HUGE!! Discover's HELIOS ESS Maximizes the BC Hydro Solar + Storage Rebate
Introduction
British Columbians looking to lower their electricity bills and embrace clean energy have allies in BC Hydro and Discover Energy Systems.
- BC Hydro offers a substantial solar and battery storage rebate for residential customers: $5,000 for solar panels and an additional $5,000 for battery storage.
- Discover Energy Systems, based in Richmond, BC, sells the HELIOS ESS lithium battery, the lowest-priced (per kWh) residential lithium battery on the market, which maximizes the benefit of adding battery storage to a PV solar system.
Read on to learn more about the BC Hydro rebate and Discover lithium batteries.
BC Hydro Solar and Battery Storage Rebate
This rebate program is offered in coordination with BC Hydro's Self-Generation Program (formerly known as Net Metering). The self-generation program allows you to generate electricity, use what you need, and send any excess energy back to the grid for credits on your bill.
Calculating the Rebate
- Solar Panels
$1,000 per kilowatt (kW) of installed solar panels, including installation and peripheral equipment, up to a maximum of $5,000. - Battery Storage
$500 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), including installation and peripheral equipment, up to $5,000. Minimum storage size of 5 kWh.
Calculating the Cost of a Solar + Battery System
Most installers will tell you that the battery storage portion of a solar + storage system is the most expensive part. The HELIOS ESS is changing that narrative.
The HELIOS ESS from Discover Energy Systems is a game-changer in the battery storage industry. Per kilowatt hour (kWh), the HELIOS ESS is priced below all its competitors. The following graph compares the cost per kWh of leading battery brands, based on data readily available on the Internet.
Based on the cost of Discover’s HELIOS ESS batteries, you can purchase MORE storage for harvested PV energy, which you can then use at your convenience.
The HELIOS ESS uses utility-grade battery cells to achieve a better price point and better performance over consumer branded energy storage. HELIOS is UL1973 and UL9540 (DC ESS 3rd Edition) certified, provides 16 kWh of energy, is IP65-rated for outdoor installations, and built to withstand Canadian weather. When designing your system with a certified installer, tell them to use HELIOS ESS lithium batteries.
The design and cost of the installed solar + storage system will be based on your energy needs. While the BC Hydro rebate can save you up to $10,000, the system can total between $40,000 and $60,000 CAD, which includes installation and other equipment. The BC Hydro rebate would cover 15 to 25% of the cost.
Example: Cost of Solar + Battery System
| Item | Cost (CAD) |
| Solar panels (10 kW @ $2.50/W) | $25,000 |
| 2 x HELIOS ESS (32 kWh @ $281/kWh) | $9,000 |
| Inverter, wiring, and peripheral equipment | $10,000 |
| Installation and labour | $15,000 |
| Gross System Cost | $59,000 |
| Rebates | |
|
-$5,000 |
|
-$5,000 |
| Net Cost | $49,000 |
Summary
Solar + Storage systems are expensive and require considerable investment. BC Hydro makes it more affordable for customers by offering up to a $5,000 rebate for solar and $5,000 rebate for battery storage. Discover Energy Systems maximizes your dollars with the HELIOS ESS, the most cost-effective lithium battery on the market.
Don’t get stuck with any system offered by your installer. Ask to use Discover’s HELIOS ESS to get the most bang for your buck.
Contact Discover to learn more about the HELIOS ESS.