Red Deer sits in one of the sunniest stretches of Alberta, halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, and it has been part of our service area since we started. This guide covers what Red Deer and central Alberta property owners ask us before going solar, and how a Calgary-based team handles installs in Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Lacombe, Innisfail, Blackfalds and the acreages around them.
Does solar make sense in Red Deer?
Yes. Central Alberta receives well over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, and Alberta’s micro-generation regulation lets you export surplus power to the grid for credit on your bill. Long summer days build up credits that offset the shorter days from November to February. Cold temperatures also improve panel efficiency, so a clear January day still produces.
The City of Red Deer electric utility and micro-generation
Red Deer is one of the Alberta cities that owns its own electric utility, so your distribution service comes from the City of Red Deer rather than a private wires company. The micro-generation process is the same as the rest of the province: we submit the application, the City swaps in a bi-directional meter, and exported power is credited at your retailer’s rate. Some retailers offer solar-specific plans that pay a premium for summer exports. Read about Alberta solar rate plans.
Permits in Red Deer and surrounding counties
Electrical permit and inspection through the City of Red Deer, or the county if you are outside city limits
Building or development permit where the roof structure or zoning requires one
Micro-generation approval from your wires owner before the system is energized
Permission to Operate before we switch anything on
Rural properties in Red Deer County, Lacombe County or Mountain View County follow a similar path with the county as the permitting authority. We handle all of it. See how the full process works.
Hail, snow and wind in central Alberta
Central Alberta gets its share of summer hail and winter wind. Every panel we install carries 25-year hail coverage and a 30-year production warranty, and racking is engineered for Alberta snow and wind loads. Snow sheds off tilted panels on sunny days, and systems are designed around full-year production rather than peak summer output.
Financing for Red Deer property owners
With the Canada Greener Homes Loan closed, Red Deer property owners choose between a Financeit monthly plan, Simply Renewable in-house financing, a HELOC, or cash. No deposit is required to get started. We show your monthly payment next to your current power bill at the consultation. Compare financing options.
Acreages, farms and commercial properties
Central Alberta is acreage and farm country, and solar fits well on shops, barns, equipment sheds and commercial buildings. Larger roofs often allow larger systems, and agricultural operations with daytime loads such as pumps, fans or coolers are strong candidates. We size commercial and agricultural systems around your operating hours and rate structure.
Serving Red Deer from Calgary
Red Deer is about ninety minutes from our Calgary base, and we are on the QE2 regularly. Travel is built into your proposal with no surprises. Consultations can be at your kitchen table or virtual, and installation crews follow the same standards on every job.
Get a free Red Deer solar assessment
Send us a recent power bill and we will design a system for your roof, project its production, and compare financing side by side. Call 825-964-1335 or use the Free Quote button at the top of this page.