Costs, rebates and ROI
If you have been thinking about solar in Camrose, you are not alone. Across central Alberta, more homeowners and businesses are asking the same question. Is now the right time to install solar, and what will it actually cost?
In this article, we will walk you through what solar installation looks like in Camrose, what you can expect to pay, and how to think about the money you could get back. If you want a number for your specific home right now, you can take our solar estimate quiz and get a personal cost range in about two minutes.
Is Camrose a good location for solar?
Yes, and probably better than you think. Camrose sits in one of Alberta’s strongest solar zones. Alberta gets more sunshine each year than most Canadian provinces. On average, the province sees around 320 sunny days per year. Central Alberta does especially well.
The worry most Camrose homeowners bring up is winter. But solar panels do not need heat. They need light. Panels are installed at an angle so snow slides off on its own. Systems are also sized to produce more in summer to make up for slower winter days. When you look at the full year, the numbers hold up well.
What does solar installation cost in Camrose?
Cost depends on how much energy your home uses, how big your roof is, what kind of system you need and which installer you choose.
Costs for installing solar with Newo typically start at about $10,000 and go up from there, depending on system size.
These costs include design, equipment, labour, permits, and connecting to the grid. The equipment itself, meaning the panels, inverter, and mounting hardware, makes up roughly 60 to 70 percent of the total. The rest covers professional installation and project management.
Are there rebates or incentives available in Camrose?
Currently, there are no provincial rebates for home solar in Alberta. The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan have also closed to new applicants.
We stay on top of what is available and will always tell you what applies to your situation, including any new programs that come up.
What is the return on investment on solar in Camrose?
Most homeowners see a drop in their electricity bill from the very first month their system is running. Alberta’s net metering program means that when your system makes more electricity than you are using, the extra goes back to the grid and shows up as a credit on your bill and this happens a lot on summer days.
Over time, the typical payback period for solar in Alberta is eight to 12 years. After that, you have 15 to 20 or more years of much lower electricity costs. Solar panels come with a 25 to 30 year warranty and often keep working well past that.
There is also your home value to think about. Research shows that solar adds $15,000 to $25,000 or more to what a home sells for. Buyers in Alberta increasingly see solar as a bonus, not a complication, because they get lower energy bills from day one.
Curious what the numbers look like for your home? Take our solar estimate quiz and get a personalized cost range based on your situation in about two minutes.
The Solar Club can improve your returns even further
Once your system is installed and connected to the grid, you can join the Solar Club. It is a loyalty program for Alberta solar owners that lets you switch between a high electricity rate and a low electricity rate depending on the season.
In summer, when your panels are producing more electricity than you are using, you switch to the high rate of around 30 cents per kWh. That means you are earning a premium for every kilowatt you send back to the grid. In fall and winter, when you are drawing more from the grid than you are producing, you switch to the low rate of around 8.77 cents per kWh to keep your import costs down.
Most Camrose homeowners switch to the high rate around March or April and drop back to the low rate in October or November. The Solar Club also has an automatic switching feature that handles this for you based on your production and usage.
On top of the rate structure, Solar Club members earn three percent cash back on electricity they import from the grid each year. If you drive an electric vehicle, you get an additional two percent cash back.
For homes that produce 70 percent or more of their annual electricity needs from solar, being part of the Solar Club can shorten the payback period by 3 to 4 years compared to standard electricity rates. Your installer should be able to tell you whether your system is sized to take full advantage of it.
There is also a Pre-Solar Rate available while you wait for your system to go live. Once you have a signed installation contract, you can access a discounted rate of around 6.74 cents per kWh right away, before your panels are even turned on.
What does the installation process look like?
If you decide to move forward, we look at your electricity use and check your roof or property. We design a system built around your actual home and give you an exact quote based on your real numbers, not a range.
Once you approve the quote and sign the agreement, we handle the permits and approvals. This usually takes two to four weeks. Installation takes one to three days for most Camrose homes. After that, we connect your system to the grid and show you how to monitor your production.
From quote approval to your system being turned on, the whole process usually takes six to 10 weeks.
Why Camrose homeowners choose Newo
Newo Global Energy is an Indigenous-led non-profit solar installer serving Camrose and Edmonton home and business owners. We install solar with a mission that goes beyond putting panels on rooftops.
Every installation we complete directly supports training and jobs for Indigenous youth and people who face barriers to finding good work. When you choose Newo, you are lowering your energy bills and helping build careers in clean energy.
Ready to see what solar could cost for your Camrose home? Take our two-minute solar estimate quiz and get a personalized cost range to start with. When you are ready for an exact number, we are here.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it in Camrose, Alberta?
Yes. Camrose sits in one of Alberta’s strongest solar zones and gets around 320 sunny days per year. Most homeowners see a drop in their electricity bill from the first month, and the typical payback period is eight to 12 years. After that, you have decades of much lower electricity costs.
How long does solar installation take in Camrose?
The installation itself takes one to three days for most homes. The full process from quote approval to your system being turned on, including permits and grid connection, usually takes six to 10 weeks.
Are there solar rebates available in Camrose?
Currently, there are no provincial rebates for residential solar in Alberta. CEIP financing may be available in some municipalities. Your installer can confirm what applies to your situation.
How much do solar panels cost in Alberta?
A fully installed system for a typical Camrose home runs between $12,000 and $28,000, depending on your energy use and system size. Once installed, most homeowners see immediate savings on their electricity bill.
Who installs solar panels in Camrose?
Newo Global Energy is an Indigenous-led non-profit solar installer serving Camrose and the surrounding area. We handle the full process from design and permits through to installation and grid connection.