Stock photo courtesy of B.C. Hydro / website

By Liam Verster

Solar Energy

Rebates available for solar panels, battery storage systems

Jul 24, 2024 | 10:44 AM

British Columbians wishing to capture and store their own energy can access some financial aid.

B.C. Hydro has opened its rebates for eligible gird-connected solar panels and for battery storage systems.

Qualifying customers could receive a total of $10,000 in rebates through the program, up to $5,000 for the panels and up to $5,000 for the batteries.

“We need more clean energy to power our homes, businesses and industries, to power a growing economy and to power our future,” Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, said.

“British Columbians are up for the challenge. That’s why we are providing new BC Hydro rebates for rooftop solar panels and battery storage so that more people across the province can generate electricity, save on their energy bills and help build a clean economy.”

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The utility provider noted approximately 9,500 British Columbians part of B.C. Hydro’s Self-Generation Program, formerly known as net metering, and are harnessing solar rays to generate their own renewable energy to lower their electricity bills and gain energy independence.

Battery storage allows households to store excess renewable energy and power their homes on cloudy days, overnight, or in the event of a power outage.

In order to qualify for the rebates, customers must participate in the Self-Generation Program and enrol in the Self-Generation Rate.

Excess energy generation, which goes back to the grid to serve other customers and businesses, will be credited to people on their next bills. If people have generation credits on the program’s anniversary date of March 1, B.C. Hydro will pay them for the excess electricity at market price.

“B.C. Hydro is committed to supporting the energy transition as British Columbians look to power homes and businesses with more clean electricity,” Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of B.C. Hydro, stated.

“We are excited for the first time ever to offer rebates for eligible solar panels and battery storage systems, allowing our customers to lower their energy bills, generate their own renewable electricity and store excess energy to use when and how they want. Adding more renewable generation and storage options also helps the overall electricity system by reducing demand from the grid.”

Solar panel and storage battery rebates are also available for schools, apartment buildings, municipal governments and community centres, small businesses, social housing providers, and Indigenous communities. These rebates can range from up to $50,000 to $150,000, based on the individual customer.

Details on how to participate in the Self-Generation program and become eligible for the rebates can be found at the B.C. Hydro website.