Professional solar panel installation serving 24 neighborhoods in Vancouver. Save $1,750/year with BC Hydro.
Custom solar solutions for Vancouver, BC
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Vancouver homeowners have one of Canada’s strongest solar rebate stacks: up to $5,000 from BC Hydro plus a 7% PST exemption (about $2,000). BC Hydro’s two–step rates are rising about 3.75% a year, and 1:1 net metering closes to new customers on July 1, 2026, so timing matters. Despite the coast’s diffuse light, modern panels still produce about 1,010 kWh/kW here, with payback around 10–14 years.
Energy produced per kW of panels installed, each year
Mild oceanic climate with wet winters and dry summers
Average annual savings
Current electricity rate
Neighborhoods served
Vancouver’s mild climate and rising BC Hydro rates make solar increasingly attractive. While the coast gets less direct sun than the interior, modern panels produce 1,010 kWh/kW annually. Vancouver has Canada’s best solar rebate package:
Note: The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan programs are now closed. BC Hydro rebates and PST exemption remain active.
As an experienced British Columbia solar company, Xolar delivers complete solar solutions for Vancouver homeowners – from initial system design through professional installation and long-term monitoring.
BC Hydro charges a two-step residential rate:
Solar panels reduce your Step 2 consumption first – meaning every kWh of solar offsets electricity at the higher 14.08¢ rate. This makes solar more valuable in BC than the average rate suggests.
BC Hydro is changing net metering from 1:1 kWh credits to a fixed 10¢/kWh export rate, effective July 1, 2026.
Critical tradeoff: If you take the BC Hydro solar rebate ($5,000), you will be moved to the new 10¢/kWh export rate (Rate Schedule 2289) when it begins. You are NOT grandfathered on 1:1 net metering if you accept the rebate. Customers who install without the rebate may retain 1:1 credits. Beginning June 1, 2026, installations must be completed by an HPCN member to be eligible for rebates.
Installing before July 1, 2026 locks in the current 1:1 program – meaning every kWh you export earns a full credit against future consumption. This is a significant financial advantage over the proposed new rate.
A 10 kW system costs $28,000-$32,000. After the BC Hydro solar rebate ($5K) and PST exemption (~$2K): net cost $21,000-$25,000. Adding battery storage raises the total but qualifies for a separate battery rebate (up to $1,500, or up to $5,000 with Peak Saver enrollment). Payback: 10-14 years.
With BC Hydro’s 3.75% annual rate increases, your savings grow each year. After the payback period, you enjoy 15-20 years of reduced electricity costs.
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"You should cover by summary the down payment and investment payment of goods and services required to complete the project installation for government approval up front on first contact to client and conversation to fully disclose the client’s initial cost and eventual return once government approval repays the client this way you come across honest by transparency instead of back loading the cost at the end of the proposalSteve Kitching"
"I was quite late for my meeting due to an unexpected problem and Christopher was both flexible and understanding. He explained the what, how and why of investing in solar panels on my home clearly and knowledgeably. Looking forward to working to fulfill our plan with this company."
"My telephone discussion was very informative. It provided me with an understanding of the impending solar project. Thank you."
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"You should cover by summary the down payment and investment payment of goods and services required to complete the project installation for government approval up front on first contact to client and conversation to fully disclose the client’s initial cost and eventual return once government approval repays the client this way you come across honest by transparency instead of back loading the cost at the end of the proposalSteve Kitching"
"I was quite late for my meeting due to an unexpected problem and Christopher was both flexible and understanding. He explained the what, how and why of investing in solar panels on my home clearly and knowledgeably. Looking forward to working to fulfill our plan with this company."
"My telephone discussion was very informative. It provided me with an understanding of the impending solar project. Thank you."
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Professional solar panel installation available in these Vancouver neighborhoods and communities:
BC Hydro’s current residential rates are 10.97¢/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.
Rebates and incentives available specifically for Vancouver residents:
No local rebates currently available. Contact us for the latest incentive information.
As a Vancouver resident, you also qualify for these provincial incentives:
Available to British Columbia residents
Available to British Columbia residents
Available to British Columbia residents
Canada-wide incentives available to all residents:
Available to all Canadian residents
Available to all Canadian residents
BC Hydro currently offers 1:1 net metering, crediting exported solar at the full retail rate. As of July 1, 2026, BC Hydro closes 1:1 net metering (Rate Schedule 1289) to new customers and moves new systems to a fixed export rate of about 10¢/kWh (RS2289). Key tradeoff: if you take the $5,000 BC Hydro solar rebate you are moved to the new 10¢/kWh export rate and are NOT grandfathered on 1:1 credits; installing without the rebate may keep 1:1. We model both options so you choose the better long–term value.
All packages include professional installation, permits, and 25-year warranty.
Most popular choice for average Canadian homes
WHY TRUST XOLAR
We make going solar simple with our proven installation process. From initial consultation to final activation, our certified team handles everything for Vancouver homeowners.
Up to $5,000 from the BC Hydro solar rebate plus a 7% PST exemption (about $2,000). We handle the paperwork and the HPCN-member install requirement.
We model the $5,000 rebate against keeping 1:1 net metering so you choose the better long-term value before the July 1, 2026 change.
We size systems for Vancouver's diffuse-light conditions, where modern panels still produce about 1,010 kWh/kW a year.
Pair solar with a non-Tesla battery (Tesla is excluded from BC Hydro's battery rebate as of March 2025) for backup and up to $5,000 with Peak Saver.
Get answers to common questions about solar energy in Vancouver.
A 10 kW system costs $28,000-$32,000.
After the BC Hydro solar rebate ($5K) and PST exemption (~$2K): net cost $21,000-$25,000.
Adding battery storage raises the total but qualifies for a separate battery rebate (up to $1,500, or up to $5,000 with Peak Saver enrollment).
No.
Since March 2025, Tesla products are excluded from BC Hydro’s battery rebate.
Non-Tesla batteries (Enphase, sonnen, etc.) qualify for the full $5,000.
All solar panels remain eligible.
Yes.
Modern panels work in diffuse light.
A 10 kW system produces ~10,100 kWh/year.
With $5,000+ in rebates and rising Step 2 rates (14.08¢/kWh), payback is 10-14 years.
BC Hydro’s new rate structure (10¢/kWh for exports) takes effect July 1, 2026.
Important: if you take the BC Hydro solar rebate, you will be moved to the new 10¢/kWh export rate when it begins – you are NOT grandfathered on 1:1 net metering.
Customers who install solar without the rebate may retain 1:1 credits.
Weigh the $5K rebate vs. long-term net metering value with your installer.
BC Hydro provides both generation and distribution in Vancouver.
Residential rates use a two-step structure: 11.87¢/kWh (Step 1, first 675 kWh/month) and 14.08¢/kWh (Step 2, above 675 kWh).
Get a free quote for solar panel installation in your Vancouver neighborhood. Save $1,750/year on average.