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British Columbia

Make a little of your own power

Savings calculator

What plug-in solar could save you in British Columbia

An estimate for an 800W south-facing plug-in solar kit in Vancouver, using the local residential electricity rate.

$30
Estimated yearly savings
17 yr 8 mo
Time to recover the cost
564 kWh
Estimated yearly production
Estimate your savings →How we calculate savings

What's blocking it

What's blocking it in British Columbia

See which rules block plug-in solar and which add cost or paperwork.

6
Issues identified
4
Actively blocking
2
Add cost or paperwork
See the regulations →Or jump to the playbook

How to fix it

How to unlock it in British Columbia

See the proposed rule changes and who can make them.

3
Proposed changes
1
Need legislation
3
With precedent
See the full playbook →How we identified these

What's next

Help build the British Columbia campaign

BC Hydro requires a full interconnection application even for a single panel — but BC's environmental policy culture and 34% renter population make it ready for change. We're looking for a campaign lead to anchor the BC coalition — climate orgs, tenant advocates, solar installers, condo board allies. Be the first to put your name to it.
Become a supporterSign the petition

Talk to your condo board

BC Hydro's Net Metering Program requires the same engineering review for a single 400W panel as it does for a 10kW rooftop system. Most condo and rental bylaws were written before plug-in solar existed. Start the conversation with your board — and with your MLA — about treating certified plug-in systems differently from rooftop installs.

Three ways to unlock British Columbia

Email your rep · read the regulations · learn the pathway.
145
British Columbians have taken action

Goal: 500 by January 1, 2027. The Energy Minister and BC Hydro can authorise certified plug-in solar through interconnection rule updates. Every signature is delivered with the email it generated.
28% of the way there

0500
Sign the petition See what's blocking it

See the playbook →