Solar Panels Edmonton
A Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Edmonton
See Solar Prices Near You
Enter your postal code to see what solar panel installations cost in your local area.
1. Solar Panels in Edmonton
Edmonton is quickly becoming one of Alberta’s hotspots for solar adaptation. Many sunlight hours per year, good incentives and rebates that are available to local residents as well as supported federal governments all enable Edmonton residents to get their solar panels at a significantly reduced price.
They are available to everybody who is looking for ways to cut rising electricity costs, to reduce their carbon footprint, and to future-proof their homes. This guide explores what you need to know about going solar in Edmonton. Here we will discuss the cost incentives, key considerations, top installers, and how much you can actually save by going solar in this city.
Key Takeaways
- Average home solar panel installation costs in Edmonton: $12,000 to $25,000
- Average solar panel cost per watt in Edmonton: $2.50 to $3.50 per watt – average: $3.00
- Average cost of solar panels per square foot of living space in Edmonton: Approximately $12.13 per square foot.
- Solar incentives & rebates are available in Edmonton: Homeowners can access Canada Greener Homes Grant (up to $5,600, including $600 energy audit rebate), low-interest financing, and municipal rebates like Edmonton’s Change for Climate Solar Program (up to $4,000).
2. How Solar Works
Solar Energy 101
A solar array is a relatively simple system consisting of solar panels and a solar inverter. Solar panels are mounted on your roof. There, they are exposed to direct sunlight. This sunlight gets converted into DC electricity, which then travels through wiring to a solar inverter. The solar inverter is a special type of device that converts DC into AC.
This conversion needs to take place because your appliances can only use AC. So, once the energy is converted, it is fed into your home grid, where each appliance pulls as much as they need whenever they need it. When the energy generation from your solar system is lower than the energy consumption, the difference is pulled from the power grid.
This is a process that is completely automatic and you do not need to interfere at all. When your energy generation is higher than the energy you spend, the excess electricity is fed into the grid. This is a streamlined process and its set-it-and-forget-it approach makes so many Edmonton homeowners go solar.
1. Sunlight hits the solar panels, generating DC electricity.
2. An inverter converts DC into AC for appliances to use.
3. Your home uses solar energy, and pulls less regular energy from the grid.
4. Excess electricity is fed into the grid, or sent into the battery for later use.
Typical System Sizes in Edmonton
Not everyone’s solar panel system needs are the same. There are differences regarding the size of the solar system, the type of solar panels that are installed, the type of solar inverter, and much more. Which system you need depends on your energy needs and how much roof space is available.
As there are different factors to consider, let us for now focus only on the average system size and we will discuss other factors further on. When it comes to the average solar system in Edmonton, it is anywhere between 4 and 10 kW in capacity. The capacity that you need to install depends on your energy consumption. A system of 5 kW is a great option for most households.
However, considering that the average household consumes roughly 7,800 kWh of energy year, you may want to go for something bigger, especially if you live in a bigger house. So systems of 7 to 8 kW may be ideal for you. They do come at a higher price tag, but are able to offset more of your energy bill and will pay off in no time.
System Size | Approx. Cost (Before Rebates) | After Rebates & Incentives | Annual Output (kWh) | Suitable For |
4 kW | $10,000 – $14,000 | $8,000 – $11,000 | 4,500 – 5,000 | Small homes / condos |
5 kW | $15,000 – $20,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 | 6,000 – 6,500 | Average household |
7–8 kW | $21,000 – $28,000 | $17,000 – $23,000 | 8,500 – 10,000 | Larger homes |
10 kW | $25,000 – $35,000 | $20,000 – $28,000 | 11,000 – 13,000 | High-usage homes |
Net Metering Basics
As we’ve mentioned before, any excess electricity that your household appliances and light fixtures do not get to use is fed back into the grid. This is the so-called net metering and it is a very popular program in Canada. It basically uses the power grid as your virtual battery.
This significantly reduces your upfront solar installation costs and enables you to enjoy your solar energy benefits even during the night when the sun doesn’t shine. Net metering is a very popular program and it helps you save a bit every month.
3. Solar Panels Edmonton Costs
Although you can save a lot with solar panels, you should understand that the installation has a high upfront cost. This is one of the main reasons that many people look for ways to finance their solar systems. On top of this, even the government themselves have decided to offer incentives and rebates for those willing to reduce their carbon footprint.
So, if you are going solar, it is useful to understand some basic notions here. We will cover the average cost per watt, system size and how it relates to the overall cost, the maintenance costs, and some different financial metrics and payback periods.
Average Cost per Watt
The average cost per watt is the golden standard of how solar panel prices are shown. When it comes to the prices in Edmonton, Alberta, it’s useful to note that there is quite a large range of prices per watt of installed power. Namely, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2.50 and $3.50 for every watt of your solar panel system.
So, a 5kW solar system may cost you roughly $15,000 to $20,000. When you err, err on the higher end of the price, because there are other expenses that are connected to going solar as well. Unanticipated issues with the roofing structure, for example, can almost double your total expenditure.
System Size and Price
Needless to say, the biggest contributor to the overall solar array prices you will pay is the system size. The system size is proportional to your energy needs, so the more energy you use, the bigger the system you will need. The average Edmonton household uses some 7,800 kWh of electricity every year, or roughly 650 kWh in an average month.
Of course, there will be seasonal differences between summer and winter months, as in the winter your lights are kept on for longer. On top of this, your HVAC unit will have to work extra hard to keep your house warm. When it comes to the summer, plenty of sunshine and a gentle breeze may sometimes be enough so that you may not even need to turn on your HVAC system to cool down the place.
So, the bigger the system, the higher the prices you will pay, and doubling the system may also result in doubling the price. That does mean that adding one extra solar panel will increase the cost of each subsequent element of your solar system, as solar inverters are, for example, oftentimes slightly oversized so that they wouldn’t work at 100% capacity all the time.
Roof Size and Orientation
Another thing to consider is your roof orientation. Namely, the best roof for a solar array is a south-facing roof with little to no shading at any part of the day. If you do not have this, you may need to purchase a system that is actually larger than what you may need. Next, the solar panels may be installed on two different roof slopes. This also increases the costs.
Before any solar installation is done, we always advise that you call a roof inspector. Why? Well, solar panels are not that heavy, but they still add weight to the weight that your roof beams already have to support. For this reason, you should make sure that the wood they’re made out of is as healthy as it can possibly be. If you exceed their bearing capacity, your roof may get damaged or may even collapse, which will cost you thousands to fix and may prove to be a bigger headache than anyone would like to deal with.
Ongoing Maintenance
Contrary to the popular belief, there is very little maintenance needed to keep your panels running for decades to come. Namely, you should occasionally clean the caked on dirt and any debris that may fall on them. This is especially true of larger branches and leaf piles that may accumulate during the autumn.
Besides this, Edmonton receives plenty of rain which will clean your solar panels for free. Another part of regular maintenance are regular annual checkups of your system. They can be done by the same company that has installed your system, or by another company. In any case, it is useful to note that solar panels are made to be very durable and to withstand harsh weather conditions.
A little bit of dust here and there may slightly reduce their efficiency and the total power output, but it will not interfere with energy generation in any significant way. Although your solar panels have a warranty that is anywhere between 25 and 30 years long, your solar inverter may not come with such a warranty. In general, you will be able to get a 10-year warranty on your solar inverter, as this is pretty much how long they last.
Panel Type, Efficiency and Cost
When it comes to the solar array itself, you should be aware that your solar panels will lose roughly anywhere between 0.5% and 1% of their efficiency every single year. However, that shouldn’t preoccupy you too much, as that basically means that even after a 25-year period, they will still retain roughly 80% of their rated power output. So although solar panels are a big upfront investment, they are low in maintenance and they require little of your time.
When it comes to some financial metrics, the system size and the type of solar panels that you choose are going to be the most important factors to consider. In fact, when it comes to the type of solar panels, they can be monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film solar panels.
Monocrystalline solar panels are the highest quality there is and they regularly feature efficiencies of up to 22%. Their polycrystalline counterparts are generally not more than 15-18% efficient and the thin-film solar panels are made for very specific uses and are not used on household roofs.
Type | Efficiency | Cost | Best For |
Monocrystalline | 18–22% | $$$ | Most homeowners (best ROI) |
Polycrystalline | 15–18% | $$ | Budget-conscious installs |
Thin-film | 10–12% | $ | Large-scale or specialty projects |
Financial Metrics and Payback
Calculating your solar system price is one thing, but actually understanding how the incentives and rebates will reduce the price and the return on investment period is something else. For this reason, you should arm yourself with patience or call a good solar installer that will be able to offer a free quote with all the details you need already included.
Solar panels generally do not cost that much and their price has dropped over 80% in the past decade. Currently, they cost roughly $3 per watt of installed power. Back in 1975, a single watt of solar panels cost as much as $115.
When it comes to the incentives and rebates, the local municipality in Edmonton offers rebates of up to $0.50 per watt of installed power. Effectively, that should mean that your price drops down to $2.50 per watt of solar capacity.
If you add to this the federal rebate program and net metering, you will see that your solar panels will pay off in almost no time. Most solar panels, in fact, pay off in a period that is as short as 6 or as long as 12 years. Considering that your panels are made to last for 25 years minimum, that means that you will effectively be getting completely free electricity for more than a decade to come.
Financing Options
Solar loans may be available at your local bank branch. Always check before committing and make sure to go for options with low interest rates. Canada Greener Homes Loan offers no-interest loans up to $40,000 with a 10-year repayment term. To apply, you will need to prove the ownership and you will need to prove that the property on which you plan to mount solar panels is your primary residence.
Checklist for future solar homeowners in Edmonton:
- Assess roof condition and orientation.
- Get an energy audit (required for some rebates).
- Compare at least 3 installer quotes.
- Confirm permit requirements with your installer.
- Apply for incentives before starting installation.
4. Incentives & Rebates for Residential Solar
Besides good financing options with very low interest rates, sometimes dropping to zero, there are also incentives and rebates that you should consider when going solar. Not applying for this could be a missed opportunity as they can significantly speed up the payback time and they can reduce your upfront costs significantly.
Incentives and rebates exist on federal, provincial, and municipal levels, and although Alberta currently doesn’t offer any rebates, there are still federal incentives and the Change Homes for Climate Solar program organized by the City of Edmonton.
1. Federal Incentives
- The Federal Greener Homes Rebate is issued up to an amount of between $125 and $5,000 for energy efficiency and solar retrofits of your existing homes. You can also receive up to $600 for an energy inspection of your primary residence.
2. Alberta Provincial Rebates and Incentives
Although Alberta used to have provincial rebates and incentives due to high interest, they are not available anymore.
3. Municipal and Utility Programs (Edmonton)
- The City of Edmonton offers the Change Homes for Climate Solar Program. This program allows you to receive up to $4,000 in solar rebates or half a dollar per watt of installed solar capacity. This is a great option for those who have multiple properties, as a single property owner can receive up to $100,000 in rebates per year.
Net Metering Edmonton
Net metering is another way you can save money. The thing with solar panels is that solar power is intermittent and you can only generate it when the sun is out. If you would like to cover a higher proportion of your energy use than the energy you use only when the sun is shining, then you would need a solar battery.
However, batteries are expensive and they can oftentimes increase your total installation cost by anywhere from 25-50%. To avoid this, you simply apply for a net metering program. With this program, the utility grid acts as a virtual battery of. This means that during the day, you feed back into the grid any excess electricity that you produce, and then during the night, that electricity is returned to you.
Statistically speaking, the highest energy expenditure in an average household is either early in the morning, when the sun is very low and very little energy can be generated, or late at night when everybody comes back from work and makes dinner. On top of this, if you oversize your solar panel system enough, you will be able to save up excess energy that is fed back into the grid and to pull from it even during the winter days, when nights are notoriously long and when your energy needs skyrocket.
System Size | Approx. Cost (Before Rebates) | After Rebates & Incentives | Annual Output (kWh) | Suitable For |
4 kW | $10,000 – $14,000 | $8,000 – $11,000 | 4,500 – 5,000 | Small homes / condos |
5 kW | $15,000 – $20,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 | 6,000 – 6,500 | Average household |
7–8 kW | $21,000 – $28,000 | $17,000 – $23,000 | 8,500 – 10,000 | Larger homes |
10 kW | $25,000 – $35,000 | $20,000 – $28,000 | 11,000 – 13,000 | High-usage homes |
Pro Tip: Check with your local municipality or installer: rebates and incentives change based on time period and available funds.
Get Started Today
See the cost and savings you would have if installing solar on your house:
5. Key Considerations Before Purchasing
Even after this much information, we still have some questions, so let’s keep going and let’s take a look at key considerations that you should take into account before actually deciding to go solar.
Roof Suitability
When it comes to your roof suitability, this is a multifaceted issue. The first thing to do is to make sure that your roof support structure is strong enough to support additional weight of solar panels. However, if your roof can support deep Canadian snow, it will support solar panels with ease.
Another thing to consider is your roof orientation, as it is best to install solar panels on a south-facing roof slope. If this cannot be done, or if this slope is particularly heavily shaded, what you may also consider is installing solar panels on your south and west-facing slopes. Never install solar panels on the north-facing slope if you live in the northern hemisphere.
Permits & Regulations
The local permits and regulations should also be taken into account. However, solar is not a new technology so most municipalities countrywide have a deep understanding and experience in issuing these permits. In any case, a good solar installer will be able to handle all of these with just some information as input from you.
Warranty Considerations
Under no circumstances should you purchase a solar array with no warranties. What you should be looking for is a minimum of a 10-year warranty on your solar inverter and 25-year warranty for your solar panels. Some solar panel manufacturers also issue 30-year warranties and it may be a good idea to actually look into this. A warranty will keep your investment safe, as you will not be left alone in case there’s any kind of issues with any of the equipment.
Winter Performance
When it comes to winter performance of your solar panels, you should know that they are actually more efficient in colder weather. This is because as solar panels heat up, they lose some of their efficiency.
However, if you live in an area that is particularly prone to having snowfalls, you should consider occasionally removing that snowfall. Although snow lets a lot of light pass through, it simply isn’t enough to satisfy all your energy needs during winter.
This is also the time when you will be mostly relying on the credits you’ve accumulated through the net metering program, but still having the generation of your own is very useful. You should know that during winter solar panels generate much less electricity than during the summer, and this is an issue that has to do with the length of the day and the number of sunlight hours.
Batteries vs Grid-Tied
As has been said before, solar batteries can significantly increase the cost of your solar system. For this reason, we recommend them, but they are not an essential part of your system. If you live anywhere, or you have access to the grid, the grid can act as your virtual battery through the net metering program. Batteries are expensive and are generally reserved for off-grid application.
Choosing an Installer
Your solar panels should only be installed by verified and certified installer installers. Always check Google Local Services and SolarGuide.ca for more information and for unbiased reviews. Some factors that you should consider when looking for a solar installer are the previous jobs that they have done, their online reviews and satisfaction rate, as well as the years of experience that they have. You should always stay away from solar installers that offer the absolute minimum price on the market. This minimum price comes with the minimal quality of labor.
6. Snow & Hail in Edmonton
An average Canadian’s biggest concern when it comes to going solar is the snow and hail that the country is famous for. In fact, although they can have diverse effects on your solar panels, in general they can do little to no harm. Let’s consider this in more detail.
Winter Production and Snow Impact
There are several factors to consider when it comes to winter energy generation. First of all, winter days are shorter, which means that you will be able to produce less energy. Another factor that reduces the solar generation is the angle at which the sun hits the solar panels. As winter sun angles are much lower than those of the summer, this is another factor that will reduce your total energy generation.
Any snow that is piled up on your panels will also reduce their efficiency, although snow lets some of the light pass through it. For this reason, it’s useful to occasionally remove the snow and to keep your panels clean year-round. There is very little work to ensure this, and it is mostly done either after heavy snowfall or in the autumn, especially if you have tall trees surrounding your house.
Hail Risk and Panel Durability
Although hail is a concerning factor, most solar panels are made durable enough so that they can withstand indirect blows from hail falling, even at high speeds. In most cases, it will take a very strong hail to actually cause any damage to your solar panels. This damage is oftentimes seen in the form of micro-cracks on your solar panels, or damaged frames while panels that are actually broken are very rare to find.
- Inspect panels visually after storms (from ground level if safe).
- Take photos of any visible damage.
- Check system output via monitoring app.
- Contact installer and insurance if performance drops suddenly.
- Never attempt to chip ice directly off panels.
Insurance and Damage Claims
Most standard home insurance policies in Edmonton cover solar panels as part of the dwelling, which means damage from hail, wind, or heavy snow is typically included. However, it’s important to confirm this with your insurer before installation and ensure your coverage limit reflects the added value of your system.
After a major storm, homeowners should photograph the panels, check monitoring data for sudden drops in output, and contact both their installer and insurance provider right away. In many cases, insurers will cover panel replacement and related roof repairs.
Practical Tips After Storms
If your area experiences a strong storm, there are several things that you can and should do to protect the longevity of your solar panels. If we’re talking about a rainstorm, you may rest assured that it can only increase the efficiency of your solar panels as it clears away any debris and dust that is caked onto your solar panels.
However, during autumn storms, you may want to check out your solar panels for any fallen branches or leaves that have piled up, especially in the corners of your panels. Panels with no microinverters do not handle any kind of shading, as the shaded area is very likely to act as a user of energy in your solar system, reducing your energy generation further.
During winter storms, we suggest removing the snow, but if you had an ice storm, we recommend taking double precautions, possibly not trying to clear the solar panels if there is any risk of injury.
7. Top Companies & How to Choose Them
Local Edmonton Installers
Solar Company | Rating | Nr. of Reviews | Get a Quote |
Polaron Solar Energy | 4.6 | 265 | |
Zeno Renewables – Edmonton | 4.8 | 258 | |
Pro West Solar Systems | 5.0 | 210 |
Vetting Checklist
Here are the things to pay attention to when choosing your solar installer:
- Certification & Licensing – Ensure the installer is licensed in Alberta and employs CSA/Red Seal certified electricians.
- Experience with Edmonton Climate – Look for proven installations that withstand heavy snow and hail.
- Warranty Coverage – Check for both equipment warranties (20–25 years on panels) and workmanship warranties (minimum 5–10 years).
- Transparent Quotes – Avoid vague estimates; ask for a detailed breakdown of equipment, labour, permits, and after-sales support.
- Local Incentive Knowledge – The installer should guide you through Edmonton’s Change Homes for Climate rebate and federal programs.
- Monitoring & Support – Confirm they provide system monitoring and post-install service for troubleshooting.
- References & Reviews – Read local customer reviews and ask for references from Edmonton projects.
Pro Tip: Certification and Licensing are an absolute must, and they should be followed by at least 3 years of prior experience for a good solar installer.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Will Solar Work on My Edmonton Roof?
Edmonton is known for its clear skies, despite a relatively high amount of precipitation it receives every year. In fact, with more than 2,300 sunny hours a year, you will be able to produce more energy than your household needs, and do so at a low price.
Do Panels Generate Power in Winter?
Yes, your solar panels will generate electricity even during winter. Due to shorter days and the lower angle that the sunlight hits your solar panels, this generation will not be able to match that of summer. However, it may still be enough for your daily energy use, especially depending on your energy needs.
What Happens During Hail?
Solar panels are very durable and they can withstand hail of a reasonable size and strength. However, during some especially heavy hailstorms, some micro-cracks may appear, or your solar panel frames may get slightly damaged. Actually broken solar panels can only result from extreme weather conditions.
Can I Install Batteries Later?
Yes, you can install solar batteries later. If you plan on doing so, you will need a hybrid solar inverter, or you will need a regular solar inverter and a separate unit called a solar charger. What this unit does is it takes the energy from the solar inverter and pushes it into your batteries to charge them. During the night, the flow of electricity changes so that the power flows from your battery and through the solar inverter into your home.
How Long Do Panels Last?
Solar panels last for many decades. In fact, a solar warranty guarantees that the total capacity of your solar panels will not jump below 80% in the specified time period. That means that in most cases, even after 25 years, you will be getting roughly 80% of the rated solar output. If you’ve purchased a 10 kW system, after some 25 years, you can expect to be making 8 kilowatt hours of electricity per hour of sunshine.
Do I Need Permits?
Yes, you need permits, but your solar installer will be able to handle those in most cases. You will need an electrical permit, which is required for any new electrical installation, and you will need a building permit, especially if your system involves structural changes.
On top of this, you should also check out with the Development and Zoning Permits Department in your local municipality office, as for some reason, changes to some properties may not be allowed. Always check with your local solar installer or local municipality office if any clarification is needed.
How much do solar panels cost in Edmonton?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Are solar panels worth it in Edmonton?
Yes, solar is worth it in Edmonton. After rebates and incentives, you can expect for your system to pay for itself in 6 – 12 years. On top of this, your system will help you save anywhere between $50 and $200 a month on your energy bill depending on your energy consumption and system size.
Looking for a Reputable Installer?
At SolarGuide, we take the guesswork out of finding a reputable solar installer in Edmonton. Here’s how it works:
We Pre-Vet Every Installer
Only top-notch companies make it to our shortlist.
We Rank Installers Based on Quality
Unlike general directories, we carefully vet installers — ranking them by customer feedback, installation quality, transparent pricing, and strong warranty protection.
We Help You Compare Quotes
Compare multiple quotes from highly rated solar installers near you to secure the best system at the most competitive price.
No Risk, No Obligation
Requesting quotes is completely pressure-free. Review your options and select the installer that’s the perfect fit for your home.
Get a Quote from a Pre-Vetted Solar Installer in Edmonton
Want to find a trusted solar installer in Edmonton? We’ve done the research for you. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-ranked, pre-vetted solar installer in your local area today!
9. Final Verdict & Next Steps
Edmonton is a solar haven in Alberta. With 2,300 sun hours per year, you can expect your solar panel system to pay for itself within years. After this period, you will be enjoying completely free electricity, significantly reduced carbon footprint, and energy independence, let alone those who have a solar panel system now.