Solar Power in Alberta — 2026 Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about solar energy in Alberta: rates, incentives, net metering, and how much you can save. Covering 6 cities across the province.
1350
kWh/m²/year Irradiance
8 yrs
Avg Payback Period
16.5¢
Avg Rate (per kWh)
28%
Solar Growth Rate
Alberta Solar Overview
Alberta has 2,200 MW of installed solar capacity, with a 28% annual growth rate. The province receives 1350 kWh/m²/year of solar irradiance, making it one of Canada's best provinces for solar energy.
The average residential solar system in Alberta is 9 kW, with an estimated payback period of 8 years after incentives. With time-of-use pricing and an average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, solar provides meaningful savings for homeowners.
A typical 9 kW system costs approximately $30,600 before incentives. After the federal 30% Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, the net cost drops to approximately $21,420.
We cover 6 cities across Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and 1 more. Each city page provides localized sun hours, electricity rates, and savings estimates specific to that area.
Solar Calculator by City in Alberta
Get a free solar estimate tailored to your city. Each calculator uses local sun hours, electricity rates, and incentive data.
Calgary
2396 sun hrs/yr | $2,100/yr savings
Avg bill: $220/mo | ENMAX
Edmonton
2345 sun hrs/yr | $1,980/yr savings
Avg bill: $210/mo | EPCOR
Red Deer
2380 sun hrs/yr | $1,920/yr savings
Avg bill: $200/mo | Red Deer Electric
Lethbridge
2442 sun hrs/yr | $2,040/yr savings
Avg bill: $195/mo | Lethbridge Electric
Medicine Hat
2500 sun hrs/yr | $1,980/yr savings
Avg bill: $185/mo | Medicine Hat Electric
Grande Prairie
2280 sun hrs/yr | $1,860/yr savings
Avg bill: $210/mo | AltaGas Utilities
Electricity Rates in Alberta
Average Rate
16.5¢/kWh
Rate Structure
time of-use
HST/GST
5%
| Province | Avg Rate ($/kWh) | Rate Structure | Net Metering | HST/GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $0.140 | time of-use | Not Available | 13% |
| Alberta | $0.165 | time of-use | Available | 5% |
| British Columbia | $0.126 | time of-use | Available | 12% |
| Manitoba | $0.095 | flat | Available | 12% |
| New Brunswick | $0.125 | tiered | Available | 15% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $0.135 | tiered | Available | 15% |
| Nova Scotia | $0.182 | time of-use | Available | 15% |
| Prince Edward Island | $0.165 | tiered | Available | 15% |
| Quebec | $0.073 | tiered | Available | 14.975% |
| Saskatchewan | $0.145 | tiered | Available | 11% |
Utility Solar Guides in Alberta
Detailed guides for connecting solar to your Alberta utility, including net metering rules, application process, and billing details.
ENMAX Solar Guide
Regulated Rate Option (RRO) / Competitive | Avg 16.5¢/kWh
Micro-generation program for systems up to 5 MW. Export credits at retail rate, rolling 12-month bal...
Read full guideEPCOR Solar Guide
Regulated Rate Option (RRO) / Competitive | Avg 16.5¢/kWh
Micro-generation program similar to ENMAX. Credits at current retail rate....
Read full guideSolar Incentives & Rebates in Alberta
Federal: 30% Clean Technology ITC
All Alberta homeowners qualify for the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit, reducing the cost of solar installations by nearly a third. On a $30,600 system, this saves $9,180.
Provincial-specific solar rebate programs are limited. The federal 30% ITC remains the primary incentive. Check our rebates page for the latest updates.
Net Metering in Alberta
Alberta offers net metering for residential solar systems. When your panels produce more electricity than you use, the surplus is exported to the grid and you receive credits on your utility bill.
Net metering is available in Alberta
Credits typically roll over monthly and are settled annually. Contact your local utility for specific program details.
Solar Payback in Alberta
How Alberta Compares to Other Provinces
See how solar economics in Alberta stack up against other Canadian provinces.
Saskatchewan
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Get Your Alberta Solar Estimate
Enter your address for a personalized solar estimate with Alberta-specific rates and incentives.
Get Your Free EstimateSolar FAQs for Alberta
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Solar Calculator Calgary
Free solar estimate for Calgary, Alberta.
Learn moreSolar Calculator Edmonton
Free solar estimate for Edmonton, Alberta.
Learn moreSolar Calculator Red Deer
Free solar estimate for Red Deer, Alberta.
Learn moreSolar Calculator Lethbridge
Free solar estimate for Lethbridge, Alberta.
Learn moreSolar Calculator Medicine Hat
Free solar estimate for Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Learn moreSolar Calculator Grande Prairie
Free solar estimate for Grande Prairie, Alberta.
Learn moreENMAX Solar Guide
Regulated Rate Option (RRO) / Competitive rates and net metering details.
Learn moreEPCOR Solar Guide
Regulated Rate Option (RRO) / Competitive rates and net metering details.
Learn moreElectricity Rates Canada
Compare rates across all provinces.
Learn moreLast Updated: . Rates, incentives, and solar data sourced from NRCan, Canada Energy Regulator, and provincial utility websites. Estimates are approximate — use our free solar calculator for a personalized estimate.