Solar Panel Installation for Businesses in BC

Commercial Buildings & Solar Power Systems

JUNE 2025 UPDATE: Businesses can receive rebates from BC Hydro for solar panels and battery storage systems. These rebates are designed to support businesses in enhancing their energy sustainability efforts, gaining greater control over energy costs, and increasing operational resilience.

Through the self-generation program, you can now access rebates of up to $10,000 on solar panels and up to an additional $10,000 on battery storage systems.

Why Go Solar?

Installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels gives your business control over energy costs while showing your commitment to sustainability. Generate your own clean energy and reduce your reliance on the grid.

Solar Panel Rebate Details:

Rebate: $1,000 per kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity

Maximum: $10,000 or 50% of total installed cost (labour + materials)

Add Battery Storage for Greater Energy Resilience
Battery systems store excess solar energy, allowing your business to operate during peak hours, cloudy days, or power outages.

Energy Storage:

Battery Storage Rebate Details:

Rebate: $500 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of installed storage

Eligible sizes: 5 kWh to 100 kWh

Maximum: $10,000 or 50% of total installed cost

For detailed information about the rebates for businesses and how to apply, please visit:

https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/business/programs/business-solar-battery.html

*Please note: Program details and rebate amounts are subject to change without prior notice.

Energy Storage Incentive (ESI)

BC Hydro is currently offering an incredible 80% to 90% rebate on battery storage systems for eligible commercial properties. This program supports businesses that allow BC Hydro to remotely dispatch their battery storage systems to support the grid during peak demand.

Key points:

Incentive is the lesser of:

$10,000 × kW nominated for dispatch

$10,000 × (kWh ÷ 4) nominated

80% of eligible project costs

Must agree to a 10-year dispatch participation contract

Systems must be non-exporting (no energy sent to the grid)

Tesla products are not eligible as of March 12, 2025, due to a preference for Canadian-made goods

System performance requirements:

Maximum 2 dispatch events per day (up to 4 hours each)

Minimum 5 hours between events

System must respond with at least 85% of its nominated capacity for 85% of events annually

Connection to BC Hydro software required (via IEEE 2030.5, SCADA, or approved API)

Choose this option if your business wants to support the electrical grid and earn a larger rebate in return for providing flexibility.

*Please note: Program details and amounts are subject to change without prior notice.

JANUARY 2024 UPDATE: Federal incentives have recently become available making solar energy systems extremely profitable for businesses allowing a quicker return on investment while improving your company’s energy costs. Combining these Investment Tax Credits with Capital Cost Allowances means that up to 50% of the cost of installing solar panels will be covered within the first year!

Commercial buildings, warehouses and agriculture all consume mass amounts of energy in order to operate. With so many fixed business expenses, many organizations struggle to find appropriate capital investments to reduce operating costs and have a more positive impact on the environment.

With the ever increasing electricity costs, solar energy production has become more effective and efficient in helping organizations reduce expenditures, while having a positive environmental impact that customers desire. Customer’s love supporting businesses with environmentally friendly operations.

Our Solar Division experts can analyze your energy consumption to generate a solar strategy that will sustain your business, save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

The benefits of solar systems and investing in clean energy are becoming more clear for all types of businesses. Let your company achieve energy independence, while reducing your environmental impact and improving your costs.

*Please note: Program details and amounts are subject to change without prior notice.