Rebates will be made available for BC Hydro customers in July who add solar panels and battery storage to their homes or businesses. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

power on

Newly offered BC Hydro rebates available for solar panel installations

Jun 28, 2024 | 10:40 AM

NANAIMO — A first-time-ever program through the province’s public power utility will offer more incentive to install rooftop solar panels on area homes.

The company said they’re offering rebates of up to $10,000 after installation of eligible solar panels and accompanying battery storage systems on homes.

Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro CEO, said the rebate program will make it easier for people and businesses to generate their own electricity and deliver clean energy back to the electricity grid.

“These systems allow our customers to lower their energy bills and generate their own renewable electricity and store it to use later when and how they want. Adding more renewable generation and storage also helps the overall electricity system by reducing demand on the grid.”

Customers looking to take advantage must register their system on the BC Hydro website to begin the qualification process.

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Rebates will also be available for larger facilities including apartment buildings, schools, commercial businesses and local governments.

Depending on the size and setup, between $50,000 and $150,000 would be available.

The rebates are part of a plan to accelerate the shift to clear energy in the province and comes after BC Hydro made a call for more clean power generation for the first time in 15 years and updated its capital plan which includes $40 billion in investments.

O’Riley said the rebates combat growing power needs on two fronts.

“As more people look to switch from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable sources of power, these programs will also help our customers save $80 million a year…also deferring the need for additional capital infrastructure and offering more flexibility for the BC Hydro system, so it’s a win-win.”

The first rebates will be available in July.

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