What Vancouver Renewable Energy does

Vancouver Renewable Energy Co-operative (VREC) is an employee-owned renewable energy installation company founded in 2004 and headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional field staff in Salmon Arm and Powell River. The company designs, sells, and installs turn-key solar photovoltaic (grid-tied and off-grid), solar hot water, solar pool heating, and small wind energy systems for residential, commercial, institutional, and remote-community customers across BC and into Nunavut. VREC is a licensed TSBC Electrical Contractor (# LEL0103928) and a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer, and integrates with the BC Hydro Net Metering Program at a stated 100% application success rate for systems under 50 kW. Its product portfolio also includes battery storage (Tesla Powerwall, Growatt, EG4), Level 2 EV chargers, Dow Powerhouse solar shingles, portable solar power systems, and grant facilitation for cooperative housing.

The company's business model combines per-project hardware sales and installation services (the primary revenue stream) with three ancillary layers: paid assessment and consulting services priced at $200–$650 depending on system type and customer segment, recurring monitoring and repair services, and solar leasing / Power Purchase Agreements that enable customers to install without upfront capital. Through its subsidiary SolShare Energy (initiated 2015), VREC operates a cooperatively-owned community solar model in which local investors purchase shares in shared solar arrays and receive 3% annual returns from a green premium on participating leases, extending the addressable market to BC residents who cannot install systems on their own properties. Distribution is direct-to-customer via field sales and site assessments, supported by an educational content strategy (website, blog, interactive solar map) and community engagement.

VREC differentiates on longevity (BC's longest-running grid-tie PV installer since 2004), first-mover credentials in multiple BC municipalities, a 100% employee-ownership cooperative structure (Living Wage Employer certified since 2019), and a sustainable panel procurement policy sourcing 92% from Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition 2015 Leaders. Cumulative performance metrics cited by the company include 1,200,000+ kWh of clean power generated from installed systems and 38,000–80,000 kg of greenhouse gases prevented. Notable deployments include the 23 kW Vancouver Cedar Cottage Cohousing system (BC's first community-owned solar project, 2016) and the 9.3 kW Pond Inlet Community Hall array (the most northern grid-tied solar installation in the Western Hemisphere, 2017).

Name

Vancouver Renewable Energy

Legal name

Vancouver Renewable Energy Co-operative

Website

https://vrec.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Vancouver Renewable Energy Co-operative (VREC) is an employee-owned solar installer founded in 2004 that designs and installs turn-key photovoltaic, solar thermal, battery storage, and EV-charging systems for residential, commercial, institutional, and remote-community customers across British Columbia and into Nunavut.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Renewable Energy Installation Services

akta.pro primary industry

Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar Project Development & IPP (Utility-Scale & Rooftop) (EUAMABAA), Solar Financing, Leasing & Ownership Platforms (Tax Equity, PPA, Securitization) (EUAMABAJ)

Keywords

• Solar panel installation
• Photovoltaic systems
• Renewable energy contracting
• Solar thermal heating
• Battery energy storage

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Solar Installation Services: Complete turn-key solar energy system installation including design, equipment supply, and installation for residential, commercial and institutional customers. Revenue from equipment markup and labor/services.
2. Consulting Services: Renewable energy assessments and consulting for system design. Assessments range from $200-$650 depending on type (PV, Wind, Solar Thermal combinations) and customer segment (residential vs commercial).
3. Monitoring and Repair Services: Ongoing monitoring and repair services for existing solar energy systems.
4. Solar Leasing/PPA: Solar leasing programs in BC under BC Hydro's Net Metering Program. Customers can lease panels without significant upfront capital costs.
5. Community Solar Investment (SolShare): Cooperatively-owned community solar projects. Capital raised from local investors who purchase shares in SolShare Energy. Investors receive annual dividends from green premium charged on leases.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Vancouver Renewable Energy (VREC) sells, designs, and installs renewable energy systems for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in British Columbia. Its core offering is turn-key solar photovoltaic (grid-tie and off-grid) installation, supported by solar hot water, solar pool heating, wind energy, battery storage, EV charging, and PPA/leasing options. VREC also provides renewable energy assessments, monitoring and repair services, and runs the SolShare Energy community-owned solar cooperative.

Product overview

Vancouver Renewable Energy (VREC) operates as BC's solar energy leader since 2004, offering a comprehensive portfolio of renewable energy products and services centered around solar electricity (photovoltaics), solar thermal technologies, and wind energy. The core offering consists of photovoltaic solar electricity systems available in grid-tied and off-grid configurations, complemented by solar hot water and solar pool heating thermal systems. VREC provides these as complete turn-key solutions for residential, commercial, and institutional customers, with add-on modules including battery energy storage systems (Tesla Powerwall, Growatt, EG4), EV charging stations, and solar leasing/PPA options. Supporting services include site assessments, monitoring and repair, energy conservation consulting, and community-owned solar investment opportunities through the SolShare Energy cooperative. The company also offers specialized products like portable solar power systems and has introduced building-integrated photovoltaics such as Dow Powerhouse solar shingles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Electricity Systems Grid-tied and off-grid solar photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity for residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, installed with string inverter or micro-inverter configurations from various manufacturers.
• Solar Hot Water Systems Solar thermal systems that pre-heat or supplement domestic hot water using evacuated tubes, glazed flat-panel, or unglazed panel technologies; can provide 40-60% of a household's annual hot water demand and typically last 30+ years.
• Solar Pool Heating Solar thermal pool heating systems using rubberized tube technology that circulates pool water across hot roofs, enabling GHG-free extended pool use seasons.
• Wind Energy Systems Small wind turbine systems under 50 kW for assessment, design, sale, and installation across the US and Canada.
• Batteries and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Battery storage solutions including Tesla Powerwall, Growatt, and EG4 systems for backup power, grid services, and energy independence; VREC is a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer.
• EV Chargers Level 2 electric vehicle charging station installation using Clipper Creek / Sun Country chargers for residential garages/driveways and commercial applications.
• Solar Leasing in BC (PPA) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and solar leasing options allowing customers to install solar without upfront capital costs, with VREC facilitating installation and customers paying for electricity generated under BC Hydro Net Metering.
• Renewable Energy Assessments Site assessments estimating solar energy potential, system design, cost quotes, greenhouse gas offset analysis, and identification of government grants and financing opportunities; assessments range from $200-$650 depending on type and customer segment.
• Monitoring and Repair Ongoing monitoring and repair services for existing solar energy systems, including real-time production monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Portable Solar Power System Solar portable power pack rental for camping, vans, RVs, tiny homes, and pickup trucks; systems include house batteries that charge from vehicle engines or solar panels.
• SolShare Energy (Community-Owned Solar) Cooperatively-owned community solar project allowing BC residents to invest in shared solar arrays without installing systems on their own properties; investors receive 3% annual returns from a green premium on leases.
• Energy Conservation Services Energy conservation consultation and services to reduce electricity and hot water consumption, complementing solar installations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Solar hot water systems provide 40-60% of average household's annual hot water demand
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered notable, core and minor.

• GreenpeacenotableStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Collaboration on Arctic solar installation. VREC approached by Greenpeace to install ~7 kW system on Clyde River Community Hall. Greenpeace arranged transport of 28 panels aboard Arctic Sunrise ship. Project part of Save The Arctic initiative.
• BC HydrocoreTechnology or IntegrationGrid interconnection partner. VREC has 100% success rate applying to BC Hydro's Net Metering Program. Systems under 50kW qualify for net metering allowing customers to offset consumption and receive credit for excess generation at 9.99 cents/kWh.
• SolShare EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVREC initiated BC's first cooperatively owned community solar project (SolShare). Rob Baxter founded and leads SolShare. Capital raised from local investors; investors receive 3% annual returns from green premium charged on leases to participating facilities.
• Bullfrog PowernotableGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided initial loan for SolShare community solar project. Energy company involved in clean energy initiatives and funding.
• Clean Energy CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFunding partner for City of Vancouver Creekside Paddling Centre solar installation.
• Ikaarvik Youth ResearchersnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth research group in Pond Inlet who conceived community solar idea and applied for funding. Project combining Inuit Knowledge with local art and renewable energy.
• TeslanotableTechnology or IntegrationCertified Tesla PowerWall Installer for battery backup systems.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sunrun: Largest US residential solar, battery and leasing/PPA provider. Comparable through its solar leasing and PPA model and residential customer focus that overlaps with VREC's PPA offering, though operating at vastly larger scale and US geography.
• Tesla Energy: Global solar and battery provider offering Powerwall and Solar Roof. VREC is a Certified Tesla Powerwall Installer, making Tesla both a strategic partner and a broad incumbent competitor as Tesla expands its direct residential solar+battery offering into Canada.

Direct peers

• SkyFire Energy: Western Canada solar EPC firm headquartered in Calgary with operations across BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Comparable as a regional installer of similar size and scope, offering grid-tie PV and battery solutions to residential, commercial and institutional customers.
• Bullfrog Power: Canadian clean energy provider offering green electricity and PPA-style products. Comparable through its community solar funding role with SolShare and overlapping BC renewable energy customer base, even though Bullfrog operates a broader subscription-based model.
• Empower Energies: Canadian solar developer and EPC firm with utility-scale and commercial distributed generation projects. Comparable as a Canadian-headquartered solar EPC competitor, though operating at larger project scale than VREC's residential focus.
• Hedges Renewable Energy Solutions: BC-based solar PV installer serving residential and commercial customers across the province. Highly comparable regional peer with overlapping service territory, customer segments (residential/light commercial) and turn-key installation model.

Regional players

• ReVision Energy: Employee-owned US Northeast solar installer serving residential, commercial and institutional customers. Comparable through its employee-ownership cooperative structure and mission-driven installer model similar to VREC's cooperative, though operating in a different geography (Maine/New Hampshire).

Others

• Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA): National solar industry association of which VREC is a member. Comparable as the broader Canadian solar ecosystem body that influences policy, standards and incentive frameworks central to VREC's business model.
• Enphase Energy: Global supplier of microinverters and battery systems that VREC deploys. Comparable as a critical technology supplier and ecosystem participant in VREC's residential PV and storage offerings, rather than as a direct competitor.
• BC Sustainable Energy Association: BC-focused clean energy advocacy and education organization of which VREC is a member. Comparable as an adjacent ecosystem organization shaping the policy and customer awareness environment that drives VREC's demand.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vanrenew
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXLp4NoczJzaynIUTNf1bXQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/VanRenew

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vancouver Renewable Energy