Choose the right
SOLAR POWER SYSTEM FOR YOUR PROPERTY
The system you need depends on your grid connection, energy goals, and backup requirements. Here's how the main types compare.
Grid-Tied Solar Power Systems
Grid-tied systems connect directly to BC Hydro's electrical grid. Your solar panels generate energy during the day, feeding your home’s demand first, with any excess production sent out to the grid and credited to your account through the self-generation agreement. When your panels aren't producing enough power—at night or during heavy cloud cover—you draw from the grid as usual.
Best for: Properties with reliable grid access looking to reduce BC Hydro bills without battery costs.
Key benefits:
-
Lowest upfront cost—no battery storage required
-
BC Hydro self-generation credits for excess production
-
Minimal maintenance with proven inverter technology
-
Seamless integration with existing electrical systems
Grid-tied systems make up the majority of residential solar installations in BC. They're straightforward, cost-effective, and fully supported by BC Hydro's self-generation program.
Grid-Tied Systems with Battery Backup
Battery backup systems combine grid-tied solar with energy storage. During normal operation, they work like standard grid-tied systems—solar panels power your home and send excess to BC Hydro for self-generation credits. The difference: when the grid goes down, your battery automatically takes over to keep essential circuits, or all of your circuits, running.
Best for: Properties that want solar savings plus protection from power outages.
Key benefits:
-
Grid-tied economics with backup security
-
Automatic and immediate switching during outages
-
Keeps essential systems running (refrigeration, pumps, lights, etc.)
-
Option to store solar power for evening use
Battery backup systems cost more than standard grid-tied installations, but they deliver peace of mind during Vancouver Island's occasional storm-related outages. You choose which circuits stay powered during an outage—whole-home backup or just the essentials.
Off-Grid Solar Power Systems
Off-grid systems operate independently from BC Hydro's electrical grid. Solar panels charge a battery bank that powers your property 24/7. These systems require careful sizing to ensure your battery capacity and solar production can handle your energy needs year-round, including Vancouver Island's lower-production winter months. Osprey can also provide supplemental power with the supply & installation of a supporting generator package.
Best for: Remote properties without grid access, or anyone seeking complete energy independence.
Key benefits:
-
Total independence from BC Hydro
-
No monthly utility bills
-
Reliable power in remote locations
-
Protection from grid outages and rate increases
Off-grid systems require more planning than grid-tied installations. Battery sizing, generator backup, and load management all factor into system design. Our team handles the technical details so your off-grid system delivers reliable power year-round.
Commercial Solar Power Systems
Commercial systems scale from small business rooftops to large industrial installations. The same technology applies—grid-tied systems, off-grid systems, or battery backup configurations—but commercial projects require additional considerations around three-phase power, demand charges, and business operational requirements.
Best for: Businesses looking to reduce operating costs and demonstrate environmental leadership.
Key benefits:
-
Optimal return on investment due to federal incentives
-
Direct reduction in monthly power expenses
-
Accelerated depreciation benefits
-
Enhanced sustainability credentials
Commercial systems often show faster payback periods than residential installations due to these incentives and their higher daytime energy consumption that aligns with solar production. We work with business owners to design systems that match operational schedules and maximize financial returns.
Solar Power Systems Built for British Columbia
BC HYDRO SELF-GENERATION PROGRAM
BC Hydro's Self-Generation program allows grid-tied system owners to receive credits for excess solar production sent back to the grid. Your smart meter records energy in kWh that has been sent out to the grid when you're producing more than you're using, and those credits offset the power you draw from the grid at other times.
Self-generation in BC operates on an annual cycle. Credits accumulate during high-production summer months and get used during lower-production winter months. Any remaining credits at year-end are paid out at BC Hydro's settlement rate, which is set every January.
PROVINCIAL INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
Incentive programs change regularly. We stay current on available rebates and can help identify which programs apply to your project. Solar power system costs can be offset through various rebate programs:
CURRENT INCENTIVE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
-
Residential BC Hydro Solar & Battery Rebate offers up to $5,000 for both the solar system and the battery system separately, a combined $10,000 in total.
-
Commercial BC Hydro Solar & Battery Rebate offers up to $10,000 for both the solar system and the battery system separately, a combined $20,000 in total.
-
CleanBC rebates for energy efficiency improvements
-
PST exemption on qualifying clean energy equipment
CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS FOR VANCOUVER ISLAND
Vancouver Island's marine climate means fewer extreme temperature days than interior BC, but more cloud cover than sunnier regions. Solar panels actually perform better in cooler temperatures, so our moderate climate works in your favour—panels are less efficient in extreme heat.
South-facing roofs with minimal shading deliver the best results, but east-west configurations can still perform well. Winter production drops to roughly 20-30% of summer output due to shorter days and increased cloud cover.
PERMITTING AND CODE REQUIREMENTS
All solar power systems in BC require electrical permits and must meet Canadian Electrical Code requirements. Our Red Seal certified electricians handle permitting, safety inspections, and interconnection applications for grid-tied systems.
Timelines vary by municipality, but most permits process within 2-4 weeks. We manage the entire permitting process so you don't have to navigate building departments and utility requirements.
THE PERMITTING PROCESS TYPICALLY INCLUDES:
-
Electrical permit application through your local authority
-
Structural assessment for roof-mounted systems (if required)
-
BC Hydro interconnection agreement (for grid-tied systems)
-
Final electrical inspection before system activation
From initial assessment to
OPERATIONAL SOLAR POWER SYSTEM
Assessments are free and include a detailed proposal outlining system specifications, costs, projected savings, and payback timeline. No pressure, no obligation—just the information you need to make a data-driven decision. Here's what it includes:
1
Site Evaluation
-
Roof or location condition, orientation, and available space
-
Shading analysis (trees, buildings, seasonal impact)
-
Electrical panel capacity and upgrade requirements
-
Structural considerations for roof-mounted systems
2
Energy Analysis
-
12-month BC Hydro consumption review
-
Usage patterns and peak demand periods
-
Future consumption changes (EVs, heat pumps, renovations)
-
Grid-tied vs. off-grid vs. battery backup suitability
3
System Design
-
Recommended system size and configuration
-
Equipment specifications and layout
-
Production estimates and financial projections
-
Available incentives and financing options
Solar Power Systems
THAT PAY FOR THEMSELVES
The financial case for solar comes down to system cost versus decades of BC Hydro bill savings. Here's what determines your return on investment.
Payback Periods in British Columbia
Residential solar power systems in BC typically pay for themselves in 10-15 years through electricity bill savings. That timeline depends on:
-
Your current BC Hydro rate and consumption
-
System size and production capacity
-
Available rebates and incentives
-
Financing method (cash purchase vs. financing costs)
Commercial systems often show faster payback (just 5-8 years) due to higher daytime energy consumption, economies of scale, and primarily the federal tax incentives. Businesses that operate primarily during daylight hours see the strongest returns since they consume solar power as it's generated rather than relying on self-generation credits.
After payback, your system generates savings into near-perpetuity. A system installed today should still produce 80% of its original output in 2055.
Long-Term Savings Projections
BC Hydro's most commonly used residential rate currently sits around $0.12-$0.15 per kWh, depending on your consumption tier. A 5kW solar system producing 5,500 kWh annually saves roughly $660-$825 per year at today's rates.
BC Hydro rates have historically increased 2-4% annually. If that trend continues, your annual savings grow even as your panels age and production gradually decreases. The net effect: your system's value increases over time even though production slowly declines.
Some homeowners prioritize maximum bill reduction while others optimize for the fastest payback. We help you understand the tradeoffs so you can make decisions based on your priorities.
BC Hydro Rate Considerations
BC Hydro's two-tier residential rate structure means customers using more energy pay higher rates on consumption above the first tier threshold. Higher-consumption households see better solar economics since they're offsetting power at the higher tier-two rate.
Self-generation credits are stored as banked kWh on your account if you're sending energy to the grid, you’re paid back with kWh at the same rate you'd pay to draw energy. This makes the math straightforward: every kWh your system produces saves you whatever you'd pay BC Hydro for that kWh. If you have a surplus of banked kWh at your anniversary date, your account is credited in dollars for every kWh at the settlement rate, which is typically slightly less than the kWh price you purchase energy for.
Ready To
REDUCE YOUR ENERGY COSTS?
Book a free system assessment, and we'll evaluate your property's solar potential. Our Red Seal certified electricians will walk you through system options, production estimates, and financial projections specific to your situation.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Free initial consultation and site assessment
Detailed system design and equipment recommendations
Comprehensive cost estimate with ROI analysis
Timeline and project scope overview
No-pressure, data-driven recommendations