Alberta Microgeneration: How to Turn Your Roof into a Power Plant

Net Metering vs. Microgeneration

"Microgeneration" is the legal term for the regulation that allows you to connect your system to the grid. "Net metering" is the billing mechanism that credits you for the electricity you export. In Alberta, they are essentially two sides of the same coin.

System Sizing Limits

Under the regulation, your solar system is intended to offset your own energy consumption, not to act as a commercial power plant. Therefore, your system size is generally limited to your annual historical energy usage.

In Alberta, the Micro-generation Regulation is the legal framework that allows you to generate your own electricity and connect to the grid. Net metering is the billing mechanism under this regulation where your utility provider credits you for the excess electricity you export to the grid, offsetting the power you consume when your panels aren't producing.

Your savings depend on your system size, energy consumption, and the rate you receive for exported electricity. By joining a Solar Club, you can switch to a high export rate (e.g., 30 cents/kWh) during the summer when you overproduce, and a low import rate (e.g., 8 cents/kWh) in the winter. This strategy can maximize the value of your credits, often resulting in a net-zero annual electricity bill.

Yes, you need a bi-directional meter that can measure both the electricity you consume from the grid and the electricity you export to the grid. Your utility provider (e.g., Fortis, ATCO, ENMAX) will install this meter as part of the interconnection process.

The approval process typically takes between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your utility provider and the complexity of your system. We handle the entire application process for you, ensuring all necessary documentation and single-line diagrams are submitted correctly.

Under Alberta's Micro-generation Regulation, your system size is generally limited to your annual energy consumption. However, if you plan to add significant electrical loads in the near future (e.g., an electric vehicle, a heat pump, or a new shop), you can apply for a larger system by providing documentation of these planned additions.

Microgeneration credits are tied to the specific property and utility account. If you move, the credits do not transfer with you. However, a solar system significantly increases the resale value of your home, allowing you to recoup your investment.

While there are no ongoing fees for participating in the microgeneration program, you are still responsible for the fixed transmission and distribution charges on your utility bill. However, the credits you earn from exporting electricity can offset these charges.

Yes, microgeneration is available to all Albertans, regardless of whether you live in an urban or rural area. In fact, rural properties often have more space for larger ground-mount systems, making them ideal candidates for solar.

For safety reasons, standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down during a power outage to prevent electricity from flowing back into the grid and injuring utility workers. If you want backup power during an outage, you need to install a battery storage system.

The application process involves submitting a detailed system design, single-line diagram, and application form to your utility provider. At Range Road Solar, we handle this entire process for you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.