Business solar in BC: rebates under 100 kW, demand classes and the 30% credit

How a project runs

1. Find your classSmall (under 35 kW), Medium (35–150 kW) or Large General Service.
2. Pull interval dataFor Medium and Large accounts, demand matters as much as energy.
3. Pre-approvalBC Hydro's rebate needs written pre-approval before you buy.
4. Size to daytime loadExports earn 10¢ under the self-generation rate.
5. Build and connectStructural review, permit, install, interconnection.
6. ClaimRebate claim, then ITC and CCA on the corporate return.

The money

Sizing to your load

Small General Service accounts save the full energy price on every kWh. Medium and Large accounts pay a lower energy price and a demand charge, so pair solar with a battery or load control.

Farms

Farms with steady daytime load (irrigation, cooling, barns) suit the under-100 kW rebate band well.

What to have ready

• 12 months of bills, and interval (hourly or 15-minute) data from your utility if you can get it.
• Your rate class or rate code.
• Whether the business is incorporated and taxable. That decides the 30% credit.
• Roof age and condition, or the spot you'd use for a ground mount.
• Any expansion plans that will change your load in the next few years.

Questions to ask any installer

• Have you modelled my interval data, or just my monthly totals?
• Is the price shown before or after the federal tax credit, and does it assume the labour election?
• Which line on my bill does the system reduce: energy, demand, or both?
• Who handles the utility connection application, and how long does it take here?
• Has the roof or ground mount been checked by a structural engineer?