Does solar work in Alberta winters?

Yes. Alberta receives over 2,300 hours of sunshine per year, more than Toronto or Vancouver. Cold temperatures actually improve solar panel efficiency. Modern panels are engineered for -40C and rated for 90 PSF snow loads. Net metering credits banked during summer offset winter usage.

How does net metering work in Alberta?

Alberta's net metering program allows homeowners with solar panels to send surplus electricity back to the grid in exchange for kilowatt-hour credits. Credits roll over month to month and can be used during winter. Available through all Alberta utilities including ENMAX, EPCOR, and ATCO.

Are there solar incentives or rebates in Alberta?

The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) is currently available for residential solar in Beaumont (3.5% rate) and Spruce Grove (3.5% rate plus 7.5% tax rebate on completion), allowing financing through property tax with no credit check. The most significant financial benefit comes from net metering, which effectively eliminates your electricity bill.

Microinverters vs string inverters which is better?

Microinverters allow each panel to operate independently so shade on one panel only affects that panel. They provide panel-level monitoring, rapid shutdown compliance, and typically produce 5-15% more energy than string inverters in real-world conditions.

Do solar panels work during a power outage?

Standard grid-tied systems shut off during outages per the Canadian Electrical Code. Battery backup systems like the EP Cube provide whole-home backup with automatic switchover in under 20 milliseconds.

Will solar panels damage my roof?

Not with proper installation. The RT-MINI II mount uses AlphaSeal butyl flashing with no pilot holes and no shingle damage. ICC-ESR 3575 certified, rated for 180 mph winds. Stellar Upgrades provides a lifetime leak-proof guarantee.

Do I need critter guard under solar panels?

Yes. Squirrels, birds, and other animals nest under solar panels, chewing wires and causing damage. Stellar Upgrades includes galvanized wire mesh critter guard on every install at no extra cost. The Premium package offers SolaTrim as a separate upgrade — a powder-coated aluminum trim that snaps flush to the panel edge for a solid, finished barrier.

Why choose Stellar Upgrades over other Edmonton solar companies?

In-house certified electricians supervised by a Master Electrician, zero subcontractors. 535+ installations since 2018 with a 5.0-star Google rating. We decline ~10% of assessments when solar does not make financial sense.

What equipment does Stellar Upgrades install?

LONGi Hi-MO 7 500W panels with 25-year product + 30-year linear production warranty, APsystems DS3 microinverters with 25-year warranty, RT-MINI II self-flashing mounts with ICC certification and lifetime leak-proof guarantee. Wire mesh critter guard included on every install, with SolaTrim premium flush-finish upgrade available. EP Cube battery backup and Wallbox Pulsar Plus EV chargers.

How do I calculate solar savings in Alberta?

The simplest way to calculate solar savings in Alberta is to multiply your annual electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours by your current rate per kWh. For most Edmonton homeowners that works out to $1,500 to $4,000 per year. A properly-sized system offsets 80 to 100 percent of that through net metering. Our free solar calculator at stellarupgrades.ca/solar estimates your exact savings based on your monthly bill in 30 seconds.

What is the payback period for solar in Alberta?

Most properly-sized residential systems pay back in 7 to 10 years on Solar Club Alberta rates, or 11 to 14 years on a fixed-rate retailer, assuming the 10 percent cash discount and a $0.23 per kWh blended retail rate. The cleanest way to finance is to roll the system cost into a mortgage at renewal at typical Alberta blended rates of 2.5-5 percent — the monthly payment increment is lower than the electricity bill it replaces, so you're cash-flow positive from year one. LONGi Hi-MO 7 panels carry a 25-year product warranty and 30-year linear production warranty. Full Alberta payback math: stellarupgrades.ca/blog/solar-payback-period-alberta-2026

Solar Panels Edmonton | LONGi 500W

5.0 ★★★★★ on Google

Harry S.★★★★★

The entire process was completed in a timely and efficient manner. Pawan was a pleasure to work with — he took the time to thoroughly explain the product and never made me feel rushed.

Christine★★★★★

Had a great experience with Stellar Upgrades. The team was knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to explain everything clearly. They made switching to solar feel simple and stress-free.

Alexendra★★★★★

Best company we dealt with — true professionals, and the best pricing for what they actually deliver. They even called us a year after install just to check on the system. That kind of follow-up is almost unheard of.

Tammy★★★★★

We have had our solar panels up and running for about a week. Up to this point we would highly recommend Stellar Upgrades if you are considering solar panels. Their whole team have been amazing and professional.

Gurdil S.★★★★★

The service was excellent, and everything was professional. The quality was good at a reasonable price. My house looks more advanced, and it really makes a difference in appearance.

Amrit S.★★★★★

I highly recommend Stellar Upgrades to anyone considering going solar. Their commitment to quality, customer service, and transparency truly sets them apart.

Jashandeep S.★★★★★

I had solar panels installed on my home last month by Stellar Upgrades and I'm honestly impressed with how everything turned out. PJ took the time to walk us through everything.

Emma★★★★★

What I appreciated most was their transparent pricing and honest advice. They didn't try to sell me a generic package; instead, they provided a personalized design based on my actual utility bills.

James★★★★★

We installed our solar system almost two years ago, and it's performing exactly the same as day one. The company actually called us after two years just to check if everything was still working properly.

Tammy★★★★★

Patt G.★★★★★

So thrilled with this company! Our system was installed over a year ago and it was the best decision we ever made. We used to pay $600–$800 in bills, but now we pay nothing to the utility company!

Harry S.★★★★★

The entire process was completed in a timely and efficient manner. Pawan was a pleasure to work with — he took the time to thoroughly explain the product and never made me feel rushed.

Christine★★★★★

Had a great experience with Stellar Upgrades. The team was knowledgeable, professional, and took the time to explain everything clearly. They made switching to solar feel simple and stress-free.

Alexendra★★★★★

Tammy★★★★★

Gurdil S.★★★★★

The service was excellent, and everything was professional. The quality was good at a reasonable price. My house looks more advanced, and it really makes a difference in appearance.

Amrit S.★★★★★

I highly recommend Stellar Upgrades to anyone considering going solar. Their commitment to quality, customer service, and transparency truly sets them apart.

Jashandeep S.★★★★★

I had solar panels installed on my home last month by Stellar Upgrades and I'm honestly impressed with how everything turned out. PJ took the time to walk us through everything.

Emma★★★★★

What I appreciated most was their transparent pricing and honest advice. They didn't try to sell me a generic package; instead, they provided a personalized design based on my actual utility bills.

James★★★★★

Tammy★★★★★

Patt G.★★★★★

So thrilled with this company! Our system was installed over a year ago and it was the best decision we ever made. We used to pay $600–$800 in bills, but now we pay nothing to the utility company!

Real Results

What solar looks like on real bills.

10 kW solar panel installation on a bungalow in Tweddle Place, Edmonton with critter guard protection

Tammy & Mike · Tweddle Place, Edmonton

$240/mo→$0

10 kW · 20 LONGi Hi-MO 7 panels · Premium package · Cash purchase

Built to offset their entire bill and export a 10% surplus back to the grid. Premium package with SolaTrim flush finish, full monitoring, 10-year workmanship, and lifetime leak-proof guarantee.

— Install completed April 2026

3 kW solar panel installation on a home in Laurel south Edmonton at sunset

Bhawani · Laurel, South Edmonton

$94/mo→$0

5 kW · 10 LONGi Hi-MO 7 panels · Premium package · Cash purchase

Right-sized system proving you don't need a huge array to eliminate your power bill. Premium package with SolaTrim, full monitoring, 10-year workmanship.

— Install completed April 2026

Ground mount solar installation in rural Alberta

Patt · Rural Alberta · Ground Mount

$600–800/mo→$0/mo

100% eliminated — paying nothing to utility

"We used to pay $600–$800 in bills, but now we pay nothing to the utility company! The Stellar team was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process."

— Patt Gunn, Google Review

Roof mount solar installation on an Edmonton bungalow

Gurdil · Edmonton · Dual Array

$250/mo→$0/mo

Net-zero — credits cover winter usage

"The best experience I ever had start to finish. Not paying anything to utility anymore. Highly recommended."

— Gurdil Singh, Google Review

Want the same result?

Get My Free Assessment →

Edmonton Solar Savings Calculator

See what doing nothing is
actually costing you.

Free solar calculator for Edmonton and Alberta homeowners. Drag the slider to your monthly bill.

Your Monthly Electricity Bill

$200/mo

$80 · Condo$600 · Large home / Acreage

Without Solar

$200/mo

and rising every year

→

With Solar (Financed)

$182/mo

payment typically lower than current bill, then $0 once system is paid off

Do Nothing

Go Solar

Do you own your home?

🏠

Yes, I own

Great — solar installs on your property

🔑

I rent

Solar requires ownership

Almost there — where's your property?

We use this to calculate roof space, sun angle, and optimal panel placement.

Designing your system

System designed

— panels

— kW

—

Est. System Size

—

Est. Panels

—

Est. Payback

—

Year 1 Savings

⏳

The cost of waiting

Every month you delay costs you ~$200 in electricity you could have offset. Alberta rates have risen ~38% in the last 3 years.

Estimated 25-Year Net Savings

Estimated range · final numbers confirmed at assessment

500+ Edmonton homeowners have made this same decision since 2018.

Your packages. Your price.

Based on your $200/mo bill. Every option includes LONGi panels (25yr product + 30yr production warranty) + Master Electrician installation.

Essentials

Reliable solar. Essential monitoring.

—

Est. · $0 down · Flexible terms · Rates personalized at assessment

LONGi Hi-MO 7 (30-yr warranty)
APsystems DS3 (25-yr warranty)
ECU-R — production monitoring
Wire Mesh Critter Guard
5-Year Workmanship
Lifetime Leak-Proof

Book Essentials Assessment →

Premium

Full visibility + cleanest look.

—

Includes SolaTrim + consumption monitor

LONGi Hi-MO 7 (30-yr warranty)
APsystems DS3 (25-yr warranty)
ECU-C — production + consumption
SolaTrim — premium flush finish
10-Year Workmanship
Lifetime Leak-Proof

Book Premium Assessment →

Elite

Solar + battery. Never lose power.

—

Includes EP Cube battery system

LONGi Hi-MO 7 (30-yr warranty)
EP Cube Battery + Inverter
Whole-home backup
Auto-switchover <20ms
10-Year Workmanship
Lifetime Leak-Proof

Book Elite Assessment →

25yr product + 30yr production warranty — see full coverage details →

Ready to lock in your savings?

We'll verify your roof, confirm the exact panel layout, and lock in your pricing — free, 15 minutes, no obligation.

No spam. A Stellar team member contacts you within 24 hours.

Get Pre-Approved on Financeit →

5-minute application. No obligation. $0 down financing · Flexible terms · Personalized at assessment.

How Solar Works

Sunlight in. Money saved. It's that simple.

☀️

Sunlight Hits Panels

Alberta gets 2,300+ hrs/year of sunshine — more than Toronto. Cold boosts efficiency.

⚡

DC Converts to AC

Each panel's DS3 microinverter converts power at 97% efficiency — independently.

🏠

Your Home Uses It

Powers lights, HVAC, appliances, EV charger. Your usage comes first.

↩️

Surplus = Credits

Excess flows back to the grid. Meter runs backward. Credits bank for winter.

Net Metering

The grid becomes your free battery.

Summer surplus pays for winter usage.

Summer: Deposit

Panels produce more than you use. Surplus → grid credits.

Credits Build

Every extra kWh = 1 credit. Rolls over month to month.

Winter: Withdraw

Draw from banked credits. Often pay $0.

Real bill. Real credit.

Actual ENMAX statement — Stellar Upgrades customer

Without Solar

$250/mo

→

With Solar

−$247

$247.82 credit in one month. Not a projection — an actual bill.

Why Stellar Upgrades

Not all solar companies are the same.

Stellar Upgrades farm-scale ground-mount solar installation in Blackfalds, Alberta

👷

Zero Subcontractors

In-house certified electricians supervised by a Master Electrician. Every install, every time. No random crews.

🚫

We Say No

We decline ~10% of assessments when the math doesn't work. If solar doesn't make sense for your home, we'll tell you before you sign anything.

🤝

Founders On Every Project

PJ (Sales) and our Red Seal Master Electrician are personally involved in every install. Not a call center — the people who built this company.

🏆

500+ Installs. 5.0 Stars.

Since 2018 across Edmonton and Alberta. Not one negative Google review. Ask around.

What's On Your Roof

Premium equipment. Zero compromises.

LONGi Hi-MO 7 — 500W

30-Year

↓

World's largest solar manufacturer. HPDC cell technology, 22.9% efficiency, ≤0.38% annual degradation. N-type bifacial. Dual-glass, IP68.

⛨ 30-Year Linear Performance

500W

Per Panel

22.9%

Efficiency

N-Type

Bifacial

≤0.38%

Degradation/yr

APsystems DS3 — Microinverters

25-Year

↓

Each panel gets its own DS3. Shade on one doesn't affect others. 97% efficiency, dual MPPT. Real-time monitoring via EMA app.

⛨ 25-Year Product Warranty

97%

Efficiency

Dual

MPPT

748VA

DS3-L

Rapid

Shutdown

RT-MINI II — Self-Flashing Mount

ICC Certified

↓

AlphaSeal® butyl flashing — 100% waterproof, ICC-ESR 3575. No pilot holes. By Yanegiken — 40+ years Japanese roofing R&D.

⛨ Lifetime Leak-Proof Guarantee

180 mph

Wind

90 PSF

Snow

ICC

ESR-3575

100%

Waterproof

Wire Mesh Critter Guard — Standard Protection

Included Free

↓

Squirrels, birds, and magpies nest under solar panels — chewing wires, blocking airflow, and causing damage or fire risk. Wire mesh critter guard clips around the panel edges to seal the gap between panels and your roof. Included on every Stellar Upgrades installation at no additional cost.

🛡 Included On Every Install

Free

Included

Clips

No Drilling

Birds

Squirrels Blocked

Standard

All Installs

SolaTrim — Premium Flush Finish

Premium Upgrade

↓

SolaTrim is a powder-coated aluminum trim that snaps flush to the panel edge, completely sealing the gap while giving the array a sleek, finished appearance. Unlike wire mesh, SolaTrim is virtually invisible from the ground — your panels look factory-integrated. Also improves airflow management under panels. Available in the Premium package.

⛨ Premium Package Upgrade

Aluminum

Powder Coated

Flush

Invisible Finish

Better

Airflow

Snap-On

No Damage

Choose Your Package

Two installation packages. Same premium equipment.

Both packages include LONGi Hi-MO 7 500W panels, APsystems DS3 microinverters, and our lifetime leak-proof roof warranty. The difference is in the finish and coverage.

Wire mesh critter guards installed around solar panels on an Edmonton residential rooftop

Essential

Proven protection, functional finish

110% of your annual usage offset
LONGi Hi-MO 7 500W panels
APsystems DS3 microinverters
ECU-R production monitoring app
Wire mesh critter guards — proven squirrel and bird protection, included on every install
Lifetime leak-proof roof warranty
5- or 10-year workmanship warranty (Standard / Premium tier)

Book Free Assessment →

Premium

Cleaner look, extended coverage

110% of your annual usage offset
LONGi Hi-MO 7 500W panels
APsystems DS3 microinverters
ECU-C monitoring — production + consumption
SolaTrim premium flush finish — color-matched flashing with built-in critter protection for a clean roofline
Lifetime leak-proof roof warranty
10-year installation workmanship warranty

Book Free Assessment →

Not sure which package fits your roof? We'll recommend the right one at your free home assessment.

⚡Looking for battery backup? See our Battery and Elite packages →

Financing

$0 down. Payments less than your power bill.

Financeit

CEIP

Property tax financing

Finance through your property tax bill. No credit check. Transfers with home sale. Learn more about CEIP →

No credit check

Cash

Best total value

10% discount on system cost. Or roll into your mortgage at renewal for the lowest rate possible.

10% off system cost

Common Questions

Straight answers.

A residential solar system in Edmonton starts at around $14,000 for a 3 kW install and runs to $50,000+ for larger 15–30 kW systems. Stellar's $2.80/W cash price applies to a typical 7–8 kW straightforward install — not a fixed rate across every size. Smaller 3–6 kW systems carry a per-watt premium because fixed install costs (permits, design, engineering, commissioning) spread over fewer panels, so a 5 kW runs $16,000–$20,000 depending on roof complexity. The $2.80/W rate applies to cash or bring-your-own-financing deals (mortgage roll-in, HELOC) and includes critter guards plus a lifetime leak-proof roof guarantee at no extra cost. $0 down financing is available through Financeit at a modest markup with flexible terms personalized at your free home assessment. Read our full cost breakdown →

Yes — Alberta is one of the best provinces in Canada for solar energy. Edmonton receives over 2,300 hours of sunshine per year, more than Toronto or Vancouver. Cold temperatures actually improve solar panel efficiency because photovoltaic cells produce more power at lower temperatures. Modern panels like the LONGi Hi-MO 7 are engineered for -40°C and rated for 90 PSF snow loads and 180 mph winds. In winter months, solar production drops but net metering credits banked during summer offset winter usage, often resulting in $0 annual electricity cost for properly sized systems.

Alberta's net metering program (formally called micro-generation) allows homeowners with solar panels to send surplus electricity back to the grid in exchange for credits on their utility bill. During summer when your panels produce more than you use, the excess flows backward through your meter and you receive a kilowatt-hour credit for every kilowatt-hour exported. These credits roll over month to month and can be used during winter when production is lower. The program is available through all Alberta utilities including ENMAX, EPCOR, and ATCO, with no additional application fee. Systems must be under 5 MW and installed by a licensed electrician. Most Stellar Upgrades customers achieve 80–100% annual electricity offset through net metering. Read our net metering guide →

Most properly-sized residential systems pay back in 7–10 years on Solar Club Alberta rates, or 11–14 years on a fixed-rate retailer, assuming the 10% cash discount and a $0.23/kWh blended retail rate. Financed deals on $0 down (10 kW + Wallbox bundle, 7.99% APR / 240 mo) typically run cash-flow positive (+$938/yr) from year one. After payback, the LONGi Hi-MO 7 panels are warranted for 30 years of linear performance, giving you 20+ more years of essentially free electricity. Read the full Alberta payback math →

Alberta does not currently offer a provincial solar rebate, but several programs reduce the cost. The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant offered up to $5,000 for solar but has ended — check for successor programs. The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) is currently available for residential solar in Beaumont (3.5% rate) and Spruce Grove (3.5% rate plus 7.5% tax rebate on completion), allowing you to finance solar through your property tax bill with no credit check and the loan transfers if you sell your home. Some municipalities offer additional incentives. The most significant financial benefit comes from net metering, which effectively eliminates your electricity bill.

Stellar Upgrades installs LONGi Hi-MO 7 500W panels (25-year product + 30-year linear performance warranty, 22.9% efficiency, N-type bifacial), APsystems DS3 microinverters (25-year warranty, 97% efficiency, panel-level monitoring via the EMA app), and RT-MINI II self-flashing mounts by Yanegiken (ICC-ESR 3575 certified, 180 mph wind rating, lifetime leak-proof guarantee). For battery backup, we install the EP Cube system with automatic switchover in under 20 milliseconds. For EV charging, we install the Wallbox Pulsar Plus. All components are chosen specifically for Alberta's extreme climate conditions.

Stellar Upgrades employs in-house certified electricians supervised by a Red Seal Master Electrician — we never subcontract. PJ Singh (Founder & President) and our Red Seal Master Electrician are personally involved in every project. We've completed 535+ installations across Edmonton and Alberta since 2018 with a 5.0-star Google rating and zero negative reviews. We decline ~10% of assessments when the math doesn't work for the homeowner — if solar won't save you money, we'll tell you before you sign anything. We use only premium Tier-1 equipment with warranties of 25–30 years.

Stellar Upgrades installs APsystems DS3 microinverters rather than string inverters because each panel operates independently. With a string inverter, shade on one panel reduces output across the entire string. With microinverters, shade on one panel only affects that panel — the rest continue producing at full capacity. Microinverters also provide panel-level monitoring through the EMA app, rapid shutdown compliance for fire safety, and no single point of failure. Over the life of the system, microinverters typically produce 5–15% more energy than string inverters in real-world conditions. The DS3 carries a 25-year product warranty.

Standard grid-tied solar systems shut off automatically during power outages — this is a safety requirement under the Canadian Electrical Code to protect utility workers. To maintain power during outages, you need a battery backup system. Stellar Upgrades offers the Elite Backup package with the EP Cube battery, which provides whole-home backup with automatic switchover in under 20 milliseconds. The battery charges from your solar panels during the day and powers your home through outages. This is increasingly popular in Alberta where severe weather events can cause extended outages.

Not with proper installation. Stellar Upgrades uses the RT-MINI II self-flashing mount by Yanegiken, which uses AlphaSeal butyl flashing that self-adheres around wood screws — no pilot holes and no shingle damage. The mount is ICC-ESR 3575 certified, rated for 180 mph winds and 90 PSF snow loads. Your existing roof warranty stays intact. We include critter guards on every installation to prevent animals from nesting under the panels. Stellar Upgrades provides a lifetime leak-proof guarantee on every roof mount installation. If your roof is over 20 years old, we'll advise whether it should be replaced before adding solar.

Yes — squirrels, birds, and other animals will nest in the gap between your roof and the solar panels, chewing wiring, blocking airflow, and causing damage or fire risk. Stellar Upgrades includes a heavy-duty galvanized wire mesh critter guard on every installation at no extra cost. This clips to the panel frame and seals the full perimeter. For homeowners who want a cleaner, more premium look, our Premium package includes SolaTrim — a completely separate product. SolaTrim is a powder-coated aluminum trim that snaps flush to the panel edge, creating a solid barrier with no visible mesh. It gives the array a polished, finished appearance while also improving airflow management. In Alberta, where squirrels and magpies are particularly aggressive, critter protection is essential regardless of which option you choose.

Edmonton homes are
cutting their power bill
to zero.

What solar looks like on real bills.