Net Metering vs. Net Billing: What Has Changed for Solar in BC?
BC Hydro introduced Net Billing on July 1st, 2026. To understand the impact, Shift’s design team modelled several solar systems and compared their performance under the previous Net Metering structure and today’s Net Billing structure.
The difference is smaller than you might think
The modelling shows a change in solar economics under Net Billing, but the impact varies significantly depending on the home, electricity consumption and system design.
Across the examples modelled, the change in simple payback ranged from 0.15 years shorter to 0.55 years longer.
Under Net Billing, electricity generated by solar is generally most valuable when it is used directly in the home. This makes several factors increasingly important:
- When electricity is consumed
- Overall household electricity use
- How the solar system is sized
- How much solar energy is used directly
- Whether excess energy is stored in a battery
The takeaway is simple: Net Billing changes the equation, but homeowners still have considerable influence over how their solar system performs.
What About Battery Storage?
Battery storage can allow homeowners to keep excess solar energy generated during the day and use it later rather than exporting it to the grid. That doesn’t mean a battery makes sense for every home. System size, energy-use patterns, backup-power needs and economics should all be considered.
🎙️ Learn More About Home Batteries
Our battery-focused episode of The Solar PVcast looks at energy storage, Tesla Powerwalls and what homeowners should consider when deciding whether storage makes sense.
Solar Power Pays: Win the Ultimate Home Energy Upgrade
Go solar with Shift this fall and you could win the Ultimate Home Energy Upgrade, featuring a Tesla Powerwall, Backup Gateway, home energy monitoring, Level 2 EV charger and professional installation — an approximate $25,000 value.
Energy is changing. Understanding how and when electricity is produced, stored and consumed is becoming an increasingly important part of designing a solar system for the years ahead.