Micro-generation in Alberta
What is a Micro-gen site?
How can you become one?
Do they get paid for their solar electricity?
Alberta has unique rules in place for homeowners and businesses that produce their own clean electricity, most commonly solar PV. Becoming a Microgen site allows you to sell your excess electricity generated by your rooftop solar PV, to your local grid. To enroll as a Microgen site in Alberta, you must apply through your local wires service provider.
There are some broad rules that each Microgen site must follow.
Not all micro-gen sites must be solar PV, but they must use a renewable resource or alternative energy. The system cannot be greater than 5 megawatts (MW) installed capacity, and the annual energy output of the system cannot be greater that the annual energy used onsite. The micro-gen program is designed for residents and businesses who intend to offset a portion or all of their own consumption. Offsetting 100% of a home’s electricity would make the home Electrically Net Zero; offsetting 100% of the home’s electricity and natural gas would make the home Net Zero Energy.
The image below illustrates the relationship between the micro-gen site, and the Alberta electrical grid.
To apply as a micro-gen site, you must have a renewable energy system installed. Typically, the contractor, such as a solar installer, will complete the micro-gen application on your behalf along with the necessary permits. For more information on how to apply, visit the Alberta Utilities Commission website for a submission guideline.
Solar PV owners can both import and export energy to the electrical grid. Bi-directional meters count the flow of electricity in both directions, and report the values to the wires service provider for billing. During low sun hours, like night and winter, the home imports electricity. Imported electricity is purchased at the energy rate + applicable delivery fees. The delivery fees include transmission, distribution, and local access fees.
If the solar PV system is generating more energy than the home requires at any point in time, that surplus power is exported through the bi-directional meter. The electricity joins the energy mix on the grid, and provides power to your neighbours. Any electricity exported from your home will be sold to the distribution company at your current energy rate. In Alberta, regulation states that the export rate must be the same as the rate you are currently enrolled for import.
The value of solar energy used onsite by a microgenerator is considered to be the same as energy imported, since the home is offsetting what would otherwise be purchased.
Through the Solar Club, Solarmax offers a 2.5% cash back incentive on all energy imported from the grid, the result is an effectively lower import energy rate than export energy rate. This program helps microgenerators to realize greater economic benefits of installing solar PV. To learn about all the great benefits of Solar Club, visit our solar rates page.
It is more economical to use as much solar pv energy onsite, because it has a greater value than if it is exported. This is why many homes are beginning to install energy storage with their solar pv systems. By storing excess electricity during the day, and using it at night, microgenerators can maximize their solar PV investment.
For more information on installing solar please reach out to use at hello@solarmaxpower.ca or visit solarab.ca
Follow us for promotion updates, Alberta energy news and energy efficiency tips.