Why Alberta Is One of the Best Provinces for Solar
Alberta gets more sunshine than you might think. With an average of 2,300+ hours of sunlight per year — more than most of Ontario and nearly as much as parts of BC’s Okanagan — the province is one of the best places in Canada to install solar panels.
Add in Alberta’s deregulated energy market, rising electricity costs, and a micro-generation framework that lets you sell excess power back to the grid, and the case for solar has never been stronger.
This guide covers everything you need to know before going solar in Alberta — from how the technology works to what it actually costs and how much you can save.
How Do Solar Panels Work?
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells — typically made from silicon. When sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose, creating a flow of direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts that into alternating current (AC), which is what powers your home.
Any electricity you generate but don’t use immediately gets sent back to the grid through a process called net metering (or micro-generation in Alberta). Your utility meter actually runs backward when you’re exporting power.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Alberta?
A typical residential solar system in Alberta ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size:
- Small system (3-5 kW): $8,000–$14,000 — suitable for low-usage homes or condos
- Medium system (6-8 kW): $14,000–$20,000 — covers most of a typical home’s usage
- Large system (10+ kW): $20,000–$30,000 — for high-usage homes or those wanting maximum offset
Prices have dropped significantly over the past decade and continue to fall. Most systems pay for themselves within 8-12 years, with 25+ year lifespans.
Alberta Solar Incentives and Rebates
While the federal Greener Homes Grant program has ended, there are still ways to reduce your upfront costs:
- Municipal programs: Some Alberta municipalities offer solar incentives or property tax reductions for solar installations
- Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP): Available in participating municipalities — lets you finance solar through your property tax bill at low interest rates
- Federal carbon rebate: Solar homes reduce their carbon footprint, and Alberta’s carbon pricing framework provides indirect benefits
- Net metering credits: Export excess electricity and receive credits on your bill
Check with your municipality and the Alberta government’s renewable energy page for the most current programs.
How Net Metering (Micro-Generation) Works in Alberta
Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation allows homeowners with solar panels to connect to the grid and receive credit for any electricity they export. Here’s how it works:
- Your solar panels generate electricity during the day
- Your home uses what it needs in real time
- Excess power flows back to the grid — your meter runs backward
- At the end of each billing period, if you exported more than you imported, you receive a credit
- Credits roll forward and are typically paid out annually
The rate you receive for exported power depends on your electricity retailer. This is where choosing the right plan makes a huge difference — and why Get Energy’s Solar Club exists.
What Is Get Energy’s Solar Club?
Most electricity retailers pay you a low rate for exported solar power and charge you a higher rate for what you import. Get Energy’s Solar Club is designed specifically for solar micro-generators with two flexible rate options:
- Low Import Rate (LO): 3.33¢/kWh — ideal when you’re importing more than you export (winter months)
- High Export Rate (HI): 35.00¢/kWh — ideal when you’re exporting heavily (summer months)
You can switch between the two rates with just 10 days’ notice, so you can optimize your plan seasonally. Plus, you earn 3% cashback on all energy imported from the grid.
No other Alberta retailer offers this level of flexibility for solar customers. Learn more about the Solar Club.
How to Choose the Right Solar Installer
Not all solar installers are equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Certification: Look for installers certified by the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA) or with NABCEP certification
- Local experience: Alberta has unique weather conditions (hail, heavy snow, extreme cold) — choose an installer who understands local requirements
- Warranty: Quality installers offer 10-year workmanship warranties in addition to the 25-year panel warranty
- Multiple quotes: Get at least 3 quotes and compare not just price, but equipment quality and system design
- Reviews: Check Google reviews and ask for references from recent installations in your area
Need a recommendation? We’ve worked with several excellent solar installers across Alberta. Contact us at info@getenergy.ca and we’ll connect you with a trusted installer in your area.
What About Hail?
This is the #1 question Albertans ask about solar. Modern solar panels are tested to withstand impacts from 1-inch diameter hail at 50+ mph. Most quality panels carry IEC 61215 certification, which includes rigorous impact testing.
That said, extreme hail events can damage panels — just like they damage cars and roofs. The good news: solar panel damage is typically covered under your home insurance policy, and panels are much more resilient than most people expect.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Most solar panels come with a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing they’ll still produce at least 80% of their rated output. In practice, many panels continue working well beyond 30 years.
Inverters typically need replacement once during the system’s life (around year 12-15), costing $1,500-$3,000. Other than that, solar systems require virtually no maintenance.
Is Solar Worth It in Alberta?
For most Alberta homeowners, yes — especially if:
- You own your home and plan to stay for 5+ years
- Your roof faces south, southwest, or southeast with minimal shading
- You’re currently paying high electricity rates (especially the RRO)
- You want to hedge against rising energy costs
A typical 8 kW system in Alberta can save $1,200-$1,800 per year on electricity costs. With the Solar Club’s high export rate, your savings can be even higher during peak production months.
Ready to Go Solar?
Whether you’re just starting to research or already have panels installed, Get Energy has you covered:
- Already have solar? Join the Solar Club and start earning more for your exported power
- Thinking about solar? Get panels installed, then switch to the Solar Club for the best rates in Alberta
- Want to compare rates first? Check our current rates — including standard plans if you’re not ready for solar yet
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