"Great first impression, the representative Spencer Grimes is very knowledgeable and was able to answer my questions."
DS
Deb Stewart
Solar Panels in British Columbia
Professional solar panel installation across 20 cities in British Columbia. Save $1,800/year on average with provincial and federal incentives.
Get Your Free Solar Quote
Get a personalized solar proposal in 24 hours
Prefer to discuss your project first? Contact us or view our detailed quote form
Tesla Powerwall in British Columbia
Watch a real Xolar installation featuring solar panels paired with a Tesla Powerwall battery backup. See the quality of work, the equipment, and hear directly from a homeowner in British Columbia.
Net Metering Is Changing in British Columbia (Effective July 1, 2026)
As of June 2026, BC Hydro is closing its current 1:1 net metering program (Rate Schedule 1289) to new customers on July 1, 2026. After that date, new solar customers connect under Rate Schedule 2289, which pays a fixed 10¢/kWh for energy exported to the grid instead of crediting it at the full retail rate. The change was confirmed by the BC Utilities Commission in March 2026.
There is an important tradeoff to weigh before the deadline. If you take the $5,000 BC Hydro solar rebate, you are moved to the new 10¢/kWh export rate. If you skip the rebate and connect before July 1, 2026, you can keep 1:1 net metering for up to 20 years. With the deadline close, British Columbia homeowners considering solar should book early so we can model both options for your home before the window closes.
British Columbia Solar Installations
Showing all Canadian installations. We're expanding our British Columbia network!
Solar Performance in British Columbia
System Effectiveness
Solar panels in British Columbia are highly effective, with modern systems achieving excellent performance even in winter months.
Summer Production 95-100%
Winter Production 60-75%
Sun Exposure
Mild coastal and varied interior climates
1004 kWh per 1 kW of solar panels installed – Southern BC gets excellent sunlight year–round
• Peak production in summer months
• Consistent year-round energy production
• Solar panels work in all seasons
Key Performance Factors
25+ years
Panel lifespan with minimal degradation
80%+
Efficiency retained after 25 years
7-9 kW
Typical residential system size
Protect Yourself from Rising Electricity Costs
The more you pay for electricity, the more you benefit by going solar.
Electricity rates across British Columbia have risen steadily over the past several years, and further increases are expected.
Producing your own electricity with solar helps shield your household from future rate increases.
By generating your own power, you reduce your dependence on the grid and keep more money in your pocket every month.
Net Metering Program
How Net Metering Works in British Columbia
During daylight hours, the electricity your panels generate flows directly to your home and powers your appliances in real time. This is called load displacement, and every kilowatt-hour you use on the spot is one you do not buy from the grid. Because it offsets power at the full retail rate you would otherwise pay, this on-site use is usually the most valuable energy your system produces.
Your solar system connects to the grid through your utility's net metering or net billing program. The surplus energy you produce beyond what your home uses earns credits that offset the power you draw from the grid, balancing your usage across day, night, and seasons.
In British Columbia, the exact credit rate and rules are set by your local utility. A well-sized system can cover a large share of your electricity costs year-round.
Applicable Rebates & Incentives in British Columbia
Maximize your solar investment with federal and provincial incentives. Here's what you can apply for in British Columbia:
British Columbia Provincial Programs
BC Hydro Solar Rebate
Up to $5,000
BC Hydro rebate for solar energy storage systems $1000 per kW of installed solar capacity up to a maximum rebate of $5,000 Rebate amount capped at 50...
BC Hydro residential customers The property must have a BC Hydro residential account Customers of other utilities within B.C., such as FortisBC, are...
BC Hydro Battery Rebate
Up to $5,000
BC Hydro rebate for battery energy storage systems $500 per kWh of installed storage capacity up to a maximum rebate of $5,000 Rebate amount capped a...
BC Hydro residential customers The property must have a BC Hydro residential account Customers of other utilities within B.C., such as FortisBC, are...
PST Exemption
Up to 7% PST exemption
Provincial Sales Tax exemption on solar photovoltaic equipment purchases
Anyone purchasing solar PV equipment in BC
Canada Federal Programs
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program
Up to $10,000
Canada offers the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program, providing up to $10,000 upfront for low–to–median–income oil–heated homeowner...
Eligibility criteria Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements throughout the program to be eligible for funding. This includes complying with...
Tesla Powerwall 3 Rebate
Up to $1,400
Receive up to $1,400 Back for Your Powerwall 3 Rebate Details ** Tesla Rebate order deadline has been extended from March 31, to June 30. Installatio...
Eligibility To be eligible for this offer, you must meet the following criteria: Order and Registration Order Powerwall 3 or Powerwall 3 Expansion be...
Xolar In-House Offers
These are limited-time promotions and pricing offers from Xolar directly, separate from any government grant or program.
Spring 2026 Sale – Heat Pump
Up to $675
Get $675 off any heat pump purchased between April 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026.
Sign a purchase agreement for a heat pump installation between April 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026.
Spring 2026 Sale – Battery
Up to $1825
Get $1825 off any battery installation purchase this Spring.
Sign a purchase agreement for battery with Xolar between April 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026.
Spring 2026 Sale – Solar
Up to $2800
In–house Spring sales event, pricing is reduced by $280 per kW on all residential solar installations.
All residential solar systems purchased between April 1, 2026 and June 30, 2026 will be automatically eligible for this in–house discount.
Calculate Your Total Rebates
Find out exactly how much you can save with federal and provincial incentives in British Columbia. Most homeowners save between $5,000 - $15,000.
Solar System Packages
All packages include professional installation, permits, and 25-year warranty.
Most popular choice for average Canadian homes
WHY TRUST XOLAR
Professional Solar Installation in British Columbia
We make going solar simple with our proven installation process. From initial consultation to final activation, our certified team handles everything for British Columbia homeowners.
- 1
Free Consultation
We assess your home's solar potential, energy needs, and discuss available incentives.
- 2
Custom System Design
Our engineers design a system optimized for your roof and energy consumption.
- 3
Permitting & Paperwork
We handle all British Columbia permits, utility applications, and rebate paperwork.
- 4
Professional Installation
Our certified installers complete the job in 1-2 days with minimal disruption.
- 5
Activation & Monitoring
We connect your system to the grid and set up 24/7 performance monitoring.
Google Reviews
What British Columbia Homeowners Say
See how solar energy is transforming homes across British Columbia.
"Nice talking answer my all questions and explanation was good"
DS
Deep Singh
"The agent was friendly, patient and professional. Thanks"
A
aureliendouandji
"Fact filled experience opened my eyes to the world of solar cells on our home. Spencer had all of the information laid out if detail and was able to answer questions quickly. More to learn but off to a great start with Spencer. Thank you!"
BA
Bradd Anderson
"Very patient, attentive and well explained."
MB
Marc Brideau
"Dylan provided very knowledgeable and valuable information for decision making tailored to my requirements."
BD
Bill Desavigny
Solar FAQs for British Columbia Residents
Get answers to common questions about solar energy in British Columbia.
Most British Columbia homeowners save $1,800/year on average with solar panels.
Actual savings depend on your energy usage, system size, and local electricity rates.
With BC Hydro’s two-tier rates and ongoing annual increases, solar locks in your energy costs for 25+ years while grid rates continue rising.
BC residents can access the BC Hydro Solar Rebate ($1,000/kW up to $5,000 for solar panels), the PST Tax Exemption (7% savings on solar equipment), and net metering.
The BC Hydro battery rebate changed as of April 1, 2026: batteries paired with solar are eligible for up to $1,500 without Peak Saver enrollment, or up to $5,000 with Peak Saver enrollment.
Battery-only installations are no longer eligible for the rebate.
Note: the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant closed March 2024 and the Greener Homes Loan closed October 2025; neither is available to new applicants.
The typical payback period in BC is 10-14 years.
This accounts for provincial rebates (BC Hydro solar rebate up to $5,000), PST exemption, and energy savings.
After payback, you enjoy 15+ years of free electricity with minimal maintenance costs.
Most residential installations in BC take 1-3 months from contract to activation.
This includes design, permits, equipment procurement, and installation.
We handle all BC-specific permits and regulations, including BC Hydro net metering connections with zero setup fees.
Yes.
As of June 2026, BC Hydro is closing its 1:1 net metering program (Rate Schedule 1289) to new customers on July 1, 2026.
New customers after that date move to Rate Schedule 2289, which pays a fixed 10¢/kWh export rate instead of full retail credit, as confirmed by the BC Utilities Commission in March 2026.
If you take the $5,000 BC Hydro rebate you are placed on the new 10¢/kWh rate.
If you skip the rebate and connect before July 1, 2026, you can keep 1:1 net metering for up to 20 years.
We help you model both options before you decide.
Cities We Serve in British Columbia
Professional solar installation available in 20 British Columbia communities. Click on your city for local information and savings.
Courtenay
Save up to $1,870/year
Good – 1,000 kWh/kW annually
BC Hydro
Areas: Downtown Courtenay, Crown Isle, North Courtenay +3 more
View Courtenay details →
Delta
Save up to $1,820/year
Good – 1,010 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Ladner, Tsawwassen, North Delta +3 more
View Delta details →
North Vancouver
Save up to $1,780/year
Good – 960 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Lower Lonsdale, Central Lonsdale, Upper Lonsdale +3 more
View North Vancouver details →
West Kelowna
Save up to $2,090/year
Excellent – 1,230 kWh/kW annually.
FortisBC
Areas: Westbank, Lakeview Heights, Rose Valley +3 more
View West Kelowna details →
Campbell River
Save up to $1,850/year
Good – 990 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Downtown Campbell River, Willow Point, Campbellton +3 more
View Campbell River details →
Penticton
Save up to $2,120/year
Best in BC – 1,270 kWh/kW annually.
City of Penticton Electric
Areas: Downtown Penticton, South Beach, North Beach +3 more
View Penticton details →
Vernon
Save up to $2,080/year
Excellent – 1,230 kWh/kW annually.
FortisBC
Areas: Downtown Vernon, East Hill, Silver Star +3 more
View Vernon details →
Chilliwack
Save up to $1,900/year
Good – 1,050 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Downtown Chilliwack, Sardis, Promontory +3 more
View Chilliwack details →
Prince George
Save up to $1,950/year
Good – 1,100 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Downtown Prince George, College Heights, Hart Highway +3 more
View Prince George details →
Nanaimo
Save up to $1,880/year
Good – 1,010 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Downtown Nanaimo, North Nanaimo, South Nanaimo +3 more
View Nanaimo details →
Kamloops
Save up to $2,050/year
Excellent – 1,250 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Downtown Kamloops, North Shore, South Shore +3 more
View Kamloops details →
Langley
Save up to $1,870/year
Good – 1,010 kWh/kW annually
BC Hydro
Areas: Willoughby, Walnut Grove, Fort Langley +3 more
View Langley details →
Coquitlam
Save up to $1,790/year
Good – 980 kWh/kW annually
BC Hydro
Areas: Town Centre, Burquitlam, Maillardville +3 more
View Coquitlam details →
Abbotsford
Save up to $1,850/year
Good – 1,030 kWh/kW annually.
BC Hydro
Areas: Downtown Abbotsford, West Abbotsford, East Abbotsford +3 more
View Abbotsford details →
Kelowna
Save up to $2,100/year
Excellent – 1,245 kWh/kW annually.
FortisBC
Areas: Downtown Kelowna, Rutland, Glenmore +3 more
View Kelowna details →
Ready to Go Solar in British Columbia?
Get a free quote for solar panel installation in your British Columbia community. Save $1,800/year on average.