July 12, 2024 – BC Hydro has announced a new incentive program that will offer rebates for the installation of solar panels and battery energy storage systems in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, reports the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

Currently, BC Hydro breaks down the rebates as follows:

Solar photovoltaic panels
• Max. rebate available: up to $5000

• $1000 per kilowatt of installed generator capacity.
• Rebate amount capped at 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials).

Battery energy storage systems
(Minimum size: 5 kWh)
• Max. rebate available: up to $5000

• $500 per kWh of installed storage capacity.
• Rebate amount capped at 50% of total installed product cost (including labour and materials).

However, UBCM says the program will also provide up to $50,000-$150,000 in rebates for local governments, schools, and businesses.

These incentives are part of a larger suite of renewable energy development initiatives and energy efficiency programs to address current and future increases in electricity demand from industrial development, population growth, and the electrification of buildings and vehicles, explains UBCM.

“These incentives also speak to consistent calls from UBCM’s membership for increased provincial support for local renewable energy production,” says the union.

BC Hydro says full eligibility details and information on how to apply will be available when the program officially launches later this month, adding it will also be introducing rebates for apartment buildings, social housing providers, small and medium businesses, non-integrated areas, and Indigenous communities.