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Over $3,000 is available towards the cost of residential solar hot water systems. We make it easy to have a solar hot water system installed.
- For a comprehensive introduction to solar hot water heating systems click here.
- For a detailed buyers guide to solar hot water heating systems click here.
SolarBC contractors will provide you with a $1,000 discount at the point of sale of your solar hot water system and we will also help you take advantage of a further $1375 in incentives available from the Federal ecoEnergy Retrofit and the Provincial LiveSmart BC programs. There is also available tax credit from the federal government.
Cost Breakdown
| Typical System Cost |
$6,700 |
| SolarBC discount |
$1,000 |
| *Livesmart Rebate |
$125 |
| **EcoENERGY Rebate |
$1,250 |
| ***PowerSense Rebate |
$300 |
| Home Reno Tax Credit (approx) |
$800 |
| Net cost to customer |
$3,225 |
* The LiveSmart BC: Efficiency Incentive Program has reached its three-year target of 40,000 initial home energy assessments in only 15 months. The $60-million program is now fully committed and as such, will no longer provide incentives to new participants, effective end of business Aug. 15, 2009. For more information, please read the Information Bulletin and the Q&As.
Homeowners who had their pre-retrofit home energy assessment performed prior to August 16, 2009: There is no change for homeowners currently in this program.
All homeowners who entered the LiveSmart program by having their pre-retrofit home energy assessment performed prior to end of business on August 15, 2009, and who complete their post-retrofit home energy assessment before March 2011, or 18 months after they had their first home energy assessment, will be will be eligible for the rebates and incentives outlined here.
Homeowners entering the program on or after August 16, 2009: Homeowners entering the program on or after August 16th are eligible for the federal EcoENERGY program incentives, which have recently been increased by 25 per cent.
New entrants are also eligible for a subsidy for their pre-retrofit home energy assessment. This subsidy is still under development and is subject to the continuing availability of funds.
For detailed information- click here
** The ecoEnergy retrofit grant is available for eligible systems that provide a minimum of 6,000 MJ / year. For more information on eligibility, please check this chart on the ecoEnergy Retrofit website.
*** PowerSense rebate is available to FortisBC residential customers with existing electric hot water tanks – including indirect customers served by municipal wholesalers (Cities of Kelowna, Penticton, Grand Forks, Nelson Hydro and District of Summerland).
Easy 3-Step Installation Process
Step 1: Do a Self-Assessment
To be suitable for solar hot water, your property must meet the following criteria:
- Your home has at least 6 square metres of south-facing roof space.
- There is no shade or limited shade from 10am – 4pm on the south-facing part of the roof.
- You own the property, or if you are a tenant, you have obtained the owner's permission.
Step 2: Get an Energy Evaluation
Only homes that have been evaluated by an energy advisor certified by Natural Resources Canada, will be eligible for the government incentives. Of the $300 initial cost of the evaluation, Livesmart BC will rebate the $150 at the end of the process. The service includes:
- a detailed energy evaluation of your home including a "blower door" test;
- a printed report that shows what you can do to improve your home's energy efficiency; and
- a rating label that shows you the energy efficiency of your home.
Click here to find a licensed energy advisor.
Step 3: Choose a Registered Installation Contractor
The SolarBC Residential Project offers incentives only for systems installed by registered contractors. The contractor will walk you through the final steps of the installation and will work with SolarBC to provide you a $1000 discount on your installation.
Click here to find an accredited installation contractor in your area.
Upon Successful Installation
Sign your acknowledgement that your new solar hot water system has been installed to your satisfaction. Then arrange for a second energy evaluation to automatically qualify you for additional incentives:
You are responsible for the cost of the second evaluation which could be up to $150, but Livesmart BC will provide an additional rebate $150.
After Care
- Your protection as a solar hot water customer is backed with leading industry warranties.
- Please complete our customer satisfaction survey. (coming soon)
- If selected, please allow access for a technical quality-control inspection
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