BC Hydro Rebates & Government Incentives for Solar and Micro-Hydro in British Columbia
Thinking about solar or micro-hydro for your home, cabin, or business? While BC doesn’t currently offer province-wide rebates for solar, there are several programs that can make your off-grid or grid-tied system more affordable. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available through BC Hydro, CleanBC, and federal programs.
1. BC Hydro Self-Generation Program
For grid-tied systems, BC Hydro’s Self-Generation Program lets you send excess electricity back to the grid and receive credits on your bill. This program replaces the previous Net Metering Program and helps homeowners offset energy use over time.
Key Points:
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- Available for systems up to 100 kW in size
- Excess power is exported to the grid and credited to your account
- Credits are applied to future BC Hydro bills
- Open to residential, commercial, and community customers
- Helps lower your energy costs over the long term
More info: BC Hydro Self-Generation Program
2. CleanBC Income-Qualified Program
The CleanBC Income-Qualified Program offers rebates for home energy upgrades that often go hand-in-hand with solar or micro-hydro installation—such as panel upgrades or energy evaluations.
May include:
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- Electrical panel upgrades (often required before solar installation)
- Home energy assessments
- Other energy efficiency retrofits that complement your renewable system
Eligibility depends on household income and number of occupants.
More info: CleanBC Income-Qualified Program
3. Canada Greener Homes Loan
While the Canada Greener Homes Grant is closed to new applicants, the interest-free loan program is still open and can help finance your renewable energy system.
Loan Details:
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- Up to $40,000 interest-free over 10 years
- Can be used for solar panel systems, battery storage, and other eligible upgrades
- Requires a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation
- Can be combined with other programs if available
More info: Canada Greener Homes Loan
4. Federal Tax Incentives for Businesses
If you're a business or farm investing in solar or micro-hydro, you may qualify for accelerated tax write-offs under the Clean Energy Equipment tax classes.
Benefits:
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- Write off up to 100% of the cost of qualifying equipment
- Applies to solar panels, inverters, turbines, battery storage, and more
- Available under Class 43.1/43.2 of the capital cost allowance system
Ask your accountant or tax advisor if this applies to your installation.
More info: CRA Clean Energy Equipment Classes
Need Help Navigating Rebates and Incentives?
At Kingsley Power, we help clients across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and coastal BC understand what programs they qualify for, and how to apply. From paperwork to performance, we’re here to make your transition to renewable energy as smooth (and affordable) as possible.
Reach out if you'd like help planning your system or exploring available funding options.
If you'd like to schedule a consultation to discuss your solar power system please give us a call (250) 228-0863 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.
Do you have questions about off-grid solar systems that weren't answered here? Please give us a call (250) 228-0863 or fill out our online estimate request form and we'll get right back to you.

