As more Indigenous communities across British Columbia invest in renewable energy, BC Hydro is helping make solar and battery storage more accessible through dedicated rebate programs.
Eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 for solar installations and another $50,000 for battery storage, helping reduce upfront costs while supporting long-term energy resilience.
Whether you’re looking to reduce long-term electricity costs, improve energy resilience, or invest in clean energy infrastructure for your community, these rebates can significantly reduce the upfront cost of a project.
Here’s what the program includes and what you should know before getting started.
Who Is Eligible for BC Hydro’s Indigenous Solar & Battery Rebates?
BC Hydro’s Indigenous Solar & Battery Program is available to eligible Indigenous Governing Bodies that own grid-connected homes, businesses, or community buildings located on reserve. Eligible buildings must have an active BC Hydro residential or business account.
If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, our team can help you review the eligibility requirements early in the planning process and identify the rebates available for your project.
What Rebates Are Available?
The program provides rebates for both solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage.
As of July 2026, eligible projects can receive:
- $1,000 per kW of installed solar capacity
- $500 per kWh of installed battery storage
- Rebates covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, including labour and materials
- Maximum rebates of $50,000 for solar and $50,000 for battery
These incentives can make a significant difference when planning larger community or commercial solar projects.
Depending on system size, electricity usage, and available rebates, some projects may achieve payback in as little as six years. Our team can provide a customized estimate based on your property’s energy needs.
Why Pair Solar Panels with Battery Storage?
While solar panels generate electricity during the day, battery storage allows that energy to be stored and used later when it’s needed most.
For many Indigenous communities, battery storage can help:
- provide backup power during outages
- reduce reliance on the electrical grid
- make better use of the energy produced by the solar system
- improve overall energy resilience
Together, solar and battery storage create a more flexible energy solution than solar alone.
2026 Eligibility Requirements
Beginning June 1, 2026, BC Hydro requires all rebate-eligible solar and battery installations to be completed by a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member.
Solos Energy is an HPCN-certified contractor and can help ensure your project meets BC Hydro’s rebate requirements from the start. Learn more about the Home Performance Contractor Network in our dedicated guide. (to be linked)
How to Apply for Rebates
Every solar project begins with understanding your property’s energy needs.
A site assessment typically looks at:
- current electricity consumption
- available roof or land space
- expected energy production
- battery storage options
- available rebates and incentives
From there, Solos Energy will prepare a customized proposal and guide you through the self-generation approval process required by BC Hydro.
How Solos Energy Can Help
Navigating rebate programs can feel overwhelming, especially when there are eligibility requirements, approvals, and technical details to consider. That’s where we come in.
As an HPCN-certified contractor, our team can help you understand the available rebates, assess your property’s solar potential, design a system that meets your energy goals, and guide you through BC Hydro’s self-generation and rebate process from start to finish.
Whether you’re just starting to explore solar or are ready to move forward with a project, we’re here to answer your questions, provide honest advice, and help make the process as straightforward as possible.
Learn more about your options or request a free quote to speak with our team.
FAQ
Can homeowners apply for these rebates?
No. The Indigenous Solar & Battery Program is available to eligible Indigenous Governing Bodies for qualifying homes, businesses, and community buildings located on reserve.
Does Solos Energy help with rebate applications?
Yes. Solos Energy helps assess eligibility, design your system, guide you through BC Hydro’s self-generation approval process, and assist with rebate requirements.
