What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is the system that allows solar homeowners to send excess electricity back to the grid and receive credit for it. In Alberta, it’s officially called micro-generation, but the concept is the same.
Think of it as using the grid like a bank account: you deposit electricity when your panels produce more than you need, and you withdraw when you need more than they’re producing.
How Alberta’s Version Works
Alberta’s micro-generation regulation has some unique features compared to other provinces:
- Bi-directional metering: Your utility installs a meter that tracks both imports and exports separately
- Retailer-set rates: Unlike some provinces with mandated rates, Alberta lets your electricity retailer set the export rate
- No system size cap (effectively): Residential systems up to 5 MW qualify, though practical residential systems are 3-15 kW
- Right to connect: Your utility cannot refuse to connect a qualifying micro-generation system
The Credit System
Here’s how credits work on a monthly basis:
- Your meter records total kWh imported and total kWh exported during the billing period
- Your retailer calculates your energy charge based on imports
- Your retailer calculates your export credit based on their rate
- Credits are applied against charges
- If credits exceed charges, the balance rolls forward to the next month
Monthly Example
July bill for a solar home:
- Imported: 100 kWh
- Exported: 700 kWh
- Import charge at 8. With Get Energy, you also have the option to have your credits paid out to you monthly in cash — this is not typical in the industry, and most retailers only offer rolling credits.95¢/kWh: $8.40
- Export credit at 35.00¢/kWh (Solar Club HI): -$245.00
- Net energy credit: -$236.05
Note: Delivery and transmission charges still apply on the 100 kWh imported.
Annual Settlement
At the end of each 12-month period, any remaining accumulated credits are settled. The settlement process varies by retailer:
- Some retailers pay out credits as a cheque or account credit
- Some carry credits forward indefinitely
- The rate used for settlement may differ from monthly credits — check your retailer’s terms
With Get Energy, the process is transparent and straightforward — your credits work exactly as you’d expect.
Why the Export Rate Matters So Much
This is the most important thing most solar homeowners don’t realize: your export rate is everything.
A typical Alberta solar home exports 4,000-7,000 kWh per year. Here’s what that’s worth at different rates:
| Annual Exports | At 7¢/kWh | At 3.33¢/kWh | At 35.00¢/kWh (Solar Club HI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,000 kWh | $280 | $358 | $1,400 |
| 6,000 kWh | $420 | $537 | $2,100 |
| 8,000 kWh | $560 | $716 | $2,800 |
The difference between a standard retailer and Get Energy’s Solar Club can be $1,000-$2,000+ per year — enough to cut your solar payback period in half.
What Doesn’t Get Net Metered
Important: net metering only applies to the energy supply portion of your bill. You still pay for:
- Transmission charges: The cost of moving power through the provincial grid
- Distribution charges: The cost of local power line infrastructure
- Rate riders: Various regulatory adjustments
- Local access fees: Municipal franchise fees
- Admin fees: Your retailer’s service charge (if any)
These non-energy charges typically make up 40-60% of a pre-solar electricity bill. Solar reduces your energy charges dramatically but won’t eliminate these regulated costs.
Net Metering vs. Battery Storage
Some homeowners consider batteries as an alternative to net metering. Here’s the comparison:
| Net Metering | Battery Storage | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (built into micro-gen) | $8,000-$15,000+ |
| Capacity | Unlimited (the grid) | Limited (10-20 kWh typical) |
| Power during outages | No | Yes |
| Maintenance | None | Battery replacement every 10-15 years |
| Best for | Maximizing financial returns | Backup power priority |
For most Alberta homeowners, net metering with a good export rate beats battery storage financially. Batteries make sense if backup power during outages is important to you.
How to Get Started with Net Metering
- Install solar panels with a certified Alberta installer
- Apply for micro-generation — your installer typically handles this application for you through your wire service provider (ATCO, ENMAX, EPCOR, or FortisAlberta)
- Get your bi-directional meter installed
- Choose a retailer that values your exports: Get Energy’s Solar Club offers the best export rates in Alberta
Make Your Exports Count
Net metering is only as good as the rate your retailer pays. Don’t settle for 8–10¢/kWh when you could be earning up to 35.00¢/kWh.
Compare Get Energy’s Solar Club rates and see the difference the right plan makes.
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