If you’ve installed (or are planning to install) solar panels in British Columbia, there’s one program you absolutely need to know about: BC Hydro’s Net Metering Program. It lets you send extra solar energy back to the grid — and earn credits or even get paid for it.
Here’s how net metering works, who qualifies, and how AE Electric can help you get connected.
🔌 What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar homeowners to:
- Use the solar power they generate
- Send excess energy back to BC Hydro’s grid
- Receive a credit on their electricity bill
- Get paid out if they produce more than they consume annually
📊 In short: your utility meter runs backwards when your solar system overproduces!
🏠 Who’s Eligible?
To qualify for BC Hydro’s Net Metering Program, you must:
- Be a BC Hydro customer
- Install a renewable energy system (like solar PV, micro-hydro, wind)
- Have a system size of 100 kW or less
- Generate electricity primarily for on-site use
Most residential and small commercial systems in Victoria easily qualify.
💰 How Do You Get Paid?
If you generate more electricity than you use in a year, BC Hydro will credit your account or send you a direct payment at their “Rate Schedule 1501” (around 10¢ per kWh).
You’ll see these credits on your utility bills and can use them when your system under-produces (e.g., in winter).
⚙️ What You’ll Need
To join the program, you’ll need:
- A grid-tied solar inverter
- Revenue-grade production meter
- Approved electrical design and net metering application
- A qualified electrical contractor (like AE Electric) to handle permits, installation, and interconnection
📄 How AE Electric Helps
We handle the entire process:
- System sizing and solar design
- Application and engineering submission to BC Hydro
- CSA-approved installation
- Final inspection and energization
We’ve helped dozens of Vancouver Island homeowners connect to the grid and start earning credits within weeks of installation.
🌞 Who Should Consider Net Metering?
- Homeowners with good roof exposure (south, west, or flat)
- Those looking to reduce long-term energy bills
- People planning to live in the home 5+ years
- Families interested in green energy and sustainability
📍 Solar in Victoria and Beyond
We install grid-tied solar systems across:
- Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich
- Langford, Duncan, Cowichan
- Salt Spring Island, Mill Bay, and nearby communities
📞 Ready to Send Power Back to the Grid?
Contact AE Electric Ltd to start your solar net metering application. We’ll design, permit, and install everything — and get you earning credits fast.