Solar panel and battery storage rebates for remote microgrid communities
Funding update
As of May 13, 2025, rebate amounts for remote microgrid communities will be up to $100,000 for business customers and up to $40,000 for residential customers. 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
BC Hydro customers living in remote communities whose electricity is supplied by a BC Hydro microgrid, which is not connected to BC Hydro’s integrated system can apply for rebates on solar panels and battery storage systems.
Business customers can save up to $50,000 on grid-connected solar panels and up to an additional $50,000 for battery storage systems. Residential customers can save up to $20,000 on grid-connected solar panels and up to an additional $20,000 for battery storage systems. This offer is available while funding lasts for qualifying projects evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Investing in solar panels, batteries, or both will help reduce electricity costs over time. When you’re approved for our self-generation program, you'll also have greater control over your energy use and a reliable backup power source for your home, business or community building.
If you’re a BC Hydro customer in our integrated area (grid connected) see our residential offer, our business offer, or our offer for Indigenous communities.
Solar panel rebates
Strengthen your self-sufficiency and maintain energy independence by generating your own electricity with solar panels. As a renewable resource, solar panels are a reliable and sustainable solution for energy generation.
| PRODUCT | REBATE AVAILABLE |
|---|---|
| Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels | Up to $50,000 for business customers Up to $20,000 for residential customers
|
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.
| PRODUCT | REBATE AVAILABLE |
|---|---|
Battery energy storage systems Minimum storage size: 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh). |
Up to $50,000 for business customers Up to $20,000 for residential customers
|
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.
Please note that self-generation program applications in remote microgrids will be accepted until their community limit is reached. Each application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and we cannot guarantee acceptance due to the capacity of each eligible community.
Important note for customers in remote microgrids:
- BC Hydro’s remote microgrids use a variety of generation resources to support their electricity load, such as diesel, existing or proposed independent power producer (IPP) renewable generation, and intermittent energy via self-generation.
- BC Hydro is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity to all our customers. To ensure the reliability and stability of service in the remote microgrids, BC Hydro limits integration of intermittent renewable energy (solar, wind) due to the smaller size of these grids compared to the integrated system.
- In remote microgrids, BC Hydro limits the aggregate self-generation in the community to 15% of the average community load (measured in kilowatts, or kW). Staying within this limit ensures BC Hydro can provide reliable service for all customers within the remote microgrids.
- BC Hydro will complete a thorough technical review and evaluation for each application for self-generation from remote microgrid customers on a case-by-case basis until the limit for the respective community microgrid is reached.
- We strongly recommend waiting to purchase generating equipment until after the self-generation program application is reviewed and accepted.
Review additional eligibility criteria for your property, installation and products below.
You're an individual who owns a home or business, 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.
- The property must be in an eligible community.
- Eligible residential 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.
- Unheated, seasonal or unoccupied buildings are not eligible.
You must live in one of the following communities:
- Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake
- Atlin
- Bella Bella, Shearwater, Waglisla
- Bella Coola, Firvale, Hagensborg
- Dease Lake
- Ehthlateese
- Kwadacha (Fort Ware)
- Good Hope Lake, Jade City
- Hartley Bay
- Masset, Old Massett, Port Clements
- Sandspit, Daajing Giids, Skidegate, Tlell
- Telegraph Creek
- Toad River
- Tsay Keh
The following communities have currently reached their self-generation limit:
- Bella Coola, Firvale, Hagensborg
- Ehthlateese
- Kwadacha (Fort Ware)
- Solar generation must connect to our distribution system through the self-generation program.
- Solar generating systems must be no larger than 10kW per residential property and 100kW for business.
- Solar only systems can be exporting, while solar battery or battery only systems must be non – exporting.
- Solar battery systems must be configured to charge from solar energy only.
- If the batteries are not maintained or fail, the solar panels must remain non-exporting.
- Battery only installations must have a charge rate of no more than 5 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.
- The solar inverter must be certified to UL1741SA as the minimum for enhanced ride-through capability.
- 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.
- 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].
How to apply
Before submitting your application, we encourage you to email us with your project details, to enquire about the current status of your community’s capacity or any other questions you may have about your project.
- Review our guides to solar panels, battery storage systems for residential customers, and the process for connecting your system to our electrical grid through the self-generation program
- Find a qualified contractor who will need to prepare a proposed plan and quote with specifications for your solar and/or battery storage system.
- Submit a self-generation application for your proposed system. We'll review the proposed system and let you know if any changes or additional requirements are needed to ensure your project is compliant with system limitations in your area.
We strongly recommend waiting to purchase generating equipment until after the self-generation program application is reviewed and accepted.
- Once your self-generation application has received technical acceptance, install your solar and/or battery storage system to the approved specifications. Self-generation technical acceptance does not mean your rebate application has been approved.
- Let us know once the system is installed, inspected and ready for BC Hydro’s final review and approval for interconnection.
- Once your project is installed, inspected and approved 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.
Each application will be reviewed thoroughly and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We cannot guarantee acceptance due to the capacity of each eligible community.
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.
Finding a contractor
You can find a licensed 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 and the BC Hydro microgrid requirements as described above
- 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.