Explore Shift in British Columbia

BC Hydro is offering rebates up to $5,000 on eligible grid-connected solar panels and up to $5,000 on eligible battery systems to residential customers. 

I received a letter from BC Hydro. Should I be concerned?

No. While BC Hydro is asking some solar customers to make a choice between program options, your solar system will continue to operate as it does today. Although this is an important decision, the financial impact may be less significant than the letter initially suggests. We encourage customers to review BC Hydro’s information and resources before making a decision. If you have questions about the program changes, our team is happy to help explain the options.

What are my options if I received the BC Hydro solar rebate?

Customers who received the BC Hydro solar rebate generally have two options:

1. Keep the rebate and transition to BC Hydro’s new Self-Generation Rate.
2. Repay the rebate and remain on the legacy Net Metering program for the remainder of the grandfathering period. (10 years from the date of your install)

Which option is better?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on your solar production, electricity consumption, battery storage plans, and long-term energy goals.

Will Shift tell me which option to choose?

We encourage customers to review BC Hydro’s information and consider their individual circumstances before making a decision. Our engineering team has reviewed a number of customer scenarios and found that the financial advantage of repaying the rebate is often smaller than many homeowners expect. For this reason, keeping the rebate may be a reasonable option for many customers, though the best choice will vary from home to home.

Does this affect all solar customers?

No. These options primarily apply to customers who received the BC Hydro solar rebate and are eligible to choose between repaying the rebate or transitioning to the new Self-Generation Rate.

Is there a deadline to make my decision?

BC Hydro has established timelines for customers to make their selection. We recommend reviewing the information provided by BC Hydro and making your decision before any applicable deadline.

Where can I learn more?

Visit BC Hydro’s Self-Generation Program webpage or contact our team if you have questions about how the program changes may impact your solar system.

Why am I hearing about this option now?

BC Hydro’s transition from Net Metering to the Self-Generation Program was subject to a lengthy regulatory review process. The final program details, implementation timelines, and customer options were not confirmed until that process concluded. Customers are now being presented with the options available under BC Hydro’s finalized program.

BC Hydro’s self-generation program allows you to earn credits for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid, further reducing your electricity bills.

In British Columbia, solar panel and energy storage systems are exempt from the 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), providing immediate savings on your investment.

In addition to grants, we offer flexible financing plans with no money down. These plans often have monthly payments that are less than your current hydro bill.

Your business can claim a 30% refundable tax credit on the capital cost of a qualifying solar and energy storage installation.

This tax deduction allows your business to depreciate the full cost of eligible clean energy equipment at an accelerated rate.

BC Hydro’s net metering program for businesses allows you to earn credits for any excess solar energy you send back to the grid.