Solar Payback in Vancouver 2026
Vancouver solar systems typically pay for themselves in 14 years. See the math by system size, with BC Hydro rates and available British Columbia rebates.
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Short answer
Solar in Vancouver typically pays back in 14 years for a right-sized 6 to 10 kW residential system. Payback varies with your BC Hydro rate (average 12.6¢/kWh), 1,938 annual sun hours in Vancouver, net system cost after British Columbia rebates, and how much production you self-consume. See system-by-system math below.
14 yrs
Typical Payback
12.6¢/kWh
Electricity Rate
1,938
Sun Hours/Year
$3.15/W
Installed Cost
How Vancouver Solar Payback Is Calculated
Payback (years) = Net System Cost / Annual Bill Savings
Net system cost is your installed cost minus available rebates. Annual bill savings equal annual production times your effective rate, adjusted for self-consumption. In Vancouver, we use 1,938 sun hours, 13% capacity factor, BC Hydro rate 12.6¢/kWh, and 85% self-consumption.
Assumptions used on this page
- • Installed cost mid-range: $3.15 per watt
- • Annual production: 13% capacity factor times 8,760 hours per year
- • Electricity rate: 12.6¢/kWh flat (does not model TOU or ULO)
- • Rebate: None modelled (some provinces have utility credits or municipal financing)
- • Self-consumption ratio: 85%
- • No rate escalation modelled (real payback is shorter with rate increases)
Vancouver Payback by System Size
| System | System cost | Rebate | Net cost | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $12,600 | — | $12,600 | $489/yr | 25.8 yrs |
| 6 kW | $18,900 | — | $18,900 | $734/yr | 25.7 yrs |
| 8 kW | $25,200 | — | $25,200 | $978/yr | 25.8 yrs |
| 10 kW | $31,500 | — | $31,500 | $1,223/yr | 25.8 yrs |
| 12 kW | $37,800 | — | $37,800 | $1,467/yr | 25.8 yrs |
Estimates assume 13% capacity factor, 12.6¢/kWh, 85% self-consumption, no rate escalation. Actual payback varies with roof orientation, shading, usage pattern, and financing.
See Your Vancouver Solar Payback
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Compare Solar Payback in Nearby British Columbia Cities
See how Vancouver payback compares to other British Columbia cities.
Related Resources
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Learn more— Sources: NRCan, BC Hydro published rates.