Frequently Asked Questions
about Solar Power in Alberta

Solar is a great fit in Alberta. The province has an abundant supply of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar energy generation. Weather-and-Climate.com tells us that Edmonton specifically averages over 2300 hours of sunshine per year.

April through August are the most productive months, although many solar systems we install produce power through the Fall and Winter months as well.

One critical starting point is making sure that the rooftop or area that you want to install solar in actually receives an optimal amount of sun throughout the day.

There is one active federal program, The Canada Greener Homes Loan.The Canada Greener Homes Loan provides up to $40,000 at 0% interest for up to 10 years.

For information, check out our blog post on the Canada Greener Homes program!

Find the Federal Government Solar Grant information here.

The cost of a PV system has several variables depending on the system type and size.  A system with a few solar panels and microinverters will be the least expensive.  As the system gets bigger a decision between microinverters, string inverters, and power optimizers needs to be made.  To help with that decision we have a blog post you can read!

A general cost range for an average-sized system with a simple roof layout would be $12,000 to $25,000 before any incentives.

Learn more: BLDG solar installation services

Read more: The cost of solar installation

Solar PV modules have a lifetime warranty of 25 to 30 years, depending on the brand and mode).  We only sell solar modules that can withstand the sun, cold, snow, rain, and hail that we experience in Alberta.  The inverters have a warranty of 10 – 25 years, depending on the brand and package.  The electric utility that you’re installing on your roof will last for a long time.

This is a very common question.  The most cost-effective way to use your solar system is to install a grid-tied system and use the grid as your battery.  When you generate more than you need during the day, your house will consume what it needs from the Solar PV System and any excess will be sent to the grid.

Anything you send to the grid will provide you with a credit with your utility retailer.  When there isn’t enough solar power being generated, your house will consume whatever it needs from the Solar PV System and the grid will top up any power needs.

This all occurs seamlessly in the background.

Batteries are an option, but in Alberta, the use case is very limited.

All of the electricity sent to the grid from your Solar PV System will be credited to your account with your energy retailer.  Your retailer will buy your electricity for the same rate you buy their electricity.  The only limitation placed on a residential microgenerator is that you are not allowed to produce more electricity than you consume annually.  On sunny spring days, you’ll likely produce more than you consume, and in the dead of winter, you’ll consume more than you produce.

Over the year, production and consumption would ideally be equal.

Your Solar PV System does produce carbon credits which you can sell and get a cheque for annually, depending on your generation and the current price of Carbon.  We work with some vendors and would be happy to help you get set up to sell your carbon credits. Learn more about how you can earn Carbon Credits here.