Summary:
Grid tied solar systems let Alberta homeowners generate their own power while staying connected to the province’s electrical grid. When your panels produce more energy than you use, the extra electricity is sent back to the grid in exchange for bill credits or payments. When production is low, you simply draw power from the grid as usual. This setup gives homeowners reliable energy, strong long term savings, and the ability to offset most or all of their electricity costs.
What a Grid Tied Solar System Actually Does
A grid tied system connects your solar panels to your home and to the utility grid. Here is the basic flow:
- Your solar panels generate electricity during daylight.
- Your home uses that energy immediately.
- Any extra power flows back into the Alberta grid.
- Your utility records how much you export and credits you for it.
- When you need more power than you produce, you automatically draw from the grid.
This provides constant reliability because you are never left without power. You simply switch between solar and grid energy depending on what you need.
Why Grid Tied Solar Works So Well in Alberta
Alberta is one of the best provinces in Canada for grid tied solar. Homeowners benefit from:
• High sunlight hours
• Strong microgeneration policies
• Fair compensation for exported solar power
• Year round reliability, even in winter
• No need for expensive batteries unless desired
This is why grid tied systems are the most common and cost effective option for residential solar in Lethbridge and across southern Alberta.
How You Save Money With Grid Tied Solar
1. You reduce your monthly energy use
Every kilowatt your panels produce is a kilowatt you do not buy from the grid.
2. You earn credits for surplus power
During sunny months, your panels will often produce more than you need. In Alberta, you can sell this excess energy back to the grid.
3. You can optimize your rates through Spot Power
Energy Smart Canada partners with Spot Power to help homeowners get the most value from their solar production.
Spot Power offers two rate options:
High Rate:
Ideal from April to October when your panels generate a surplus. You pay a higher rate to buy electricity but you also earn a much higher rate when exporting your extra power.
Low Rate:
Ideal from November to March when daylight hours are shorter. You pay less for electricity during months when you rely more on the grid.
Homeowners can switch between these rates with only 10 days notice. This flexible model helps reduce payback timelines and increases overall return on investment.
Some homeowners even set their rate high before going on vacation, then return to credits earned while they were away.
Available Alberta Solar Incentives
Price can be a concern for homeowners considering solar. Several programs help make the upfront investment easier.
Lethbridge Specific Rebate
SunRidge BuiltGreen Homeowner Rebate
Up to $3,500 for new homes in the SunRidge Development that meet environmental performance standards.
Canada Wide Programs
Canada Greener Homes Loan
Interest free loan up to $40,000 for energy efficient upgrades including solar.
The grant portion closed in April 2024 but the loan remains open. Once approved, homeowners have one full year to complete their installation.
Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)
Financing with competitive rates and repayment terms up to 25 years.
Payments are made through the property tax bill.
The loan stays with the property rather than the homeowner, which is a major advantage during resale.
Applications reopen in 2024.
These options help reduce the initial financial barrier and make long term energy savings accessible to more homeowners.
Why Alberta Homeowners Choose Grid Tied Systems Over Off Grid
Grid tied solar remains the preferred choice because:
• You never run out of power
• You avoid the cost of large battery systems
• You can sell excess energy
• Maintenance is low
• Winter reliability is high
• Payback is faster
Off grid systems are ideal for remote properties but unnecessary for most homes in Lethbridge and surrounding areas.
Is Grid Tied Solar Right for You?
If your goal is to reduce your electricity bills, increase home efficiency, and invest in long term savings, a grid tied system is the most practical option in Alberta. Homeowners typically save for more than 25 years, and with programs like Spot Power and CEIP, the financial benefits are stronger than ever. Contact Energy Smart to get a solar consult.