How to apply for self-generation

• Review the self-generation 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].

The scale and setup of your generation system will determine whether we classify your project as Simple, Complex (A), or Complex (B), which will impact processing time and some of the documentation required.

Simple

• Inverter-based projects up to 27 kW in size with a self-contained* revenue meter, with or without a battery system.

Complex (A)

• 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:
  • Battery storage,
  • Hybrid inverters, or
  • Micro-grid inverters.

Complex (B)

• All other projects up to 100 kW that have instrumentation transformer revenue metering and may include the following, but is not limited to:
  • Battery storage,
  • Hybrid inverters, or
  • Micro-grid inverters.
• Or, projects with synchronous or induction generators of any size up to 100 kW.

* 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.

Before you begin, you'll need:

• BC Hydro account number.
  
• Meter number (refer to your BC Hydro bill).
• 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, 159 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, 60 KB].

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).

Upload the following documents to your application:

• The Electrical Contractor Authorization and Declaration document. Completed by the Field Safety Representative (FSR), they’ll also have submitted this document to Technical Safety BC or your city/municipality. It must contain the following:
  • Permit number
  • Installation address
  • Project (generation system) size
• The final, paid project invoice from your contractor (only applicable if you’re applying for rebates)
  • 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.