Solar Club: How It Saves You Money

At Solar YYC, we’re dedicated to helping our customers maximize the value of their solar energy systems. One of the best ways to do this is by joining the Solar Club™, a loyalty program designed specifically for Alberta’s solar micro-generators. With Solar Club, you can earn more from the energy you produce, reduce your payback period, and contribute to a sustainable electricity grid. Here’s everything you need to know about Solar Club, from its benefits to how to join.

Top Benefits of Joining Solar Club

  1. Earn a Premium on Your Solar Energy

With Solar Club, you can switch between high and low export rates. High Export Rate (30.04¢/kWh) for surplus energy generated during sunny months and a Low Export Rate (9.454¢/kWh) when your usage exceeds your generation in winter. This flexibility allows you to maximize your earnings throughout the year.

  1. 3% Cash Back on Imported Energy

Solar Club members receive 3% cash back on all energy imported from the grid. This cashback is calculated annually and paid out via direct deposit in February of the following year—a bonus for balancing your energy needs.

  1. Access to Carbon Credit Income

As a member, you can sell the carbon credits generated by your system through Solar Club’s Carbon Offset Credit Platform. This provides an additional income stream while supporting Alberta’s sustainability goals.

  1. Flexible Billing Options

Choose the date for your monthly invoices to be withdrawn from your account. You can use your micro-generation credit balance to pay off upcoming invoices and/or offset your gas bill. 

  1. Pre-Solar Rate for New Installations

If you’re starting your solar journey, Solar Club’s Pre-Solar Rate™ (6.694¢/kWh) ensures you benefit while waiting for your system to be fully operational. This rate is valid for up to 180 days and transitions to the Low Export Rate once your installation is ready.

This graph clearly illustrates the difference between production and consumption throughout the year.  The yellow bars represent the months when you are a net exporter, producing more energy than you consume. Meanwhile, the black bars indicate the months when you are a net importer, consuming more energy than your solar panels generate.

Understanding this balance is key to improving your financial outcome with Solar Club, especially when switching between High and Low Rates.

Financials of joining Solar Club

How to Optimize Your Solar Savings

  • Switching Rates: Most micro-generators use the High Rate between March to October and the Low Rate between November to February. Solar Club provides monthly analytics reports and sends reminders to help you switch at the right time. You can change rates once per billing cycle, penalty-free.
  • Net Billing Benefits: While distribution and transmission fees remain part of your bill, they are only applied to the electricity you import. Net billing reduces the variable portion of these fees, saving you even more.

What Is Solar Club?

Solar Club is a unique program created to help solar array owners like you make the most of your system. It’s part of the Utility Network & Partners Inc. (UTILITYnet) group, a trusted Alberta-based energy management company with over 45 years of experience. Solar Club builds on the foundation of Green Alberta Energy’s initiatives, giving micro-generators a way to actively participate in greening the grid.

How to Join Solar Club

To qualify for Solar Club, you need:

  1. A small micro-generation site (system capacity less than 150 kW).
  2. A bidirectional cumulative meter installed by your wires company.
  3. To make a donation to a local food bank or charitable organization of your choice.


Signing up is simple. Visit the Solar Club website or contact one of our Solar YYC sales consultants for assistance in enrolling and linking your micro-generation account.

Why Solar Club?

Solar Club isn’t just about saving money; it’s about helping Albertans take complete control of their energy production. By joining, you’ll shorten your payback period, increase your financial returns, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our province.

Learn More

Ready to maximize your solar investment? Visit Solar Club’s website or contact Solar YYC to learn more. Click here for a free estimate: https://solaryyc.ca/free-solar-power-quote/

Let’s make your solar journey even more rewarding!