Solar Calculator Canada

EPCOR Solar & Net Metering Guide — 2026

Everything Edmonton and central Alberta residents need to know about going solar with EPCOR: net metering program, RoLR credit rates, residential rate schedules, 1.5M+ customers, battery storage pairing, and how to maximize your savings.

1.5M+

EPCOR Customers

1,050–1,150

kWh/kW Annual

~12–14¢

Residential Rate

4–8 weeks

Application Time

What Is EPCOR?

EPCOR Distribution & Transmission is a regulated utility serving approximately 1.5 million customers across central and northern Alberta, including Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and surrounding communities. EPCOR generates, transmits, and distributes electricity and is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).

EPCOR has an active net metering program supporting residential and commercial distributed solar generation. Many EPCOR service areas already have smart meters capable of bidirectional metering, simplifying the application process.

Use our Edmonton Solar Calculator to estimate your savings based on your actual EPCOR bill and roof characteristics.

EPCOR Electricity Rates (2026)

Standard Residential Rate

Energy Charge~11.5–13.2¢/kWh
Distribution Charge~2.9–3.6¢/kWh
Transmission Charge~0.7–1.0¢/kWh

Rates vary by transmission zone and are subject to AUC approval. Verify current rates at epcor.ca.

RoLR Credit Rate (Net Metering Export)

EPCOR's Rider on Loss and Risk (RoLR) rate for solar credits:

~1.2–2.0¢/kWh

RoLR reflects avoided distribution losses and wholesale costs. Size your system to match annual consumption to maximize credit utilization.

Budget Billing Available

EPCOR offers levelized monthly billing. Solar generation reduces your average monthly bill; net credits roll forward.

EPCOR rates are competitive and among the lowest in Canada. Current rates and schedule details: EPCOR Rates & Charges →

EPCOR Net Metering Program

How Credits Work

  • • Solar generation monitored by bidirectional smart meter
  • • Export credits valued at RoLR rate (~1.2–2.0¢/kWh)
  • • Monthly credit carryover allowed
  • • Unused credits at year-end do not receive cash payment
  • • System capacity up to 100 kW residential

Right-Sizing for Edmonton

Typical Edmonton homes consume 11,000–14,000 kWh/year. A 9–10 kW system will approximate this at ~1,050–1,150 kWh/kW production, maximizing credit utilization and minimizing forfeiture.

Smart Meter & Smart Consumption

Many EPCOR customers already have bidirectional smart meters. Pair solar with smart thermostats, EV charging during peak generation hours, and battery storage to maximize self-consumption and minimize exports.

No Cash Buyback for Excess Credits

EPCOR's net metering does not provide cash payment for surplus annual credits. Carefully right-size your system to avoid credit loss.

EPCOR Net Metering: EPCOR Distributed Generation →

Solar Potential in Central Alberta

Central Alberta, including Edmonton, has very good solar irradiance with approximately 2,300 sunshine hours annually. Although slightly less sunny than southern Alberta, Edmonton solar systems are still highly productive.

RegionIrradiancekWh/kW Annual
EdmontonVery Good1,050–1,150
St. AlbertVery Good1,080–1,180
Sherwood ParkVery Good1,070–1,170
Fort McMurrayGood980–1,080
Grande PrairieGood950–1,050

Data from Natural Resources Canada Solar Maps.

How to Apply for EPCOR Net Metering

EPCOR applications are streamlined through the online portal or via your solar installer.

1

Check Eligibility

Confirm EPCOR service area and that your home is suitable for rooftop solar. Contact EPCOR to verify meter type and any technical constraints.

2

System Design & Quotes

Work with a certified solar installer to design a system sized to your annual consumption (~11,000–14,000 kWh for typical Edmonton home). Get equipment specs and single-line diagram.

3

Gather Documentation

Collect EPCOR account number, recent bills, property details, system specifications, and equipment datasheets.

4

Submit Net Metering Application

Submit application via EPCOR online portal or through your installer. Include system design, certifications, and site plan.

5

EPCOR Engineering Review

EPCOR assesses grid impact and interconnection feasibility (typically 4–6 weeks for residential systems under 10 kW).

6

Meter Installation & System Activation

If needed, EPCOR installs or upgrades your bidirectional meter. Your installer completes final inspections and energization.

7

Monitor & Optimize

Track credits on your monthly EPCOR bill. Adjust consumption patterns (EV charging, water heaters during daylight) to maximize self-consumption.

Meter Type Matters

Check with EPCOR if your home has a bidirectional smart meter. If not, EPCOR typically covers installation costs. Confirm before submitting your application.

Federal & Provincial Incentives

Canada Greener Homes Loan

0% interest, up to $40K for energy retrofits including solar installation.

Federal 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

30% tax credit on eligible clean technology equipment (verify residential eligibility).

Alberta Rebate Programs

Alberta offers rebates on electricity bills for energy efficiency and renewable generation upgrades.

See: Solar Incentives 2026 →

Calculate Your EPCOR Solar Savings

Free estimate with Edmonton solar production, RoLR credits, and current EPCOR rates.

Get Your Free Estimate

EPCOR Solar FAQs