Solar panels in Nanaimo, British Columbia
Professional solar panel installation in Nanaimo, British Columbia. BC Hydro customers here save $1,880/year on average.
We design, permit and install grid-tied solar across Nanaimo and 6 surrounding neighbourhoods, and we handle the BC Hydro interconnection paperwork for you.
4.6 · 780+ reviews
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Custom solar solutions for Nanaimo, BC
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Real Xolar installs in Nanaimo
Completed systems across the Nanaimo service area — first-hand specs, not industry averages.
Nanaimo energy & net metering
What BC Hydro charges here, and how surplus solar is credited in British Columbia.
BC Hydro’s current residential rates are 11.87¢/kWh (Step 1) and 14.08¢/kWh (Step 2), with rate increases of 3.75% in both 2025 and 2026. Solar locks in your energy costs as grid rates continue rising.
How your system works behind the meter
Most of a Nanaimo system's value comes from power used behind the meter — electricity your panels make and your home uses on the spot, offsetting energy you'd otherwise buy at 11.87¢/kWh. Only the surplus flows past the meter to BC Hydro for net-metering credit.
Rebates & incentives in Nanaimo
Every active local, provincial, federal and Xolar program a Nanaimo homeowner can stack.
- Up to $5,000BC Hydro Solar Rebate
- Up to $1,500 ($5,000 with Peak Saver)BC Hydro Battery Rebate
- 7% PST exemptionPST Exemption
- Up to 30% of eligible costsClean Technology Investment Tax Credit (Commercial ITC)
Solar Panels in Nanaimo, BC
Nanaimo on Vancouver Island produces 1,010 kWh/kW. Island locations benefit from less fog than the mainland coast. BC Hydro rebates (up to $5,000 for solar plus battery rebate (up to $1,500 without Peak Saver, or up to $5,000 with Peak Saver)) and PST exemption apply.
Note: The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan programs are now closed.
Net Metering Tradeoff - Nanaimo
As of July 2026, BC Hydro’s export rate of about 10¢/kWh (Rate Schedule 2289) is in effect. The BCUC approved it on March 24, 2026 and it took effect July 1, 2026, closing 1:1 net metering (Rate Schedule 1289) to new customers. Customers who received BC Hydro’s solar rebate are moved to the new rate. Installing without the rebate may keep you on 1:1 net metering for 10 years from the original service start date.
Your Xolar advisor can help determine which option provides the better long-term return for your home.
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Completed Xolar installations — each dot represents a city where we've installed solar.
Areas We Serve in Nanaimo
Professional solar panel installation available in these Nanaimo neighborhoods and communities:
What Nanaimo homeowners say
"Just starting the process with quotes and I was impressed with how fast Xolar got back to us and how knowledgeable they were. Answered all our questions and was able to give us a quote with diagrams of the process. It’s a good start."
"Dave was great to deal with and very helpful and knowledgeable about the solar power and answered all my questions with ease."
"Explained everything very good"
"I had my solar system installed by Xolar and I’m extremely satisfied with both the hardware and the overall setup. The system delivers immediate savings on my Hydro bill and is performing better than I expected, even under winter conditions. The hardware layout is clean, thoughtfully designed, and integrates seamlessly with my existing electrical system.The project timeline was solid: I placed my order in August, the installation took place over the winter, and everything was fully completed by April, including all permits and approvals from the city. The only hiccup in the entire process was a hardware shortage during the ordering phase, which required me to follow up a few times. That delay was frustrating, but ultimately handled well.A special mention goes to Lauren, who has been a great point of contact from start to finish. She is responsive, clear in her communication, and consistently advocated on my behalf to resolve issues and push past any delays. Having someone like Lauren to talk to made a big difference and kept my confidence in the project high.Overall, I would definitely recommend Xolar to anyone considering a solar installation. Once the hardware arrived, everything moved smoothly, the system was set up correctly the first time, and the performance and savings so far have exceeded my expectations."
"I was overall very pleased with my experience with Xolar. The knowledgeable sales team addressed all my questions and presented multiple solutions. I would definitely work with Xolar again regarding all things solar."
"Love to know how much the AUDIT will be. I need it for the $40,000.00 interest free Government Loan."
Nanaimo solar questions
Does solar work on Vancouver Island?
Yes.
Nanaimo produces 1,010 kWh/kW – Vancouver Island often gets less fog than the mainland coast.
BC Hydro rebates apply: up to $5,000 for solar, or $10,000 with a Peak Saver battery.
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Solar system packages
All include install, permits & 25-yr warrantyMost popular choice for average Canadian homes
Solar installation across British Columbia
We serve homeowners province-wide. View all British Columbia service areas →