Quick quiz: British Columbia rebates
A few questions from the programs we track. Tap an answer to see why.
Is Solar Too Expensive in BC? How to Check Your Real Cost
Short answer: Sometimes it is, and we'd rather tell you that. BC Hydro pays $1,000 per kW of solar, up to $5,000 and never more than half the cost. A battery can add up to $1,500, or up to $5,000 if you enroll it in Peak Saver. Whether solar pays off for you depends on your quote, your roof, and how much power you use, so do the math below with your own numbers.
What BC rebates actually pay
- Solar: $1,000 per kW (DC), capped at 50% of the installed cost, up to $5,000 for a home.
- Battery: $500 per kWh, capped at 50% of cost, up to $1,500, or up to $5,000 if you enroll it in Peak Saver within 14 days of interconnection approval.
- Peak Saver bill credits for a battery: up to $500 when you enroll and $250 per winter you take part.
- Get technical acceptance from BC Hydro before you install.
- Tesla products are not eligible for BC Hydro rebates (as of March 12, 2025), though a Powerwall 3 can still earn Peak Saver rewards.
There is no separate CleanBC solar grant. Earlier versions of this post said otherwise; that was wrong.
How to work out your real monthly cost
- Start with the installed price on your quote.
- Subtract the BC Hydro rebate you'll actually get (use the rules above).
- If you'll finance it, get the real monthly payment from the lender.
- Ask the installer for a written estimate of yearly production (kWh) for your roof, and multiply by what you pay per kWh. Be careful: power you send to the grid is credited under BC Hydro's net metering rules, which may differ from what you pay.
- Your real monthly cost is the payment minus your estimated monthly savings.
If that number is still high, solar may not be the best first step. Insulation or a heat pump often saves more per dollar. See why insulation comes first.
Why quotes look so different
System size, panel and inverter brands, roof work and whether a battery is included all move the price. Get two or three quotes for the same size system. Read why solar quotes vary so much.
Sources, checked September 26, 2026: BC Hydro solar and battery rebates · BC Hydro battery qualified product list · BC Hydro Peak Saver device rewards
See your city's rebates and compare top-rated local installers, ranked by Google reviews (free) →Keep reading
Related articles and in-depth guides to understand your options better.
Article • Winter
Does Solar Work in Snow?
Modern panels shed snow via angle and heat. BC's rebate math already accounts for winter performance.
Article • Comparison
Bosch vs. Mitsubishi Heat Pumps
Both qualify for the same rebates. Here's what differs—efficiency, warranty, cold-climate rating.
Guide • Solar ROI
Is BC Hydro's Solar Rebate Worth It?
Full breakdown of solar payback, 10-year savings, and ROI calculation for BC homes.
Guide • Batteries
Home Battery Rebates Explained
Which batteries qualify. Rebate amounts. Paired with solar for maximum savings.
