The full walk-through
A step-by-step guide to home solar in British Columbia: BC Hydro's solar and battery rebate, the rules that void it, and sizing now that net metering has closed.
| Program | What it's worth |
|---|---|
| BC Hydro solar rebate | $1,000/kW, up to $5,000 |
| BC Hydro battery rebate | $500/kWh, up to $5,000 (with Peak Saver) |
| PST | Exempt on solar equipment |
| Net metering | Closed to new customers July 1, 2026 |
With exports at a flat 10¢ and Step 2 power at 14.08¢, every kWh you use at home is worth more than one you send back. Size for daytime and evening use, not a full roof.
A battery lets you store midday solar for the evening instead of exporting it for 10¢. With up to $5,000 back, BC is now a strong battery market. Tesla products aren't eligible.
Our take
Most BC rebate claims that fail break one rule: equipment bought before pre-approval, an installer outside the network, or a Tesla battery. We check all three before we quote.
Sources · checked October 2026
How homes pay for power
BC Hydro prices are low by Canadian standards, and most homes are on a two-step tiered rate. Rates went up 3.75% on April 1 in both 2025 and 2026.
A flat-rate plan and optional time-of-day pricing are also available. Time-of-day makes power cheapest overnight and most expensive in the evening.
What this means for solar
Net metering closed to new customers on July 1, 2026. Exports now earn a flat 10¢, which is below what you pay for Step 2 power. Size for what your home uses, and look hard at a battery.
Sources · checked October 2026
The short version
BC Hydro pays up to $10,000 back on solar and a battery, but the rules are strict. Get them wrong and the rebate is void.
Sources · checked October 2026
