BC Hydro customers can get up to $5,000 back on rooftop solar, but since July 1, 2026, new solar customers are paid less for surplus power: 10¢ per kWh as a bill credit instead of kWh carried forward. That changes the right system size for many homes. FortisBC customers have net metering but no solar rebate. Solar panels are exempt from PST.
This is an independent summary, not an official government or utility page. Programs change, run out of funding or close. Always confirm the current rules with the program, and get any required pre-approval before you sign a contract or install anything. Rebates and loans are listed separately from export compensation (what your utility pays for electricity you send to the grid) and tax treatment.
Rebates
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BC Hydro Solar & Battery Rebates
BC Hydro
Up to $5,000 for rooftop solar and up to $1,500 for a battery installed with it (up to $5,000 for a battery enrolled in Peak Saver).
Status: Open while funding lasts; no end date published.
Details
Solar: $1,000 per kW of installed DC capacity, up to 50% of the installed cost, maximum $5,000 for an individually metered home.
Battery: $500 per kWh of storage, up to 50% of cost; maximum $1,500 when paired with solar, or $5,000 if enrolled in BC Hydro's Peak Saver program within 14 days of interconnection approval.
Battery-only systems are not eligible unless enrolled in Peak Saver (rule in effect from April 1, 2026).
Who is eligible
BC Hydro residential account holder (or City of New Westminster electric utility customer, which runs its own matching program). FortisBC customers are not eligible.
You must own the property. Single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, qualifying mobile homes and garages on the same meter.
From June 1, 2026 the installer must be a member of the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN).
Dates: Open now, first come first served while funding lasts.
How to apply
Submit a self-generation application and get BC Hydro's technical acceptance before you buy or install anything.
After installation, submit the final paid invoice.
The rebate is paid within about 60 days of interconnection approval.
Official source:BC Hydro: Solar and battery rebates Last verified by us: October 30, 2026. Source last checked automatically: November 5, 2026.
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New Westminster Solar PV and Battery Storage Rebate
City of New Westminster Electrical Utility (with BC Hydro)
$1,000 per kW of solar up to $5,000, plus up to $1,500 for a battery installed with solar, for City of New Westminster electric customers.
Status: Open; no deadline published.
Details
Solar: $1,000 per kW, maximum $5,000. Battery (with solar only): $500 per kWh, minimum 5 kWh, maximum $1,500. Combined maximum $6,500.
All amounts are capped at 50% of cost.
Who is eligible
Customers of the City of New Westminster's electrical utility. A licensed contractor is required.
Dates: Open now.
How to apply
Apply before you buy or install. Payment within about 80 business days.
Solar photovoltaic panels are exempt from BC's 7% PST, as are controllers, wiring and inverters bought together with a solar system. Batteries are not exempt.
Status: In effect.
Details
Exemption under the Provincial Sales Tax Exemption and Refund Regulation, section 30.
When a contractor supplies and installs panels as part of improving real property, the contractor may have to pay PST on materials they use. Ask how your quote handles PST.
Who is eligible
Purchasers of qualifying solar equipment in BC.
Dates: In effect.
How to apply
No application: the exemption is applied at purchase, usually with your PST number or a certificate of exemption (form FIN 490).
