Question 1

Does Solar make sense on Vancouver Island?

Accepted Answer

Over the past several years, the cost of solar panels has fallen while their performance has improved. This means in places like Vancouver Island it now makes sense to install solar panels. Natural Resources Canada estimates that on southern Vancouver Island, solar can generate about 1,100 kilowatt hours of electricity for every 1,000 kilowatt installed, and some of our clients are doing better.

Question 2

What is "Net Metering"

Accepted Answer

“Net metering” is the program and agreement with the utility (BC Hydro) that keeps track of how much electricity a solar array puts back into the grid. Excess solar power fed back to the grid is measured by the smart meter and you are then given energy credits against the energy you use from BC Hydro. This is calculated each billing period and you pay the net. If your solar array produces more than the household electricity used in a year, BC Hydro will buy that electricity from the homeowner at a fixed rate.

http://bchydro.com/netmetering