Question 1

How much do solar panels cost in Edmonton?

Accepted Answer

A residential solar system in Edmonton starts at around $16,000 for a 3 kW install and runs to $50,000+ for larger 15–30 kW systems. Stellar's $2.80–$3.40/W (Essentials package) Essential-package cash price applies to a typical 7–8 kW straightforward install — not a fixed rate across every size, and financed deals price higher once lender fees are in. 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–$3.40/W (Essentials package) rate applies to cash or bring-your-own-financing deals (mortgage roll-in, HELOC) and includes critter guards plus a leak-proof roof guarantee (5-year Essential / lifetime Premium) at no extra cost. $0 down financing is available through Financeit; a financed price includes the lender’s finance and transaction fees, with flexible terms personalized on your free 30-minute Google Meet. Read our full cost breakdown →

Question 2

Does solar work in Alberta winters?

Accepted Answer

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, so a properly sized system is designed for a $0 annual power bill. Designed for a $0 annual power bill on a seasonal solar plan at today’s rates (40¢/kWh April–October, 5.29¢/kWh November–March), with a system sized to your last 12 months of use. Rates can change.

Question 3

How does net metering work in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

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 →

Question 4

What is the payback period for solar in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Most properly-sized residential systems pay back in 7–10 years on a seasonal solar plan, or 11–14 years on a fixed-rate retailer, at the quoted cash price 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 production after payback. Read the full Alberta payback math →

Question 5

Are there solar incentives or rebates in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Alberta does not currently offer a provincial solar rebate, but several programs reduce the cost. The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant closed in February 2024, and the federal Greener Homes Loan stopped accepting applications on October 1, 2025. The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), as of August 2026: Spruce Grove is active (3.5% financing plus a 7.5% tax rebate on completion), Calgary's residential CEIP is active in limited application rounds (up to $50,000, repaid via property tax over up to 20 years), Beaumont is at capacity with a free waitlist, and St. Albert offers a limited first-come $1,400 incentive. CEIP lets you 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: on a seasonal solar plan, a properly sized system is designed to cover its annual power bill with summer credits.

Question 6

What equipment does Stellar Upgrades install?

Accepted Answer

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-L 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, leak-proof guarantee (5-year Essential / lifetime Premium)). For battery backup, we install the EP Cube system with automatic switchover in under 20 milliseconds. For EV charging, we install the Emporia Pro (our most popular pick, with a built-in Vue 3 whole-home energy monitor and PowerSmart load management) and the Wallbox Pulsar Plus. All components are chosen specifically for Alberta's extreme climate conditions.

Question 7

Why choose Stellar Upgrades over other Edmonton solar companies?

Accepted Answer

Stellar Upgrades employs in-house certified electricians supervised by a Red Seal Master Electrician — we never subcontract. Owner PJ Singh is accountable for every project, and our in-house Red Seal Master Electrician signs off on each one. We've completed 550+ installations across Edmonton and Alberta since 2018 with a 5.0-star Google rating (40 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.

Question 8

Microinverters vs string inverters — which is better?

Accepted Answer

Stellar Upgrades installs APsystems DS3-L 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-L carries a 25-year product warranty.

Question 9

Do solar panels work during a power outage?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Will solar panels damage my roof?

Accepted Answer

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 leak-proof guarantee (5-year Essential / lifetime Premium) on every roof mount installation. If your roof is over 20 years old, we'll advise whether it should be replaced before adding solar.

Question 11

Do I need critter guard under solar panels?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Is solar worth it in Alberta in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For most Alberta homes with a usable south-, east-, or west-facing roof and an all-in power bill above roughly $80/month, yes — and below that we build a customized design and quote and tell you upfront if it doesn’t pencil out. On a seasonal solar plan a properly sized system pays back in about 7–10 years, then keeps producing for 20+ more years under the LONGi Hi-MO 7 30-year production warranty. Alberta also has Canada’s highest-value net metering arbitrage. We’re upfront when it isn’t worth it — we decline roughly 10% of assessments when the math doesn’t work for the homeowner. Read the full 2026 worth-it analysis →

Question 13

Which electricity rate plan works best with solar in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

Most solar homes do best on a seasonal solar plan: a high rate April–October, when you export more than you use, and a low rate November–March, when you import more. The same rate applies to power you buy and power you sell. Example rates are 40¢/kWh April–October and 5.29¢/kWh November–March. Example rates: Prairie Power seasonal solar plan, October 2026. Rates vary by retailer and change over time. Several retailers offer seasonal plans, and you choose your own retailer; we’re not affiliated with any of them. Solar Club is a separate program with its own rates. Read our Solar Club guide →

Question 14

How long does a solar installation take in Alberta?

Accepted Answer

The physical installation is typically 1–2 days on a standard home. Start to finish — quote, custom design, electrical and building permits, install, and your utility’s permission-to-operate (PTO) — usually runs about 8–10 weeks. Most of that window is permit approval and the bi-directional meter swap at your wires utility, which we handle in-house: EPCOR runs 5–15 business days, FortisAlberta 10–20, and ATCO Electric 10–25.

Question 15

Do I have to clear snow off my solar panels in winter?

Accepted Answer

No. Panels are mounted at a tilt and the dark glass warms in sunlight, so snow generally slides off on its own. A long-term NAIT study in Edmonton measured the average annual production loss from snow at only about 3%, because Alberta’s sunniest, highest-output months are snow-free. We don’t recommend manually clearing snow — it risks scratching the glass, voiding workmanship coverage, and the safety hazard usually isn’t worth the small production gain.

Question 16

What solar rebates are available in Alberta in 2026?

Accepted Answer

There is no province-wide Alberta solar rebate. The federal Greener Homes Loan stopped accepting new applications on October 1, 2025. The active local program is the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP): Spruce Grove offers 3.5% financing plus a 7.5% tax rebate on completion, and Calgary's residential CEIP runs in limited application rounds — up to $50,000 repaid via property tax (Beaumont's CEIP is at capacity with a waitlist as of August 2026; St. Albert has a limited first-come $1,400 incentive). CEIP lets you finance solar through your property tax bill with no credit check — and the balance transfers to the new owner if you sell. The largest ongoing saving for everyone is net metering. See all active 2026 incentives →

Question 17

Which areas does Stellar Upgrades serve?

Accepted Answer

We install across the full Edmonton–Calgary corridor from our Edmonton head office and our Red Deer-area crew — the Edmonton region, most of central and northern Alberta, and the Calgary region. Our primary focus cities are Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, Beaumont, Fort Saskatchewan, Red Deer, Calgary and Airdrie, plus St. Albert, Devon, Morinville, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Lacombe, Ponoka, Okotoks, Cochrane, Chestermere, and dozens more communities. Same in-house crew and Red Seal Master Electrician of record on every job — no out-of-town subcontractors. See all service areas →

Package	In one line	Includes
Essentials	The system, done properly.	Designed system, structural review, permits, installation, wire-mesh critter guard, monitoring, 5-year workmanship and roof-leak coverage
Premium	The promise that never expires.	Essentials + SolaTrim finish, 10-year workmanship, life-of-roof leak promise, whole-home visibility, expansion planning
Elite	Self-sufficient, most of the time.	Premium + EP Cube 2.0 battery, EP Cube hybrid inverter, 10-year battery warranty, optional second inverter
Ultimate	Power, no matter what.	Elite + Generac 18 kW standby generator with pad, gas and electrical connections, and permits

Package	What you see
Essentials	Production monitoring on every panel, in the APsystems EMA app, for the life of the system.
Premium	Production and consumption: what the house uses beside what the roof makes, and what crosses the meter.
Elite	Premium, plus the EP Cube app: charge level, solar in, home draw, your outage reserve and history.
Ultimate	Elite, plus the generator’s work in the battery’s charge level: it starts when the battery runs low and stops when it is full.

System size	Installed cost	Suits	Annual production*
3 kW	$16,000–$18,000	Condo / small bungalow	~3,600 kWh
5 kW	$16,000–$20,000	1,000–1,400 sq ft	~6,000 kWh
7 kW from $2.80–$3.40/W (Essentials package)	$19,600–$24,000	1,500–2,000 sq ft	~8,400 kWh
8 kW	$22,400–$27,000	2,000–2,500 sq ft	~9,600 kWh
10 kW	$28,000–$33,000	2,500–3,000 sq ft + EV	~12,000 kWh
15 kW	$42,000–$48,000	Acreage / large home	~18,000 kWh

Region	Production factor	A 7 kW system makes
Southern Alberta	1,300 kWh/kW/yr	~9,100 kWh
Calgary area	1,250 kWh/kW/yr	~8,750 kWh
Edmonton metro	1,200 kWh/kW/yr	~8,400 kWh
Central Alberta	1,180 kWh/kW/yr	~8,260 kWh
Northern Alberta	1,080 kWh/kW/yr	~7,560 kWh

Wires utility	Meter-swap time	Typical area
EPCOR Distribution	5–15 business days	Edmonton
FortisAlberta	10–20 business days	Most surrounding towns
ATCO Electric	10–25 business days	Northern / rural Alberta

What	Who	How long
LONGi Hi-MO 7 panels	LONGi	25-year product warranty; 30-year linear performance warranty
APsystems DS3-L microinverters	APsystems	25 years
Roof penetrations (RT-MINI II mounts)	Stellar Upgrades	Leak-proof: 5 years on Essentials, the life of the roof on Premium and above
Installation and electrical work	Stellar Upgrades	5 years on Essentials; 10 years on Premium, Elite and Ultimate
EP Cube 2.0 battery and inverter (Elite, Ultimate)	Canadian Solar	10 years or 6,000 cycles, to at least 80% of original capacity
Generac 18 kW standby generator (Ultimate)	Generac	5-year limited warranty

Solar panels forEdmonton homes.

See what solar could save you.

Real roofs we’ve installed.

Same panels. Same crew. Four levels of promise.

The system, done properly.

The promise that never expires.

Self-sufficient, most of the time.

Power, no matter what.

You will always know what your roof is doing.

What renting power costs you over 30 years.

You pay for power every month. It never ends, and it only goes up.

Your rate isn’t going down. Here’s who is pushing it up.

Same money. Different direction.

Then there’s the month the bill went negative.

Keep renting power, or own it.

Keep paying the utility

Own your power

Rent never ends. Owning does.

From $2.80–$3.40 a watt (Essentials package). Posted.

Solar system cost by size — Alberta, 2026

Solar production by Alberta region

Net metering meter-swap time by utility

Three steps. No moving parts.

The roof makes power

Extra goes to the grid, for credit

A battery, if you want one

1. Sunlight → DC electricity

2. DC is converted to AC

3. Your home uses it first

4. Surplus exits a two-way meter

5. The grid banks your credits

6. Add a battery for backup

7. Charge your EV on sunshine

Built for an Alberta winter.

LONGi Hi-MO 7 panels, 500 W each

EP Cube 2.0, 5 to 40 kWh

APsystems DS3-L, one for every two panels

EP Cube hybrid inverter, 11.5 kW

Generac 18 kW, on natural gas

LONGi Hi-MO 7 — 500W

APsystems DS3-L — Microinverters

RT-MINI II — Self-Flashing Mount

Wire Mesh Critter Guard — Standard Protection

SolaTrim — Premium Flush Finish

One price. Every part, every permit, every hour.

Solar roof

Approvals and crew whole job

Who stands behind what, and for how long.

Five ways to pay.

From a signature to power on.

Our own Red Seal crew. Start to finish.

Zero Subcontractors

We Say No

Founders On Every Project

550+ Installs. 5.0 Stars.

Know the answers before anyone pitches you.

Straight answers,before you ask.

How much do solar panels cost in Edmonton?+

Does solar work in Alberta winters?+

How does net metering work in Alberta?+

What is the payback period for solar in Alberta?+

Are there solar incentives or rebates in Alberta?+

What equipment does Stellar Upgrades install?+

Why choose Stellar Upgrades over other Edmonton solar companies?+

Microinverters vs string inverters — which is better?+

Do solar panels work during a power outage?+

Will solar panels damage my roof?+

Do I need critter guard under solar panels?+

Is solar worth it in Alberta in 2026?+

Which electricity rate plan works best with solar in Alberta?+

How long does a solar installation take in Alberta?+

Do I have to clear snow off my solar panels in winter?+

What solar rebates are available in Alberta in 2026?+

Which areas does Stellar Upgrades serve?+

Solar isn’t a sale. It’s a 30-year promise.

See it on your own roof.

Thanks — your request is received.

Solar installation across Greater Edmonton & Alberta.

Solar panels for
Edmonton homes.

Straight answers,
before you ask.