top of page

How to Achieve a Negative Power Bill with Solar Energy in Alberta

Writer's picture: Randy ZahabiRandy Zahabi

Updated: Oct 23, 2024


Imagine receiving a power bill not just with zero charges, but with credit owing to you—that’s the potential of installing a solar system on your Alberta home. If your solar system is designed to generate more electricity than your home consumes (an efficiency above 100% of your usage), you can actually produce excess power. This surplus energy is sent back to the grid, earning you credits on your utility bill.



Here’s how it works:


  1. Net Metering: Alberta’s net metering program allows you to feed excess electricity back into the grid. When your solar panels produce more energy than you use, your utility company credits your account. Over time, these credits accumulate, and during months when your energy production exceeds consumption, you could end up with a negative power bill.


  2. Seasonal Energy Production: Alberta experiences long daylight hours in summer, enabling your solar panels to generate significant power. During these peak production times, it’s common for solar systems to generate more energy than needed, especially if your system is optimized for efficiency. These extra credits can be used to offset your energy costs in the winter when sunlight is less abundant.


  3. Energy Independence and Savings: By producing more electricity than you consume, you’re not only lowering your energy costs but also gaining energy independence. The credits you earn can reduce or even eliminate your power bill, and in some cases, you might receive a credit balance, effectively earning money from your solar investment.


  4. Designing for Maximum Efficiency: To achieve a negative power bill, it’s crucial to design your solar system for maximum efficiency. This involves considering factors such as your home’s energy usage, roof orientation, and the size of your solar installation. Partnering with an experienced solar provider like Solaris Energy ensures your system is tailored to meet and exceed your energy needs.



Understanding Net Metering in Alberta


Net metering is a program that allows homeowners with solar installations to feed excess energy back into the grid. During sunny months, especially in the long daylight hours of Alberta’s summer, your solar panels can produce more energy than your household needs. The extra energy is sent to the utility company, and your account is credited accordingly. These credits can accumulate and be used to offset energy costs during months when solar production is lower, like in winter.


Seasonal Energy Production: Make the Most of Alberta’s Sunlight


Alberta’s unique climate, with its sunny summers and colder, darker winters, plays a key role in solar energy production. In the summer, your solar panels can generate significant power, often more than you need. This surplus energy is where the magic happens—each kilowatt-hour (kWh) you send back to the grid is like a deposit into a savings account, with your utility bill reflecting the growing balance in the form of credits.


These credits are particularly valuable in winter when solar production typically decreases due to shorter days and more cloud cover. Instead of paying for electricity, you can use the credits you earned during summer, effectively reducing your winter energy bills. With a well-designed system, some homeowners may find that they generate enough excess energy in the summer to cover their entire annual electricity usage, leading to a zero or even negative power bill.



Energy Independence and Financial Benefits


Achieving a negative power bill isn’t just about lowering your utility costs; it’s about gaining greater energy independence and financial security. As energy prices rise, being able to generate your own electricity—and potentially earn money from it—provides a buffer against future price increases.


Additionally, with the potential to earn credits that exceed your usage, your solar system becomes a financial asset. You’re not just avoiding energy costs—you’re actively earning from your solar investment. Over time, these savings can add up significantly, making solar not just an environmental choice, but a smart financial decision as well.


Designing for Maximum Efficiency


To achieve this level of efficiency, careful planning and expert installation are crucial. Factors like your home’s energy consumption patterns, roof orientation, and available space all play a role in determining how much energy your system can generate.


At Solaris Energy, we take the time to analyze your specific needs and design a solar system that not only meets but exceeds your energy requirements. Our goal is to help you maximize your solar potential, ensuring that you generate enough electricity to cover your usage and then some.


Why Choose Solaris Energy?


At Solaris Energy, we specialize in designing and installing high-efficiency solar systems tailored to Alberta’s unique climate. Our team of experts will assess your energy needs, optimize the placement and size of your solar array, and guide you through the net metering process to ensure you get the most out of your solar investment.


We’re committed to helping Alberta homeowners achieve energy independence, reduce their utility costs, and even earn credits on their power bills. With our experience and dedication, we’ll ensure your transition to solar energy is seamless and financially rewarding.


Ready to Start Earning Credits on Your Power Bill?



Investing in a solar system with Solaris Energy means more than just saving on electricity—it means potentially earning money back. Contact us today to learn how we can design a solar system that works for you, providing energy independence and financial benefits for years to come. Let’s harness the power of the sun together!

29 views

Your Path to Energy Savings Begins Here

Take control of your energy with customized solutions for solar panels, battery storage, and home automation. Our experts will tailor a system to meet your needs and help reduce energy costs while improving efficiency.

4b7ba7_e41b2a5d17e8471d945749b33445ee06~mv2.png
Solaris Energy Logo

Contact

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram

Join our mailing list

Copyright ©2024. Solaris Energy. All rights reserved.

bottom of page