Solar in British Columbia
What a typical 7 kW rooftop system generates and saves in British Columbia, from NRCan sun data and the local power rate. A planning estimate, not a quote.
Based on 1100 kWh per kW per year of sun in British Columbia, a 12¢ per kWh rate, and $2.90 per watt installed.
In British Columbia, the payback is on the long side. BC is a tale of two climates: the cloudy coast generates less, the sunny interior much more. With low BC Hydro rates the payback is longer on the coast.
Want to try a different system size? The full estimator lets you change the kilowatts and switch provinces. Remember this uses a provincial average; your roof, your exact rate, net metering, and any rebates will shift the numbers, so get two or three local quotes.
British Columbia solar questions
Is solar worth it in British Columbia?
BC is a tale of two climates: the cloudy coast generates less, the sunny interior much more. With low BC Hydro rates the payback is longer on the coast. A typical 7 kW system in British Columbia generates about 7,700 kWh a year and saves roughly $924, paying back in about 22 years against an install cost near $20,300.
How much do solar panels cost in British Columbia?
At about $2.90 per watt installed (2.40 to 3.50 is the typical Canadian range), a 7 kW system runs around $20,300 before any rebates or low-interest loans.
How much sun does British Columbia get for solar?
NRCan puts British Columbia's photovoltaic potential near 1100 kWh per kW of panels per year (representative (coast lower, interior higher)). That is the figure behind the generation estimate; your roof's tilt and shading move it up or down.
Sources
Sun from NRCan photovoltaic potential, rate from the Canada Energy Regulator and provincial utilities, cost from 2026 Canadian guides. Last reviewed 2026-06-23. This is a planning estimate, not a quote. It uses a provincial average for sun and electricity price; your roof, shading, tilt, exact utility rate, net-metering rules, financing, and any rebates will change the result. Get two or three quotes from local installers before deciding. Figures last reviewed on the verified date.
Other provinces: Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Nova Scotia. Or see the full estimator.