Thinking About Solar?

Here’s what it actually saves in Calgary

When people think of solar energy, they picture hot, sunny climates like Arizona or California. But here’s something most homeowners in Calgary don’t know: our city is one of the best places in Canada for solar power—and yes, that includes winter, snow, and those famously cold days. With more than 300 days of sunlight per year and long, bright summers, Calgary has ideal conditions for producing clean, affordable energy right from your roof.

If you’ve been wondering, “Does solar actually save money here?”—the short answer is yes. The longer answer is where things get interesting.

Calgary’s Solar Advantage: 

High Sunlight + Cold Temperatures

Calgary receives more annual sunlight than Toronto, Vancouver, and most major European cities. That alone gives homeowners a strong solar advantage. But even better, solar panels perform most efficiently in colder temperatures. While heat can reduce the efficiency of solar panels in hot climates, Alberta’s crisp air keeps them running at peak performance.

So even though we have winter months with snow cover, panels often produce better in March and April than in the middle of July simply because the temperatures are cooler.

Snow Isn’t the Problem Most People Think It Is

One of the top concerns from Calgary homeowners is snow accumulation. In reality, snow only reduces annual solar production by 3–5%. Panels are installed at an angle, so snow naturally slides off once the sun hits them and the surface starts to warm. Plus, the reflective nature of snow can actually boost light exposure and increase production on sunny winter days.

Most importantly: solar continues working all year, not just in summer. Even on cloudy days, panels still produce meaningful power.

Real-World Savings: What You Can Expect in Calgary

To understand how much solar really saves here, let’s look at a typical Calgary home.

• Average household usage:

  7,000–9,000 kWh per year (higher for detached homes or homes with EVs)

• Typical solar system size:

  7–10 kW

• Annual production in Calgary:

  8,000–12,000 kWh, depending on roof direction and shading

This means most homes can offset 60–100% of their electricity consumption with a well-designed solar array.

What does that mean in terms of dollar savings?

Calgary homeowners spend an average of $120–$180 per month on electricity, depending on consumption and whether they’re on a fixed or floating rate. Solar can reduce that bill by 50–100%, depending on the size of the system.

Over 25 years (the lifespan of most panels), homeowners typically save:

$20,000 to $40,000+ in electricity costs

For homeowners who are currently on floating rates—which can spike unpredictably—solar adds an extra layer of protection. Instead of relying fully on ENMAX or other retailers, you’re producing your own power at a predictable cost.

Calgary’s Long Summer Days = Extra Solar Power

Summer in Calgary is where solar really shines (literally). With sunrise before 6 AM and sunset close to 10 PM, your system can produce power for 16+ hours per day—much longer than many cities further south.

Excess summer energy doesn’t go to waste. Through Alberta’s net billing system:

• Extra power goes back to the grid

• You receive credits on your bill

those credits help offset winter consumption

This makes solar production and savings more balanced across the year.

System Costs and Why Many Calgary Homeowners Pay $0 Upfront

Today, solar systems in Calgary are more affordable than ever, and homeowners can often start with $0 upfront cost through financing programs or incentives. These options allow monthly payments that are often lower than the old electricity bill, so homeowners start saving from day one.

When you combine:

• Calgary’s sunlight

• Inflation-proof energy production

• Rising electricity costs

• Long-lasting equipment

  
  

Solar becomes a practical investment, not just a feel-good environmental choice.

How Fast Do Calgary Homeowners Break Even?

Calgary’s payback period ranges from 8 to 12 years, depending on:

• Roof direction

• System size

• Household usage

• Panel efficiency

• Available incentives

After that point, your electricity is essentially free aside from a small admin fee from your retailer.

And because panels last 25–30 years, homeowners enjoy a decade or more of pure savings after payback.

Thanks to our bright climate, efficient cold-weather performance, and growing electricity costs, solar power delivers real, measurable savings for Calgary homeowners. Whether your goal is lower bills, energy independence, environmental impact, or boosting your home’s value, solar is one of the most reliable long-term investments you can make.