How to Read Your Solar Micro-Generation Bill in Alberta (With Examples)

Solar Bills Look Different

If you’ve recently installed solar panels, your electricity bill might look confusing. New line items, credits, and net calculations replace the simple “usage × rate” format you’re used to. Don’t worry — it’s actually straightforward once you understand what each part means.

The Key Numbers on Your Bill

Energy Imported (Grid → Home)

This is the electricity you drew from the grid — typically at night, on cloudy days, or during high-usage periods. It’s measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and is the number your retailer charges you for.

A solar home might import 50-200 kWh in a sunny summer month versus 400-600 kWh in winter.

Energy Exported (Home → Grid)

This is the excess electricity your solar panels sent to the grid. Your meter tracks this separately, and your retailer pays you (or credits you) for this amount.

A typical Alberta solar home might export 400-800 kWh in summer and 50-150 kWh in winter.

Net Energy

The difference between imports and exports. If you exported more than you imported, you’re a “net producer” for that period and should see a credit.

Understanding Each Line Item

Energy Charges (Variable)

This is your retailer’s charge for the electricity you imported. The rate depends on your plan:

  • Standard plans: You pay your contracted rate (e.g., 7-9¢/kWh) on imports
  • Get Energy Solar Club LO: 3.33¢/kWh — optimized low import rate

Export Credits

The amount your retailer credits you for exported power. The variable rate is also a viable option for solar customers, as it can save you even more money — variable rates are typically lower than fixed rates. This is where your retailer choice makes the biggest difference:

  • Many retailers: 8–10¢/kWh
  • Get Energy Solar Club HI: 35.00¢/kWh

On a month where you export 600 kWh, that’s the difference between a $36 credit and a $210 credit.

Delivery Charges (Transmission & Distribution)

These are regulated charges that pay for the physical infrastructure — power lines, substations, and grid maintenance. You pay these regardless of whether you have solar. They’re based on your total consumption (imports only) and include:

  • Transmission: Moving power from generators to your area (~2-3¢/kWh)
  • Distribution: Moving power from substations to your home (~3-5¢/kWh)

Rate Riders

Temporary surcharges or credits applied by the utility to recover past costs or return over-collections. These fluctuate and are the same whether or not you have solar.

Local Access Fee

A franchise fee paid to your municipality — typically a percentage of your delivery charges. Same for solar and non-solar homes.

Admin Fee

Your retailer’s monthly service charge. Varies by provider — some charge $5-$10/month, others include it in their rate.

A Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown

Here’s what a summer bill might look like for a solar home on Get Energy’s Solar Club (HI rate):

Line Item Amount
Energy Imported: 80 kWh × 35.00¢/kWh $28.00
Energy Exported: 650 kWh × 35.00¢/kWh -$227.50
Net Energy Credit -$199.50
Transmission (80 kWh) $2.40
Distribution (80 kWh) $4.00
Rate Riders $1.20
Local Access Fee $0.85
Admin Fee $0.00
Total -$191.05 (credit)

This is a simplified illustration. Actual bills vary based on your utility area and specific rate riders.

Tips for Understanding Your Bill

  1. Compare month to month: Your bill will vary dramatically by season. Summer bills may show credits; winter bills will show charges.
  2. Check your meter readings: Make sure the import and export readings on your bill match your inverter’s monitoring data.
  3. Watch for credits rolling forward: If you have a net credit, it should roll to your next billing period.
  4. Remember delivery charges are separate: Even in months where your energy charges are negative, you’ll still pay delivery, transmission, and other regulated fees.
  5. Annual settlement: Credits typically accumulate and are paid out or applied annually. Check your retailer’s policy.

Why Your Retailer Matters More Than You Think

As you can see from the bill breakdown, the rate your retailer pays for exports is the single biggest factor in your solar economics. The difference between 8¢/kWh and 35.00¢/kWh on 6,000 kWh of annual exports is $1,620/year.

If you have solar panels and you’re not on a plan designed for micro-generators, you’re likely leaving thousands of dollars on the table every year.

Check Get Energy’s Solar Club rates and see the difference.

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