Overview

Solar-plus-storage microgrids give Burnaby homes and businesses more control over their power. By pairing solar panels with batteries, you can generate and store your own electricity. In the following guide, Ready Solar Inc’s solar panel installers explain how these systems boost resilience, reduce costs, and support grid independence in BC. They’re a smart option for anyone looking to modernize their energy use.

Highlights

Introduction

Power reliability in Burnaby is being tested by rising energy costs, climate pressures, and grid vulnerabilities. Understanding solar-plus-storage microgrids can help you stay ahead of outages and unpredictable energy bills. If you want energy security and lower emissions, this is technology worth knowing about. With incentives available and local success stories growing, now is the time to consider making the switch.

What Is a Solar‑Plus‑Storage Microgrid?

A microgrid is a localized energy system that can generate, store, and manage electricity; it can operate connected to the main solar panel grid or islands off-grid (or switch between the two). When you add solar generation plus battery energy storage, you get a solar‑plus‑storage microgrid.

Key components include:

  • Solar PV panels: Convert sunlight into electricity
  • Battery energy storage system (BESS): Stores excess power for use during non-sunlight hours, peak load, or outages
  • Microgrid control/management system: Manages when to draw from solar, use stored power, or interact with the grid
  • Optional backup generators: May be used with or instead of batteries in some cases, though solar-plus-storage is more common in Burnaby’s urban setups

In Burnaby (and BC broadly), microgrids are especially relevant for two modes:

  1. Grid-tied mode with storage: Used most of the time you’re connected to BC Hydro; you generate solar, store excess, and draw from the grid when needed
  2. Islandable mode: In the event of an outage, the system can operate independently to power essential loads

Why Does Grid Independence Matter in Burnaby?

Solar-plus-storage microgrids are especially valuable in Burnaby for a few key reasons.

Reliability During Outages

With climate-related events on the rise, microgrids provide critical backup power during storms or grid failures.

Cost Control

Storing solar energy helps avoid using grid electricity during expensive peak times, lowering monthly bills.

Environmental Goals

Burnaby and BC have aggressive climate targets. Producing your own clean energy supports local emissions reductions.

Strong Incentives

Rebates, self-generation programs, and funding from BC Hydro and provincial programs improve affordability.

Energy Autonomy

Microgrids offer greater control and stability for homeowners, businesses, and institutions sensitive to grid issues.

How Do Solar‑Plus‑Storage Microgrids Deliver Grid Independence?

How do solar‑plus‑storage microgrids actually deliver independence in Burnaby?

Reducing Reliance on BC Hydro During Peak Demand

Many commercial and industrial customers face high charges or surcharges when electricity demand spikes during peak hours. With solar and storage, energy produced during midday (when solar production is high) can be stored and used later (during evening peaks), reducing grid draw during costly periods. This reduces both demand charges and energy costs.

For example, BC Hydro’s programs highlight that solar and battery systems help lower electricity bills by reducing on‑peak costs.

Using Self‑Generation and Rebate Programs

Burnaby buildings that install solar PV and battery storage can apply for rebates to reduce installation costs. These reduce the payback period and improve ROI.

When connected to BC Hydro’s Self‑Generation Program, customers generate their electricity, offset their bills, and in many cases, earn credits for excess generation. That helps ensure that investment in solar and storage doesn’t go to waste.

Backup Power and Resilience

One of the strongest arguments for solar‑plus‑storage microgrids is resilience to grid outages. For example, if there is a severe storm or infrastructure failure, battery storage can power critical loads (e.g., for lighting, refrigeration, and communications) through the outage.

For businesses and institutions (such as schools or community centers), this can mean continuity of operations in emergencies. Given that extreme weather events are increasingly common, this is a significant benefit.

Environmental and Emissions Benefits

Solar generation and battery storage reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Even though BC already has much of its electricity from clean hydro, there are emissions associated with distribution losses, partial fossil‑fuel backup generation, and on‑site fuel use for heating, backup generators, etc.

By reducing grid draw, especially during times when BC’s marginal electricity supply might include less clean generation (or high import cost), microgrids contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Financial Stability and Predictability

With solar and storage, property owners can reduce exposure to electricity rate increases. While one doesn’t fully eliminate grid charges (in many cases, you remain grid‑connected), you consume less from the grid.

Rebates and incentive programs, plus potential revenue from excess generation credits, help make returns more predictable.

Supporting Local Grid Flexibility and Stability

Microgrids with storage help the broader grid too. They can reduce stress during peak demand, smooth out demand fluctuations, reduce the need for costly grid upgrades, and improve overall system reliability.

As BC Hydro rolls out more grid innovation, microgrid systems tie into that broader goal of distributed energy resources.

Does BC Offer Financial Incentives for Solar Microgrids?

Yes. BC Hydro currently offers up to $10,000 in rebates when you install solar panels with battery storage. This includes $5,000 for the solar system and $5,000 for the battery. Additional rebates are available for larger commercial or institutional systems.

These incentives are part of the province’s broader push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support distributed energy solutions. By reducing your upfront installation costs, they make it easier to invest in long-term energy independence and resilience.

Now that you understand how solar-plus-storage microgrids support grid independence, let’s address some common questions about installation, safety, and performance in Burnaby.

Will You Still Have Power During a BC Hydro Outage?

Yes, if your system includes backup functionality. A properly installed solar-plus-storage system instantly detects outages and powers essential circuits like your fridge, lights, and Wi-Fi. You can design the system to cover full-home or partial-home loads depending on your battery size.

Many systems can switch to battery power in less than a second, keeping your home running smoothly. This seamless transition helps prevent disruptions to work-from-home setups, medical devices, or other critical needs.

Can You Add Storage Without Solar Panels?

Absolutely. A battery-only setup can charge from the grid during off-peak hours and discharge during peak times or outages. While this still provides backup and rate savings, pairing with solar delivers cleaner energy and longer-term savings.

This setup is ideal for homeowners who want immediate resilience and cost control but plan to install solar panels later. It also provides flexibility for those living in shaded areas where solar efficiency is limited.

Are Solar Battery Systems Safe for Burnaby Homes?

Yes. Solar battery systems are engineered for safety and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Certified solar panel installers in Burnaby ensure all systems follow building codes, provide adequate ventilation, and include fire-rated enclosures where required.

Most modern batteries include smart monitoring and automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating or faults. Choosing a qualified installer ensures compliance with provincial regulations and manufacturer warranties.

How Do Microgrids Improve Energy Security and Cost Control?

Burnaby homes and businesses using solar-plus-storage microgrids benefit from:

  • Backup power: Avoid disruptions from grid outages. Battery systems can automatically kick in to keep essential circuits running, which is especially important during extreme weather events or emergencies. With customizable options, you can tailor your backup setup to prioritize your most important appliances and systems.
  • Lower bills: Shift energy use away from peak rates. Batteries can be charged during the day with solar or during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, then discharged during peak pricing periods. This strategy, known as load shifting, reduces your monthly utility costs without requiring major lifestyle changes.
  • Reduced emissions: Use clean energy instead of fossil fuel backups. While BC’s hydroelectric grid is already relatively clean, storing your self-generated solar energy means you rely even less on centralized sources that may include natural gas during high-demand periods. It’s a meaningful way to shrink your carbon footprint.
  • Price stability: Limit exposure to rising hydro rates. With a solar-plus-storage system, a greater share of your electricity comes from your own setup, shielding you from future rate increases or changes to BC Hydro’s pricing structure.
  • Local support: BC Hydro and CleanBC support microgrids through rebates and policy. These initiatives are designed to lower the barrier to entry, making microgrid adoption more accessible for homeowners and businesses alike. From funding to technical guidelines, provincial programs are paving the way for a distributed energy future.

How Do You Get Started With Installing a Microgrid?

Installing a microgrid system in Burnaby starts with a site assessment. Ready Solar Inc helps you determine your solar potential, the right size for your battery system, and apply for available rebates. We ensure your installation meets BC Hydro’s requirements and municipal permitting rules.

We also evaluate your energy usage patterns and recommend the most cost-effective setup based on your goals, whether that’s full-home backup, load shifting, or reducing emissions. Our team handles everything from interconnection applications to safety inspections, so you can focus on enjoying the benefits of reliable, renewable power. Whether you’re retrofitting an existing system or starting from scratch, we provide a seamless path to grid independence.

Install a Microgrid System for Clean, Reliable Energy

Solar-plus-storage microgrids offer more than just energy savings. They give you confidence in your power supply. Whether you’re powering a home or a business in Burnaby, these systems reduce reliance on the grid and prepare you for the future.

Ready Solar Inc installs solar-plus-storage microgrids customized to your property’s energy usage. Call us at (604) 262-6919 to schedule a solar consultation and learn how we can help bring your property up to local green energy standards while saving you money in the long run.