Is solar worth it in BC given low electricity rates?

At Tier 2 rates (~14.22¢/kWh), payback periods run 12–18 years. In high-solar regions (Okanagan, Interior), payback is shorter. Battery storage improves economics. Over 25 years, solar is profitable as rates continue rising.

What happens to my credits at the March 1 anniversary?

Unused credit balance is paid out at market energy price (lower than retail). Right-size your system to annual consumption to avoid surplus credits. One complimentary anniversary date change allowed after enrollment.

Can I apply for a system larger than my annual consumption?

Yes, up to 100 kW. However, surplus credits pay out at market rates (not retail), which is not economically optimal. Size to match your actual consumption.

Should I apply before April 1, 2026 when rates change?

If BCUC approves BC Hydro's proposed rate changes, existing customers stay on current rates for 20 years. Enrolling before April 2026 locks favourable terms. Consult your installer about timing.

Who installs the bidirectional meter?

BC Hydro installs or verifies the bidirectional smart meter at no cost. Most existing BC Hydro smart meters are already bidirectional.

Can I pair battery storage with my solar system?

Yes. Battery storage reduces grid dependence and can eliminate peak demand draw. BC Hydro residential rates don't currently have demand charges, but batteries improve overall economics.

BC Hydro Solar & Net Metering Guide — 2026 Complete Guide

4M

BC Hydro Customers

1,100–1,500

kWh/kW Annual

March 1

Anniversary Date

Tier 1 & 2

Rate Structure

What Is BC Hydro?

BC Hydro and Power Authority is a Crown corporation serving 4 million customers — 95%+ of BC's population. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity across BC, with most power from large hydroelectric facilities on major rivers.

BC Hydro is regulated by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC). Its net metering program has 9,300+ participants, 99% using solar PV.

Use our BC Solar Calculator to estimate your savings based on your actual bill and region.

BC Hydro Electricity Rates (2026)

Standard Residential Tiered Rate (Schedule 1101)

Tier 1First 1,350 kWh/period9.52¢/kWh

Tier 2All consumption above14.22¢/kWh

~1,350 kWh = 675 kWh/month equivalent per two-month billing period.

Optional Time-of-Day Pricing (Schedule 1181)

Available to residential and net metering customers:

On-Peak surcharge: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (added to your tier rate)

Off-Peak discount: 11:00 PM onwards (overnight reduction)

Time-of-day only applies to grid inflow (draw), not exports.

New: Flat Energy Rate (Schedule 1151) — April 1, 2025

BCUC approved a single per-kWh charge with no tiered threshold. Simplifies billing but may not suit high-consumption households.

Rates among lowest in Western Canada. Verify at bchydro.com. BCUC-approved adjustments fund infrastructure.

BC Hydro Self-Generation (Net Metering)

How Credits Work

• Solar exports sent to grid, recorded by smart meter
• Credits valued at applicable retail rate (Tier 1 or 2)
• Carry forward month-to-month until March 1 anniversary
• Unused balance at anniversary paid at market energy price (lower than retail)
• System capacity up to 100 kW (no consumption cap)

March 1 Anniversary

All net metering customers get a March 1 annual anniversary. Falls post-winter, allowing you to carry fall/winter credits from summer surplus. One complimentary alternative date allowed.

Battery Storage Eligible

Pair battery storage with solar under the net metering program. Reduces grid dependence, can eliminate peak draw, improves long-term economics.

🚨 BCUC Rate Reform Pending (April 1, 2026)

BC Hydro proposed new rate schedules. Expected BCUC decision early 2026:

• RS 2289 (Self-Gen): New customers on market-value pricing
• RS 2290 (Community Gen): Shared solar programs, 10¢/kWh to grid
• 20-year grandfathering: Existing customers can stay on current rates 20 years from enrollment
• Action: Apply before April 1, 2026 to lock current favorable terms

Track BCUC proceeding: BCUC Net Metering Proceeding →

Solar Potential Across BC

BC's solar is often underestimated. Vancouver produces more solar per kW than Berlin — a global solar leader.

Region	Irradiance	kWh/kW Annual
Okanagan	Excellent	1,350–1,500
Interior	Very Good	1,200–1,350
Greater Vancouver	Good	1,100–1,200
Victoria / South Island	Good	1,150–1,250
Northern BC	Moderate	900–1,100

Data from Natural Resources Canada.

How to Apply for BC Hydro Net Metering

Submit via MyHydro customer portal at bchydro.com

1

Log into MyHydro

Visit bchydro.com → MyHydro account.

2

Navigate to Self-Generation

Click Self-Generation → Apply.

3

Gather documents

BC Hydro account number, meter number, system specs, inverter datasheet (if not pre-approved).

4

Submit application

Contractors can draft on behalf of customer.

5

BC Hydro reviews

Technical review for grid impact and interconnection feasibility.

6

Smart meter verified

BC Hydro confirms bidirectionality (most already are).

7

System energizes

Credits begin accruing on your bill.

Non-Integrated Area (NIA) Customers

Do NOT purchase equipment until BC Hydro completes technical review. NIA applications (diesel/local generation areas) require thorough grid impact assessment.

Federal & Provincial Incentives

Canada Greener Homes Loan

0% interest, up to $40K for energy retrofits including solar.

Federal 30% Investment Tax Credit

30% tax credit for clean technology (verify residential eligibility).

CleanBC Better Homes

BC provincial rebates for heat pumps and efficiency upgrades.

BC has no province-wide direct residential solar rebate as of 2025. See: Solar Incentives 2026 →

Calculate Your BC Solar Savings

Free estimate with BC Hydro tiered rates, March 1 anniversary, and market price payouts.

Get Your Free Estimate

BC Hydro Solar FAQs

Authoritative Resources

BC Hydro Self-Generation

Official program page

MyHydro Application

Apply for net metering

BC Utilities Commission

Regulatory oversight

NRCan Solar Maps

Irradiance data

BC Hydro Solar & Net Metering Guide — 2026