by Cameron Domes
There are a growing number of seasonal solar programs for microgenerators in Alberta, but not all programs and providers are created equal. Camrose Energy offers Solar Club™, Alberta’s original seasonal solar program.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the ways Solar Club™, through Camrose Energy, benefits you and your community. With Camrose Energy, you can feel confident your utilities are in good hands with our local team of solar experts.
| Camrose Energy | Other Solar Clubs | Other Seasonal Solar Programs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| High & Low Rates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Solar Rate | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Cash back on energy used | ✓ | ✓ | |
| EV Credit | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Automatic Rate Switching | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ / ✖ |
| Solar Club Foundation | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Community Connections | ✓ | ✓ / ✖ | |
| A local, knowledgeable team that sneers your calls and looks out for your best interests | ✓ |
Seasonal High and Low Rates
This is the bread and butter of Solar Club™ and most seasonal solar programs. It takes advantage of Alberta’s long summer days by crediting you for the extra energy you put into the grid at 35¢/kWh.
When the days get shorter and you’re using more power than you produce, you switch to the LO rate so you’re not overpaying for your electricity.
If you’re new to how seasonal solar rates work, you can learn more here:
https://camroseenergy.com/solar-club/
The Pre Solar Rate™
A Solar Club™ exclusive, the Pre-Solar Rate lets you get started early. Instead of waiting for your system to be installed, inspections completed, and paperwork finalized, you can start saving sooner.
Anyone with a signed contract with a solar installer can join on this discounted rate and will automatically be switched to the Solar Club™ once their system comes online.
If you’re planning your install, this guide can help you get started:
https://camroseenergy.com/choosing-a-solar-installer-alberta-guide/
Earn Cash Back on Utilities
Another Solar Club™ exclusive is the ability to earn 3% cash back on the electricity and natural gas you pull from the grid on our 3-year Solar Club™ rate.
This helps offset your costs, especially in the winter months when production is lower. It’s paid out annually, but it effectively works like a 3% discount on the utilities you use.
Solar Club EV Credit
If you own an electric vehicle and are impacted by the Alberta EV tax, you can earn 5% cash back on your utilities by providing your vehicle registration.
It’s a simple way to help offset some of those added costs.
Automatic Rate Switching: RateSwitch™
Not all rate switching works the same.
Some programs require you to switch manually. Some change on fixed dates. Others let you pick your own timing. Solar Club gives you options.
If you like to stay hands-on, you can use your pre-bill data to decide when it’s the best time to switch. If you’d rather not think about it, you can use RateSwitch, our automatic switching system.
RateSwitch uses your production and consumption data to detect when you’re exporting power to the grid or pulling from it, and automatically switches you to the right rate.
You can still override it anytime for that billing period, and it will reset for the next one.
The Solar Club Foundation
Solar Club has supported initiatives like the World Wildlife Federation and the reforestation of 100,000 trees.
So when you’re part of the program, you’re not just generating renewable energy at home. You’re also helping support environmental projects beyond your own system.
Camrose Energy Community Connections
With Camrose Energy, you get to take that impact a step further.
We donate 10% of our profits to charities and community initiatives across Alberta. Some of that goes toward solar projects, like helping the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane install solar. Other contributions support local events and organizations that help build strong communities, like Westlock Aviation Day.
This isn’t limited to Solar Club members. Every Camrose Energy customer is part of that impact.
You can learn more about our community work here:
https://camroseenergy.com/community-connections-program/
A Small, Local Team of Solar Experts That Care
With Camrose Energy, you’re talking to real people who actually answer the phone.
There’s no call centre and no runaround. When you reach out, you’re speaking directly with someone right here in Alberta who understands how solar works and wants to help you get the most out of your system.
You can ask to speak directly with Cameron or Denise. They’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you make sense of it all with no pressure.
Denise has been involved in solar long before it became as popular as it is today. She’s been through the process herself and understands what works and what doesn’t. Cameron also brings hands-on experience from working with a solar installer.
Whether you know a lot about solar or you’re just getting started, we’ll meet you where you’re at and help you move forward.
