The short version: net metering is gone for new customers. The new math makes batteries worth it.
As of July 1, 2026, BC Hydro closed the net metering rate (RS 1289) to new solar customers. If you're considering solar now, you'll be on the self-generation rate (RS 2289) instead.
What that means: Excess solar power you send to the grid is now credited at a fixed 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, not banked one-for-one at retail rate.
Why it matters: The winning strategy changed. Used to be "build big, the grid is your battery." Now it's "size to what you use, add a battery to store the excess."
What changed on July 1
Old rate (Net Metering, RS 1289) — CLOSED to new customers
- Every excess kWh exported was banked as a credit at the full retail rate you'd otherwise pay
- Annual leftovers were paid out at market price
- 100 kW single-phase maximum system size
- 10-year clock on the rate
New rate (Self-Generation, RS 2289) — NOW for all new customers
- Excess generation = $0.10/kWh bill credit, per billing cycle
- No annual payout — just monthly credits
- 300 kW maximum (you can go bigger now)
- No 10-year sunset; rate ongoing
- Self-consumed power still worth full retail (the math that favors batteries)
The new strategy: sizing and batteries
Old thinking: "Our roof is 40 sq meters. Let's fill it with panels."
Result: Huge export, most power sold at $0.10 instead of used at $0.15–$0.30.
New thinking: "We use 15 kWh/day. Let's size to that, add a battery to shift midday excess to evening peak."
Result: Self-consumed power is worth retail. Battery stores the rest for when it's valuable.
The rebate still makes it work
BC Hydro's own payback analysis showed that keeping the rebate + moving to the new rate = shorter payback than old rate without the rebate.
- Solar: $1,000/kW, max $5,000 (50% of installed cost cap)
- Battery (if Peak Saver enrolled within 14 days): $500/kWh, max $5,000
- Battery (if not enrolled): max $1,500
The $3,500 difference between enrolled and not is why that 14-day Peak Saver window is critical.
What existing net metering customers keep
If you signed up for net metering before June 30, 2026, you keep that rate for 10 years from your service start date. Then you transition to self-generation.
BC Hydro offered a one-time option to repay your rebate and stay on net metering — that window closed June 30, 2026.
The math example: 10 kW system in Vancouver
Old net metering rate:
- Produces 12,000 kWh/year
- You use 10,000 kWh, export 2,000 kWh
- 2,000 kWh × $0.25 (retail) = $500/year (old rate, banked)
- 10-year value: $5,000+
New self-generation rate:
- Same system, same usage
- You use 10,000 kWh, export 2,000 kWh
- 2,000 kWh × $0.10 = $200/year (new rate, fixed)
- 10-year value: $2,000
With battery:
- Same system, add 10 kWh battery
- You use 10,000 kWh (mostly self-consumed), export ~500 kWh
- 500 kWh × $0.10 = $50/year
- Battery rebate: $5,000 (Peak Saver enrolled)
- 10-year battery value: ~$2,000 (stored power used at peak, higher implicit value)
- Total: $5,000 rebate + $2,000 value + $500 stored savings = simpler payback
Lesson: A battery's rebate + shifting high-value hours makes the math work better than it sounds.
Peak Saver: the 14-day window you can't miss
If you get a battery, you must enroll in Peak Saver within 14 days of interconnection approval or the rebate drops from $5,000 to $1,500.
This one step costs $3,500 if you miss it.
Peak Saver means BC Hydro can briefly adjust your heating/cooling on peak winter evenings. You override anytime. In return: $50–$100/year (depending on income).
Contractor must be HPCN-certified
As of June 1, 2026, only Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) members can install solar + battery systems for the rebate.
Self-installs: No longer eligible.
Tesla products: Still not eligible (panels or batteries).
Next steps if you're thinking solar
- Size to your consumption, not your roof: Get an energy audit (many are free if income-qualified)
- Pre-qualify on BC Hydro's site before buying equipment — buying first = ineligible
- Get quotes from HPCN contractors (find them at homeperformance.ca)
- Consider a battery: The rebate math now favors it
- Enroll in Peak Saver within 14 days if you get a battery (set a reminder)
- File the rebate application within 90 days of installation
Sources verified: BC Hydro self-generation rate documentation as of July 12, 2026. Rebate amounts and Peak Saver details confirmed. Program changes — always check bchydro.com before applying.
Confused about the new rates?
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