BC Hydro announces rebates for rooftop solar and storage installs

BC Hydro, British Columbia’s public power utility, announced it will offer rebates for the installation of rooftop solar and battery storage systems for residential and commercial properties. This marks the first time the utility has provided such rebates.

Homeowners will be eligible for rebates up to $10,000 for installing qualifying solar and battery storage systems. Apartment buildings, schools, businesses, and other larger entities can receive rebates ranging from $50,000 to $150,000.

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is defined by its Pacific coastline and mountain ranges. Nature areas like Glacier National Park offer hiking and biking trails, as well as campgrounds. Whistler Blackcomb is a major ski resort that hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The program aims to reduce the cost of installing solar panels and battery systems, making renewable energy more accessible.

BC Hydro stated that this initiative will enable residents and businesses to generate their own electricity, reduce their power bills, and contribute clean energy back to the electricity grid.

The rebates are part of a broader plan to accelerate the transition to clean energy in the province. They are also part of an updated capital plan designed to boost the province’s energy infrastructure and capacity.

This comes after BC Hydro issued a call for more clean power generation, the first such call in 15 years, and updated its capital plan to include $40 billion in investments.

Chris O’Riley, CEO of BC Hydro, emphasized the long-term benefits of the program.

“Investing in systems today puts the province on the path to meet power demands later,” he said. The rebates will be available starting in July.