When families take the smart step toward lowering energy bills and increasing property value by investing in solar for their home, there’s yet another way to increase savings beyond securing their energy independence. But to truly get the highest return on your solar investment, you need a strategy that ensures year-round optimization.

That’s where Alberta’s Solar Club comes in. This unique program helps homeowners get the most value from their solar production by optimizing energy pricing. Instead of selling excess power back to the grid at a fixed rate, Solar Club members can strategically switch between high and low pricing tiers based on seasonal energy patterns.

Solar energy production doesn’t always align with household electricity consumption, especially during seasonal shifts. Solar Club amps up (yes, that was a spark of humor!) your energy credit potential by leveraging high-production periods to boost energy credits. These surplus credits serve as a financial cushion, stretching savings when solar output slows.

During high-production seasons, homeowners can sell surplus energy at premium rates, earning outsized credits that accumulate over the sunnier months. When solar production slows, Solar Club members can switch to lower electricity rates, allowing their stored energy credits to go further, extending savings and supporting long-term financial stability.

How Rooftop Solar Systems Are Sized

A well-designed solar system aims to cover a home’s total annual electricity needs, but production and consumption don’t align evenly throughout the year. Winter brings shorter days, less sunlight, and higher energy demand, especially for heating, while summer delivers longer daylight hours and lower household energy use, creating an overproduction of solar power.

Since solar installers can’t make the sun shine more in winter, they have to strike a balance. Systems are typically sized to generate enough energy to meet winter demand as closely as possible, without exceeding the total annual energy needs of the home. This means that in summer, solar panels often generate more electricity than the home needs, while in winter, homeowners may still need some grid power to make up for the seasonal shortfall.

Understanding this pattern helps homeowners set realistic expectations about their energy production, storage options, and potential need for grid support during the colder months. It’s all about optimizing solar benefits year-round, even with seasonal fluctuations in sunlight and usage.

How Solar Production Varies by Season

Your solar panels generate electricity by converting sunlight into usable power, but their efficiency depends on how much sunlight they receive. As a result, solar production fluctuates throughout the year, influenced by daylight hours and weather conditions.

During summer, solar production reaches its peak. Longer days, a higher sun angle, and minimal cloud cover contribute to maximum energy generation. Plus, with little to no snow blocking sunlight, your panels receive unobstructed exposure, further boosting efficiency.

In contrast, winter months bring a significant drop in solar production. Shorter daylight hours, a lower sun position, frequent cloud cover, and snow accumulation all reduce electricity output, making winter solar generation much lower than in summer.

Why Electricity Consumption Fluctuates Throughout the Year

Many homeowners assume their energy consumption stays the same year-round, but this isn’t the case. Winter months tend to drive significantly higher energy demand.

Here’s why:

1. Heating Needs:

• In most of Canada, homes rely on heating systems from fall through spring, whether it’s electric furnaces, space heaters, or heat pumps.

• Even gas-heated homes use electric fans or pumps to circulate warm air, increasing electricity use.

2. Less Natural Light Means More Indoor Lighting:

• Since winter days are shorter, homeowners use more artificial lighting in the morning and evening.

3. Higher Indoor Activity:

• People spend more time indoors during cold months, using TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances more frequently.

4. Holiday and Seasonal Equipment:

• Holiday lights, electric fireplaces, and heated blankets all add extra load to winter electricity use.

• Garage and driveway heating systems (for snow melting) are common in colder regions.

5. Hot Water Demand:

• In winter, water heaters work harder to maintain temperature due to colder incoming water, increasing electricity usage for homes with electric water heating.

By contrast, summer months require less heating, natural daylight reduces indoor lighting needs, and people spend more time outdoors, lowering overall electricity consumption.

Most rooftop solar systems are designed to generate enough electricity to cover a household’s annual energy consumption, meaning that over the course of a year, production should roughly match demand. However, this doesn’t mean electricity generation and usage are evenly distributed throughout the year.

Here’s a chart that shows real solar production and electricity consumption data from a Calgary home so you can see how production and consumption change over the course of a year.

How Alberta’s Solar Club Works

Alberta’s Solar Club helps homeowners maximize the value of their rooftop solar energy by offering flexible electricity rate options that align with seasonal solar production and consumption patterns.

Here’s the basic concept:

In high-production seasons (spring & summer), your solar panels generate more electricity than you use, so you sell the excess power back to the grid. This is when Solar Club members can take advantage of premium export rates, earning up to 30.00¢/kWh for surplus energy sent back to the grid.

In lower-production seasons (fall & winter), your solar system produces less energy, and you rely more on electricity from the grid. To offset costs, Solar Club members can switch to a lower rate of 8.79¢/kWh* when purchasing electricity from the grid.

* As of June 2025, Enmax offers the following electricity rates:

• Fixed Rates:
  • 1-Year Term: 8.99¢/kWh
  • 3-Year Term: 8.79¢/kWh
  • 5-Year Term: 9.99¢/kWh

• Variable Rate:
  • Floating Rate: Indexed to the Alberta market price plus 1.99¢/kWh transaction fee

By strategically adjusting rates, Solar Club members boost their savings by earning more when they overproduce and spending less when they need extra power from the grid.

Why Paying More for Electricity in Sunnier Months Makes Sense

Alberta’s Solar Club offers two electricity rate options:

• A lower rate for energy consumption.

• A higher rate for exporting surplus energy.

During high-production months, it’s more beneficial to choose the higher export rate, even if that means paying more for electricity drawn from the grid. This ensures that your surplus solar power earns top dollar when sent back to the utility.

Then, when winter arrives, homeowners should switch to the lower rate since they’ll be importing more electricity from the grid and generating less solar energy.

When Should You Switch? Timing Matters

The key to maximizing savings is timing your Solar Club rate switch correctly. Typically, homeowners should:

• Switch to the higher export rate in early spring, when production starts ramping up.

• Switch to the lower consumption rate in late fall, as solar production declines and electricity use increases.

This seasonal switching ensures you’re always getting the best possible financial return on your solar investment.

How Alberta’s Electricity Market Impacts Solar Club Pricing

Alberta operates under a deregulated electricity market, meaning homeowners have the freedom to choose from competitive retail providers rather than being locked into a single utility rate. This flexibility is what enables Alberta’s Solar Club to offer seasonal pricing strategies, allowing members to capitalize on high export rates during peak solar months and switch to lower purchase rates when production slows.

Unlike regulated markets where pricing is determined by government policies, Alberta’s deregulated structure means solar homeowners can actively manage their electricity costs, leveraging the market’s price fluctuations to their advantage. Because retail electricity providers set their own rates, Solar Club members benefit from adjustable pricing tiers, strategically shifting between premium export rates in the spring and summer and lower consumption rates in fall and winter.

This unique pricing model makes grid-tied solar energy more financially viable, ensuring homeowners receive maximum value for their surplus electricity while keeping costs low when energy needs increase.

Financial Returns: ROI & Payback Period for Solar Club Members

For homeowners investing in rooftop solar, maximizing financial returns is key. By leveraging Solar Club’s seasonal pricing structure, members can significantly reduce their payback period compared to standard fixed-rate electricity plans.

Here’s how the numbers compare:

Solar Club Member	Fixed-Rate Homeowner
Earns up to 30.00¢/kWh for excess energy in peak months	Fixed-rate export prices are often below 10.00¢/kWh
Switches to low-cost electricity rates (around 8.79¢/kWh) in winter	Pays consistent electricity prices year-round, regardless of production levels
Accumulates valuable energy credits to offset winter costs	No ability to adjust rates based on seasonal fluctuations
Reduces payback period by up to several years	Longer payback period due to standard pricing

By strategically adjusting rates, Solar Club members can see financial benefits within 8-12 years, compared to fixed-rate solar customers, who may experience a longer return period.

Leveraging Alberta’s deregulated electricity market and seasonal rate switching, Solar Club homeowners can ensure they receive maximum financial return, optimizing solar energy investment for long-term savings.

Technical & System Considerations

Understanding Net Metering vs. Solar Club Credits

Homeowners with grid-connected solar systems typically have two options for managing surplus electricity: net metering and Solar Club export credits. While both models allow solar producers to benefit from excess energy generation, they operate differently in Alberta’s deregulated electricity market.

Net Metering: This traditional system credits solar homeowners for every excess kilowatt-hour (kWh) sent back to the grid, offsetting future electricity consumption at a one-to-one rate (meaning 1 kWh generated = 1 kWh consumed later). However, net metering typically doesn’t allow for cash payments or higher seasonal export rates.

Solar Club Export Credits: Instead of a fixed one-to-one credit, Solar Club members earn premium compensation for surplus energy, particularly in high-production months. These credits accumulate and can be used to offset low-production season costs, giving homeowners more flexibility to strategically switch rates throughout the year.

Solar Club’s tiered rate strategy allows members to sell energy at premium prices in the sunnier months and purchase electricity at lower rates when solar output declines, ensuring greater financial returns than traditional net metering.

Grid Connection & How Surplus Energy is Managed

For grid-tied solar systems, excess power isn’t wasted since it’s fed back into Alberta’s electricity grid to be used by other consumers. When solar homeowners generate more than they use, their systems automatically export power, contributing to overall grid stability while earning them Solar Club export credits.

Alberta’s competitive retail electricity market ensures that homeowners receive financial compensation for their surplus energy rather than simply banking kilowatt-hours for future use. The ability to switch between high and low pricing tiers makes seasonal energy management more strategic, further optimizing solar energy investments.

Battery Storage & Solar Club

Homeowners often wonder whether battery storage systems (will link to blog article on home batteries – to be written) complement Alberta’s Solar Club model, and the answer depends on individual energy goals. While batteries allow homeowners to store and use their excess solar power directly, Solar Club enables members to sell excess energy at premium rates, effectively “storing” value in financial credits rather than physical storage.

Considerations for battery storage with Solar Club:

• Maximizing Self-Consumption: Batteries store surplus energy for nighttime use, reducing reliance on the grid.

• Financial Strategy: Solar Club members may earn more by exporting energy at peak rates rather than storing excess in a battery.

• Backup Power: Batteries provide energy security in case of outages, something Solar Club credits alone cannot do.

For many Alberta homeowners, Solar Club’s financial model provides better returns than battery storage, especially when paired with a seasonal rate-switching strategy. However, for those seeking greater energy independence, storage solutions can still be a valuable addition to solar systems.

Myths & Misconceptions About Alberta’s Solar Club

Despite its growing popularity, Alberta’s Solar Club is sometimes misunderstood by homeowners unfamiliar with seasonal rate switching and solar export strategies. Let’s dispel some common myths:

Myth: Solar Club pricing is complicated and unpredictable.

Reality: Solar Club follows a structured seasonal pricing model, allowing members to lock in higher export rates in peak months and switch to lower purchase rates when solar production slows.

Myth: You must commit to Solar Club permanently.

Reality: Members can switch between Solar Club and standard electricity rates at any time (with some providers requiring a short notice period), ensuring flexibility to adapt to market conditions.

Myth: Net metering is a better option than Solar Club.

Reality: While net metering offsets future consumption at a fixed rate, Solar Club members earn premium compensation for surplus energy, maximizing financial returns in high-production seasons.

Understanding how Solar Club operates ensures homeowners make informed decisions and capitalize on seasonal energy savings opportunities.

Energy Security & Grid Resilience

Solar power plays a crucial role in enhancing Alberta’s energy security, and programs like Solar Club further improve grid stability by promoting distributed energy generation. When homeowners feed excess electricity into the grid, they help reduce strain on centralized power plants, particularly during peak demand hours.

As Alberta works toward modernizing its electricity infrastructure, policies supporting solar integration, battery storage, and dynamic pricing mechanisms will further increase grid stability, making renewable energy an even more dependable solution.

How Businesses & Commercial Properties Can Benefit

While Solar Club has been a game-changer for residential solar, its benefits extend to business owners and commercial properties, offering unique financial advantages:

• Small Businesses – By adopting rooftop solar and leveraging Solar Club’s high export rates, small businesses can offset operational costs while establishing a sustainable energy model.

• Agricultural Properties – Farms with large rooftop or ground-mounted solar systems can generate surplus power and earn credits to reduce winter energy expenses, making solar an attractive investment for agricultural producers.

• Multi-Unit Properties – Property owners managing apartment complexes or commercial buildings can reduce electricity costs while benefiting from seasonal pricing strategies.

With Alberta’s deregulated energy market, businesses have the flexibility to optimize their electricity expenses, ensuring that Solar Club remains a valuable tool for commercial solar adopters.

How Solar Club Fits Within the Broader Incentive Landscape

Solar incentives in Canada go beyond Alberta’s Solar Club, offering homeowners and businesses a variety of ways to make solar power more affordable. Whether you’re looking for interest-free financing or tax credits, there are several programs designed to help.

Federal Incentives

• Canada Greener Homes Loan – This program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to homeowners making energy-efficient upgrades, including solar panel installations. To qualify, applicants must complete a pre-retrofit evaluation and follow recommended upgrades.

• Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (CTITC) – Businesses investing in clean energy projects, including commercial solar PV systems, can receive a 30% refundable tax credit.

• Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) – Businesses can accelerate the depreciation of solar and other renewable energy equipment, reducing taxable income.

• Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expenses (CRCE) – Certain expenses related to solar energy development can be fully deducted in the year they are incurred.

Provincial Incentives

• Alberta – Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP): Alberta’s version of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows property owners to fund solar and energy efficiency upgrades through their property taxes, with 100% upfront financing and repayment through future savings.

• British Columbia – PST Exemption for Renewable Energy Equipment: BC waives the 7% provincial sales tax on eligible solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems, making installation more affordable.

• British Columbia – CleanBC Better Buildings Program: Provides rebates for solar PV installations, energy-efficient upgrades, and electrification incentives, supporting businesses and homeowners in their transition to clean energy.

• Ontario – Save on Energy Retrofit Program: Offers financial incentives covering up to 50% of project costs, including solar PV installations, battery storage, and energy efficiency upgrades for commercial and institutional buildings.

• Québec – Hydro-Québec Efficient Solutions Program: Helps businesses reduce energy consumption by funding energy analyses and efficient equipment installations with up to 90% cost coverage.

• Prince Edward Island – Net Zero & EfficiencyPEI Rebates: Provides rebates for solar panel installations, though recent changes have reduced the maximum rebate amount available to homeowners.

• Manitoba – Efficiency Manitoba’s Commercial Deep Energy Retrofit Program: Supports businesses in achieving at least 20% energy savings through major renovations, building upgrades, and efficient system replacements.

These programs make solar power more accessible, helping homeowners and businesses reduce upfront costs while benefiting from long-term energy savings. If you’re considering solar, exploring these incentives can make a big difference in affordability.

You can explore a full list of provincial incentives on Natural Resources Canada’s website.

The Bottom Line

Solar power is an investment, and the right strategy can help you make the most of it. By understanding the seasonal dynamics of production and consumption, choosing the correct rate at the right time, and leveraging services like GreenKey’s Solar Club Reminder Program, homeowners can maximize their financial benefits while keeping their energy costs low.