Agricultural Solar Incentives in British Columbia (2025 Guide)

Agricultural Solar Incentives in British Columbia (2025 Guide)

Introduction
Farming is at the heart of British Columbia’s economy, but agricultural operations are also some of the most energy-intensive. From powering irrigation systems and greenhouses to operating processing facilities, energy costs can eat into farm profitability.

The good news is that farmers and agribusinesses now have access to a wide range of solar incentives, rebates, and financial supports in 2025. By adopting solar energy, agricultural producers can cut electricity bills, strengthen long-term sustainability, and future-proof their businesses against rising energy costs.

At ZEROC, we partner with BC’s farming community to deliver turnkey solar solutions and maximize every available financial incentive.

Why Solar Matters for Agriculture in BC

• Reduces operational costs for farms and greenhouses.
• Provides energy independence, especially for rural operations.
• Supports climate-smart agriculture and sustainability certification.
• Improves long-term competitiveness of agribusinesses.
• Helps align with BC’s CleanBC and Canada’s net-zero commitments.

Key Agricultural Solar Incentives in 2025

Federal Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Farmers can claim a 30% refundable tax credit on solar equipment, including panels, inverters, and energy storage systems. This credit is available across Canada and significantly lowers upfront investment for agricultural producers.

Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program
Funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the ACT Program provides cost-shared funding for clean technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy systems, particularly when paired with efficiency upgrades, are strong candidates.

BC Hydro Net Metering Program
Agricultural operations that produce excess solar power can feed it back into the grid, earning credits that lower future bills. For farms with seasonal energy demand, this flexibility is especially valuable.

Low Carbon Economy Fund
Large agricultural operations looking to cut emissions may qualify for grants from this federal program, which supports investments in renewable energy projects like solar.

Provincial and Local Support for Farmers

• Some BC municipalities provide property tax exemptions for renewable energy systems on farmland.
• Accelerated depreciation under Canada’s Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) allows faster recovery of solar investment costs.
• Utility-backed incentives may be available for upgrading to solar-powered irrigation and greenhouse systems.

Steps to Access Agricultural Solar Rebates

1. Farm Energy Audit – Assess current energy use and identify solar opportunities.
2. Program Selection – ZEROC helps identify which incentives (federal, provincial, or local) apply to your operation.
3. System Design and Installation – Engineering solar systems that fit farm needs, from barns to irrigation pumps.
4. Post-Installation Support – Monitoring and optimization to ensure long-term efficiency and ROI.

Case Study: Solar for a Greenhouse in BC

A greenhouse operator in Abbotsford installed a 200 kW solar array in 2024. With the help of the ACT Program and the federal ITC, the farm reduced its upfront investment by 40%. By feeding excess power back into the grid through BC Hydro’s net metering, the operation now saves over $45,000 annually in electricity costs.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Seasonal energy demand in agriculture requires tailored solar system design.
• Upfront investment is high, but incentives and financing help ease the burden.
• Pairing solar with battery storage or energy-efficient irrigation can further maximize savings.
• Farms that embrace solar can improve their sustainability credentials and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Conclusion

Solar energy is no longer just a sustainability initiative for BC farmers — it’s a smart financial strategy. With programs like the 30% federal ITC, the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, and BC Hydro net metering, farms and agribusinesses can dramatically lower costs while strengthening long-term resilience.

At ZEROC, we work directly with BC’s agricultural community to design, install, and optimize solar systems while ensuring clients capture every available rebate and tax benefit. The result is lower costs, cleaner operations, and a brighter future for BC agriculture.

👉 Contact ZEROC today to learn how solar can power your farm into 2025 and beyond.