Thinking about going solar? If you live in the South Okanagan, you are in one of the best locations in Canada for solar power. From Kelowna to Osoyoos, the region receives more sunshine hours than most areas in British Columbia. That means lower electricity bills, a better return on investment, and energy independence for homeowners and businesses.

In this post, we’ll cover:

• Why the Okanagan’s climate is ideal for solar power
• How much money homeowners can save by switching to solar
• What to consider when installing solar panels in Penticton, Summerland, Oliver, and Osoyoos
• How net metering works to store extra power
• What incentives and rebates are available in BC

 

 

Why the Okanagan is the Best Place in BC for Solar Power

The Okanagan Valley’s hot summers and mild winters make it one of the most efficient regions in BC for solar energy production.

Reasons why solar works well in the Okanagan

• More sunlight hours – The South Okanagan gets around 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, which is significantly more than areas like Vancouver or Prince George. The more sunlight your panels receive, the more electricity they generate.
• Rising electricity costs – BC’s hydro and FortisBC rates continue to increase. Solar panels help homeowners stabilize and reduce their energy costs.
• Net metering benefits – Extra energy generated in the summer is stored as credits and used in the winter, making solar energy a year-round solution.
• Ideal roof conditions – Many homes in Penticton, Summerland, and Oliver have south-facing roofs, which allow for maximum solar exposure. But even East-West facing roof will work great if there is enough space available to add a few additional panels. If a home’s roof isn’t ideal, ground-mounted solar systems may be an option.

The financial benefits are a major factor if you’re considering switching to solar.

 

How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels in the Okanagan?

Most homeowners in Kelowna, Penticton, and surrounding areas install solar panels to reduce or eliminate their electricity bills. Here is an example of how much a typical homeowner could save.

Example Savings for a Home in Penticton

• Home Size: 2,400 sq ft
• Annual Electricity Usage: 12,500 kWh
• Current Annual Electricity Bill: $1,850
• Solar Investment: $22,500 (before incentives)
• Projected Annual Savings: Approximately $1,800
• Estimated Payback Period: 10–12 years

With BC’s net metering program, homeowners can store excess electricity produced in the summer and use it during winter months. This means most homeowners eliminate or significantly reduce their electricity bills, especially if their system is designed to achieve net-zero energy consumption.

 

Net Metering: How Solar Works for Homeowners in BC

Net metering allows homeowners with solar panels to store extra energy generated during the summer for later use. Instead of selling excess energy back to the grid, it is credited to the homeowner’s electricity account and used when needed.

How Net Metering Works

• In the summer, solar panels often generate more electricity than the home needs. That extra power is sent back to the grid.
• The utility company stores that extra electricity as a credit on the homeowner’s account.
• In winter months, when the home requires more energy than the solar panels produce, the homeowner uses their stored energy credits instead of purchasing electricity at full price.
• By March 31st (anniversary date), any unused credits are reset. Homeowners should aim to use up their stored credits before this date. With BC Hydro you can
  choose your anniversary date, which will be a fixed date and can’t be
  changed.

 

Who Offers Net Metering?

Net metering is available for homeowners in Penticton, Peachland, Kaleden, Naramata, Oliver, Osoyoos, West Kelowna and Kelowna through FortisBC and BC Hydro.

 

Incentives & Rebates for Solar in the Okanagan

Switching to solar is an investment, but financial incentives make it more affordable for homeowners.

1. 10-Year Interest-Free Loan (Canada Greener Homes)

• Who It’s For: Homeowners in BC
• Loan Amount: Up to $40,000
• Repayment Term: 10 years, interest-free

2. Net Metering Credit Program

• Who It’s For: Homeowners & Businesses
• How It Works: Earn energy credits for excess electricity produced
• Credit Expiry: March 31st each year

Property owners with grid-connected residential homes can also apply for a $5,000 rebate for solar PV systems and another $5,000 for solar storage battery systems.

4. Business Tax Incentives for Solar – Business owners may qualify for accelerated depreciation and tax write-offs when investing in solar.

 

Is Solar Right for Your Home?

If you live in Penticton, Summerland, Oliver, Osoyoos, or anywhere in the South Okanagan, solar energy can help lower electricity costs. Here’s how to know if it’s a good choice for your home:

• You own your home and plan to stay for at least 5+ years
• Your roof is in good condition or you have space for a ground-mounted system
• You want to reduce or eliminate your electricity bills
• You want energy independence from rising hydro costs

 

The Best Time to Switch to Solar is Now

With rising electricity costs, financial incentives, and abundant sunshine, the South Okanagan is one of the best places in Canada for solar power. Whether you’re in Kelowna, Penticton, Summerland, or Oliver, installing solar panels can help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and gain energy independence.

 

Get Started Today

• Call us: 250-404-0490
• Toll Free: 1-866-786-4968
• Email us: [email protected]