How to apply for self-generation
Program update
The required documentation for complex applications has changed as of May 11, 2023 with the distinction of complex (A) and complex (B) projects. Requirements are listed below.
Interested in self-generation for your home or business? Follow the steps below to join the program and start saving on your electricity bill by generating your own renewable electricity.
If you're a residential or business customer interested in rebates on solar panels and/or battery storage, you’ll apply for those in the same application.
Application process
Before you begin:
- Review our eligibility criteria to ensure your project is the right fit for this program.
- If applying for solar panel or battery storage rebates, review the specific rebate eligibility for the offer you're applying for and the terms and conditions [PDF, 108 KB].
- All projects including inverters must meet our interconnection requirements [PDF, 776 KB].
- Note the difference between simple and complex projects below.
- Find a qualified contractor.
| SIMPLE | COMPLEX (A) | COMPLEX (B) |
| Inverter-based projects up to 27 kW in size with a self-contained* revenue meter, with or without a battery system. | Inverter-based projects over 27 kW but limited up to 100 kW in size with a self-contained* revenue meter, with or without a battery system. OR, Inverter-based solar projects up to 100 kW that have instrumentation transformer revenue metering and don’t include:
|
All other projects up to 100 kW that have instrumentation transformer revenue metering and may include the following, but is not limited to:
Or, Projects with synchronous or induction generators of any size up to 100 kW. These applications require additional documentation, noted below. |
*A self-contained revenue meter can be identified by an additional four-digit meter code following the initial digits of the meter number. The four-digit meter code begins with a letter and if the third digit is either six or seven, the meter is a self-contained meter. For example, P963, K967, or P973.
1. Submit an application
You can apply for our self-generation program and for solar and battery storage rebates (if eligible) through your online MyHydro account. Contractors can start a draft application on behalf of their customer, however it will then be transferred to the customer to authorize and submit. Customers can also create and submit their own application.
Before you begin, you'll need:
- Generating system specifications.
- A copy of the certified inverter data sheet(s) and any other technical documentation, if they aren't already on our list of common inverters [PDF, 79 KB]. Inverters not listed will undergo additional review, leading to a longer application processing time.
If applicable, energy storage system specifications. View a list of common battery makes and models [PDF, 125 KB].
Finding a contractor
You can find a qualified contractor through the Canadian Renewable Energy Association member directory or the BC Sustainable Energy Directory.
Qualified contractors will:
- Design and install your clean or renewable energy system safely
- Optimize your system size based on your electricity use profile
- Follow all jurisdictional requirements including securing permits
- Assist with the application process
- Provide estimated monthly savings and may be able to assist with calculating the payback of your project
For complex (B) self-generation projects, you'll also need to have final, digitally rendered versions of the following ready to upload:
- Single line diagram – e.g. Sample line diagram [PDF, 260 KB]
- Site plan – e.g. Sample site plan [PDF, 154 KB]
- If the project includes battery storage and/or a hybrid or micro-grid inverter:
- Battery inverter data sheet with certification.
- Manufacturer documentation for the power flow management control system.
- Description of the mode of operation, which must:
- Be on the contractor's company letterhead.
- Be signed with the name and contact information of the signatory person.
- Contain a narrative with a logic block diagram describing the intention for a mode of operation with a power flow management control system including: a transfer switch, micro-grid isolation device, hybrid inverter controller, number of battery inverters with ratings, etc., and a protection system in alignment with the manufacturer document and single line diagram.
For complex (B) projects with synchronous or induction generators, the following are also required in addition to the list above:
- Generator data sheet showing nameplate information.
- Description of project protection and control system (logic block diagram or narrative).
- Description of protection failure scheme (see 4.2.3 of DGTIR-100).
- Protection single-line diagram showing: protective relays, relay functions, and protection functions that trip mechanical equipment (such as a protection function failure scheme).
- Description of the generator starting sequence (logic block diagram or narrative).
2. We'll review your application
We'll review your application to ensure the system's setup and configuration meets eligibility and safety requirements.
Our review time depends on the scope of your project, but most are reviewed within two weeks. Applicants are encouraged to submit complete information and documentation in a timely manner. This helps streamlines the review process, minimizes the need for multiple assessments, and ensures accurate evaluations.
A technical review will be performed for all projects located in constrained systems within our integrated area.
We'll notify you if we have further questions or once your application’s been accepted.
3. Install your system
Once your application is accepted, your contractor can move forward with installing your system.
If we requested full field verification testing or a commissioning report for your project, you'll need to notify us before the initial energizing and start-up testing of your system so we can coordinate this.
4. Inspect your system
Have your system inspected. Then, upload your electrical contractor's Authorization and Declaration of Compliance, or Certificate of Electrical Inspection from a Technical Safety BC Officer online directly through your MyHydro account.
If you’re applying for the residential solar or battery storage system rebate, you’ll also need to upload a copy of your final project invoice from your contractor with complete project cost details.
Make sure the invoice meets all the requirements outlined in our solar and battery storage sample invoice [PDF, 112 KB].
For complex projects, you'll need to upload a few additional documents prior to connecting to the grid. You'll see which documents are needed under actions required in your online MyHydro application, and they may include:
- Field verification testing (charges apply)
- Commissioning report
- Photos of the system
If we require incremental interconnection costs (see Electric Tariff: Generating Facility Connections) [PDF, 26 KB], you'll be notified separately by one of our agents.
5. Connect to the grid
After we've reviewed your inspection documentation (usually within two weeks), we'll approve and authorize your connection to the grid.
If you applied for rebates and we’ve determined that you qualify, you’ll receive your rebate via your selected payment method within 60 days of interconnection approval.
Then, you're good to go
Your next bill will reflect your self-generation usage.
The electricity you generate is first used by your home or business, and your consumption of electricity from BC Hydro is recorded as inflow. When you generate more electricity than you consume, the excess generation is fed back to the grid and recorded as outflow.
View sample self-generation bills
How to reach us
If you have questions about the self-generation program, please email us or call 604 224 9376, or if you're outside the Lower Mainland, at 1 800 BCHYDRO.