Solar 101

To go solar you should first learn the basics. Find out about the inverter systems we offer, what the installation process entails and how the solar club works. Visit our articles to dive deeper into key topics or scroll down to check out our FAQ.

How an Enphase solar system powers your home

Microinverter Setup: Enphase - 1 microinverter per panel

solaredge solar system connected to inverter powering your home

String Inverter Setup: SolarEdge - main inverter with power optimizers

solar panels that tie into inverter and send the electricity to the grid during the day and the home pulls electricity at night from the grid

Grid-Tied Solar System

solar panels tie into inverter, then to transfer switch and battery bank. image shows how a hybrid solar system works

Hybrid Solar System

Most of our clients join Spot Power, the best way to reduce your solar payback period. Check out their rates here.

solar club Alberta, solar in Calgary
The basics of solar

The Solar Club

The Solar Club in Alberta is a program for solar micro-generators that lets you switch between two electricity rates to maximize savings and reduce your payback period.

High (HI) Rate: $0.33/kWh for selling surplus power between spring and autumn.

Low (LO) Rate: $0.08/kWh for buying power in winter.

Extra perks:
Pre-solar rate ($0.073/kWh) for clients with signed solar contracts before installation + summer payouts every $200 credit buildup.

Read Our Latest Articles

5 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Solar Contractor in Alberta

Five major red flags Alberta homeowners should watch for when choosing a solar contractor, including high‑pressure sales, non‑itemized quotes, missing site visits, unrealistic savings claims, and evasiveness around permits and approvals.
10 min read
Feb 2026

Does Solar Make Sense in Alberta without the Greener Homes Grant and Loan?

Solar remains a smart investment in Alberta even without the Greener Homes Program. Lock in energy costs for 25+ years, achieve payback in under 10 years, and boost returns with SolarClub™, carbon credits, and local financing options.
6 min read
Nov 2025

Why Choose Enphase over AP Systems 

Why Enphase microinverters are a better fit for Calgary homes despite their higher upfront cost.
11 min read
Oct 2025

Frequently asked questions

From design to maintenance and weather, we tackle a few commonly asked questions. If your question isn't here, please contact us!

Will snow and hail be a problem?

Solar panels are actually more efficient when they’re cold! They’re also inclined, super smooth and warm up quickly under sunlight so if we get a snow dump, they won’t be covered for long. Overall, snow will only reduce a system's output by around 5% per year. We account for all these parameters in our designs & financial projections.

Modern panels are also tested for hail and shouldn't have problems surviving hail storms. They should however be added to home insurance in case of a freak hailstorm or other uncommon weather events.

What does maintenance of my solar system look like?

A solar array requires almost no maintenance. Occasional rainfall keeps them clean and we always install a protective guard that keeps animals and leaves from getting under the panels. We offer inspections to check that the wires stay in place and the monitoring app will let you (and us!) know if anything isn't working like it should.

How do solar panels affect my roof?

They can help extend the life of your roof through providing physical coverage. Solar systems last a long time, so if you have a roof that needs replacing within the next 10 years we suggest doing that before installing a solar system, otherwise you’ll have to pay to get it dismantled and re-installed. We don't usually recommend putting solar on wood shakes due to the potential fire hazard. We work with roofers who can advise as needed.

What is the Greener Homes Loan?


The Greener Homes Loan was a Federal interest-free loan of up to $40,000 that closed on October 1st 2025.

How many panels would I need? How do you calculate system size?

An average family home in Calgary consumes around 6000 kWh of electricity per year, but this figure ranges from 4000kWh to 10,000kWh+. Going electrically net-zero (installing a system that produces the same amount of electricity per year that you consume in a year) usually requires between 14 and 25 450W panels for an average home.

However, you do not have to invest in a net-zero system to benefit from solar; if you have a perfect roof face that offsets 50% of your consumption, it might only cost 40% of what a full net zero system would cost for your home! We design a system to meet your objectives, need and roof geometry. We're happy to meet and talk about your needs and answer any questions you might have.

What are all the inverter options?

All inverters convert the electricity your solar panels produce into useful 110V AC electricity that you can use to power your home. String inverters group your panels into strings (like christmas lights) and combine all the electricity they produce before converting it. They are simple to install, very economical and perfect for large unshaded roofs. Conversely, microinverters convert the electricity of each panel individually making systems highly shade tolerant and efficient, but more expensive than string inverter systems. Microinverters are great for roofs with many faces or lots of shading. DC-Optimizer systems are a hybrid of the two and are useful in some specific cases.

Aren't payback periods too long?

Because solar costs have dropped over 80% in the past 10 years, payback periods are much better nowadays. Our clients see payback periods between 6 to 12 years, depending on what you are currently paying for electricity, and your roof geometry and orientation. Your solar system will produce electricity for 25+ years so after it has paid for itself, you’ll be making money. Our solar systems provide, on average, a rate of return on investment of 5 - 12% over their lifetimes, and sometimes even higher - often beating the market. We also have some extra strategies that we can take you through to accelerate your payback period once your system is installed.