Solar rebates in BC (2026): what you can get and how to apply
British Columbia has one major solar rebate (from BC Hydro), a PST exemption on panels, and a new way of paying for exported power. Here’s what each means for you. Full details and sources are in our BC rebate database.
BC Hydro solar rebate: up to $5,000
BC Hydro pays $1,000 per kW of solar, up to 50% of the installed cost and up to $5,000 for an individually metered home. A battery installed with solar can add up to $1,500 (or up to $5,000 if enrolled in BC Hydro’s Peak Saver program).
- You must be a BC Hydro residential customer and own the home.
- From June 1, 2026 the installer must belong to the Home Performance Contractor Network.
- Apply first. You need BC Hydro’s technical acceptance of your self-generation application before you buy or install anything.
- The rebate is paid after interconnection, while funding lasts.
FortisBC electric customers (much of the Okanagan and Kootenays) are not eligible. City of New Westminster utility customers have a matching city program.
The 2026 change: net metering replaced by net billing
Since July 1, 2026, new BC Hydro solar customers are on the Self-Generation Service (Rate Schedule 2289). If your system produces more than you use over a billing period, you get a credit of 10¢ per kWh for the excess, which can only pay Energy Charges. Existing net metering customers keep the old rules for 10 years.
Why it matters: 10¢ is less than the 11.87¢–14.08¢ per kWh (plus GST) you pay for BC Hydro energy, so a system sized to cover all of your yearly use earns less per kWh than one that covers part of it. For many BC homes, a system covering part of their yearly use now gives better value than one covering all of it. More on export compensation.
PST exemption
Solar panels, and the inverters, controllers and wiring bought with them, are exempt from BC’s 7% PST. Batteries are not. Most installer quotes already reflect this; ask if you’re unsure.
What’s no longer available
The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant has ended and the interest-free Greener Homes Loan closed to new applicants on October 1, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for solar on your own home.
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