your system, review the rebate eligibility criteria below as well as the requirements to connect your system to our electrical grid through the self-generation program. Our guides to solar panels and battery storage systems are also helpful resources.
- Find a qualified contractor to design and install your solar and/or battery storage system.
- Before you install, work with your contractor to apply for the self-generation program. If eligible, you’ll apply for the rebates as a part of the self-generation application.
- Once your system and self-generation application have received technical acceptance you may purchase your equipment and have your licensed contractor install the system. Self-generation technical acceptance does not mean your rebate application has been approved.
- After you have submitted your final inspection documents and have received approval from BC Hydro to interconnect your system, your rebate application will be reviewed and processed. If your project qualifies for rebates, BC Hydro will notify you and you can expect payment within 30-45 business days.
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 first needs to be reviewed and approved to connect to our grid through the self-generation program.
Review additional eligibility criteria for your property, installation and products below.
- You must be a housing provider that is a:
- Charity registered under the Income Tax Act (Canada) that provides housing to low-income persons, or
- Housing society registered under the Societies Act, or
- Housing co-op registered under the Cooperative Association Act.
- You must have a BC Hydro business account.
- The property must be grid-connected.
- The property must be used for non-profit housing.
- Residential single-family homes are not eligible.
- 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 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 are 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 projects installed prior to 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.
- Tesla products are not eligible. See our product FAQ for more information.
- 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.
- 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, 108 KB].
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.”
Licensed 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
The contractors listed in the directories provided are independent contractors and not affiliated with or employees of BC Hydro. We don't endorse the quality of work provided by these contractors or guarantee any of their services. It's your responsibility to interview and select a contractor that meets your needs, and we recommend that you get multiple quotes. You may select a contractor from these directories, or select your own licensed contractor.
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