Heat Pump or Solar First in BC? An Honest Answer
Short answer: For most BC homes with electric baseboards, an electric furnace or oil heat, do the heat pump first: it cuts the biggest bill, it adds cooling, and the rebate is up to $4,000 (or much more if income-qualified). Solar makes more sense after, sized to your new, lower use. Since July 2026, exported solar earns only 10 cents/kWh, so oversizing solar doesn't pay.
Rebates side by side
| Heat pump | Solar (+ battery) | |
|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro | Up to $4,000 (from electric heat), + up to $1,000 bonus to Oct 31, 2026 | $1,000/kW up to $5,000; battery up to $5,000 with Peak Saver |
| Income-qualified (CleanBC) | Up to $13,000 from gas/oil/propane; $5,000 from electric (Level 1) | None |
| FortisBC areas | Up to $4,000; $12,000 income-qualified | No BC Hydro solar rebate |
Why the heat pump usually wins first
- Heating is usually the biggest part of a BC home's energy bill.
- A heat pump makes each unit of electricity go further than baseboards.
- It adds summer cooling.
- Solar sized after the heat pump fits your real new use.
When solar might come first
- You already have a heat pump.
- You want backup power (solar plus an approved battery).
- You heat with gas and don't qualify for the income-based rebate, so a heat pump has no rebate for you right now.
We don't quote a single payback number, because it depends on your bills and your home. Ask installers to show the math using your last 12 months of bills.
What to do next
- Check who your electric utility is.
- Check whether your income qualifies for CleanBC.
- Get quotes from qualified contractors and apply on time.
Questions people ask
Should I get a heat pump or solar first in BC?
For most homes with electric or oil heat, the heat pump first. Then size solar to your new, lower use.
Can I get both rebates?
Yes. BC Hydro's heat pump and solar rebates are separate programs and you can claim both if you qualify.
See your city's rebates
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See your city's rebates →Sources, checked September 26, 2026: BC Hydro heat pump rebates · BC Hydro solar and battery rebates · BC Hydro self-generation rate updates · CleanBC Energy Savings Program rules (July 6, 2026).