British Columbia has introduced a new rebate program aimed at encouraging the installation of rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems.
According to the provincial government, eligible homeowners can apply to BC Hydro for rebates of up to $10,000, which can cover both solar power systems and accompanying battery storage.
For larger installations, such as those in apartment buildings, schools, community organizations, local governments, small businesses, social housing providers, and Indigenous communities, the rebates can reach up to $150,000.
The program is set to launch in late July, with the primary goal of making it easier for individuals and businesses to generate their own electricity, reduce energy bills, and contribute clean energy back to the grid, according to the government.
“We need more clean energy to power our homes, businesses and industries, to power a growing economy and to power our future. British Columbians are up for the challenge. That’s why we are providing new BC Hydro rebates for rooftop solar panels and battery storage so that more people across the province can generate electricity, save on their energy bills and help build a clean economy,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
To give you an idea of how far these rebates will go, Tesla recently added Powerwall pricing to its website in Canada, as well as launching the latest generation of its home battery, Powerwall 3, in Canada. Tesla estimates a single Powerwall system, along with the required Gateway, will cost about $12,000. Doubling up to two Powerwalls pushes the price up to around $23,000.
These prices do not include taxes, delivery, or installation.