Going Solar in British Columbia in 2026
British Columbia enjoys a reputation as a leader in clean energy, and solar power is a growing part of that picture. While BC Hydro's low electricity rates historically made solar payback longer, rising rates and provincial programs have made solar a smart investment for BC homeowners.
Note: The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant (closed February 2024) and Canada Greener Homes Loan (closed October 2025) are no longer accepting new applications. BC homeowners can still benefit from BC Hydro's net metering program and the CleanBC Better Homes rebates.
Below are the British Columbia solar incentives and rebates that may benefit you.
British Columbia Electricity Market
Primary utilities: BC Hydro & FortisBC
Most BC homeowners are served by BC Hydro, which operates the provincial grid from Vancouver Island through the Lower Mainland to the Interior. FortisBC serves the southern Interior (Kelowna, Penticton) with separate rate schedules. BC Hydro's Step 2 rates can exceed $0.16/kWh for higher-use households — a strong motivator for solar self-consumption.
BC exempts solar panels, inverters, and mounting equipment from the 7% PST, saving roughly $1,400–$2,000 on a typical $20,000–$28,000 residential installation. CleanBC Better Homes rebates for heat pumps can be stacked strategically with solar through a whole-home energy audit, though direct solar rebates vary by program year.
British Columbia Solar Incentives, Rebates, And Benefits
Canada Greener Homes Grant (Closed Feb 2024)
The Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applications in February 2024 (program ran May 2021–February 2024). No new applications are being accepted. Existing approved applicants may still complete their claims. Visit NRCan.gc.ca for information on any successor federal programs.
Canada Greener Homes Loan (Closed Oct 2025)
The Canada Greener Homes Loan closed in October 2025 (final application deadline was January 20, 2026). No new applications are being accepted. Visit NRCan.gc.ca for information on any successor federal financing programs.
PST Exemption on Solar Equipment
British Columbia exempts solar panels and related equipment from its 7% Provincial Sales Tax. This exemption applies to solar modules, inverters, mounting systems, and associated components, providing immediate cost savings on the equipment portion of your solar installation.
CleanBC Better Homes Program
CleanBC Better Homes offers rebates up to $6,000 for heat pumps and up to $5,500 for combined upgrades when you complete an EnerGuide audit. While solar rebates vary by intake, pairing a $3,000–$6,000 heat pump rebate with PST-exempt solar maximizes total home energy savings.
British Columbia Net Metering
BC Hydro's net metering program allows residential customers with solar systems up to 100 kW to sell excess electricity back to the grid at the retail rate. Unused credits accumulate monthly and are settled annually. FortisBC customers in BC can also access similar net metering arrangements.
Additional British Columbia Solar Programs
FortisBC Solar Incentives
FortisBC customers in the interior of BC can access the utility's own energy efficiency programs and net metering arrangements. FortisBC offers rebates on home energy upgrades that can be combined with provincial programs for solar installation.
Municipal Streamlined Permitting
Many BC municipalities including Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna have introduced streamlined solar permitting processes. Reduced permit costs and faster approvals lower the total installation cost and timeline, making solar more accessible for BC homeowners.
British Columbia Solar Incentives — At A Glance
British Columbia's solar incentive landscape has strengthened considerably in recent years. PST exemptions and BC Hydro's net metering make solar a financially rewarding upgrade for most BC homeowners. System payback periods typically range from 10 to 15 years.
British Columbia Solar FAQ
Does BC Hydro offer solar rebates in 2026?
BC Hydro's primary solar benefit is net metering at retail rates for systems up to 100 kW. CleanBC Better Homes focuses on heat pumps and envelopes; check bchydro.com and betterhomesbc.ca for any active solar-specific offers in your region.
How much does solar save in Vancouver or Victoria?
Coastal BC homeowners with Step 2 BC Hydro rates often save $900–$1,800 annually with a 6–8 kW system. Interior communities with FortisBC may see different rate structures — sizing to your actual kWh usage is essential.
Is PST really waived on solar in BC?
Yes. Solar PV modules, inverters, racking, and associated equipment are PST-exempt under BC's renewable energy equipment exemption, reducing upfront cost by 7% on the equipment portion of your quote.