This calculator models residential solar payback for BC Hydro customers using conservative defaults: $2.75/watt installed cost and 40% self-consumption without a battery. It applies current rebate caps and the post-July 1, 2026 export rate of 10 cents per kWh.
Results compare RS 2289 (new connections) against legacy 1:1 net metering so you can see how the July 1 change affects lifetime savings — not just upfront rebates.
Solar payback calculator
Estimates use the post July 1, 2026 Self-Generation Rate (RS 2289, 10¢/kWh export). Defaults are conservative — adjust any assumption below.
Estimates only, not financial advice. Based on BC Hydro residential program rules as published June 2026: solar rebate of $1,000/kW to a maximum of $5,000 capped at 50% of eligible costs, battery rebate up to $5,000 with Peak Saver enrollment or $1,500 without, and the RS 2289 export rate of 10¢/kWh. Actual production, costs, and rates vary. Confirm current rules with BC Hydro before making decisions.
How to read your results
- Payback under RS 2289 — years until cumulative savings exceed net cost after rebates.
- Net cost after rebates — uses $1,000/kW solar rebate (max $5,000, 50% cost cap) and battery rebates with or without Peak Saver.
- July 1 comparison — shows extra lifetime value if you were still on legacy 1:1 export credits.
Self-consumption is the biggest lever under RS 2289. Homes that use more solar on-site during the day see shorter payback than homes that export heavily at 10 cents/kWh. Use Edit assumptions to model your usage, or add a battery to test higher self-consumption.
Eligibility still matters — FortisBC accounts, individually metered condos, and ineligible equipment can disqualify rebates entirely. Run the eligibility checker before treating these numbers as your quote.