Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you switch, and a few things worth knowing after.
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About Solar Advantage™
What is Solar Advantage™?
It's our electricity plan built for homes with solar panels. Solar Advantage™ automatically applies a higher export rate when you're a net exporter for the billing period, and a lower import rate when you're a net importer. You always land on the best rate for what your system actually did for that month.
How does the automatic rate switching work?
The distributor sends us your import and export meter reads throughout the billing period. At the end of the billing period we compare the totals. If your exports were greater than your imports, the high rate applies to the net difference in kWh. If your imports were greater, the low rate applies. There's a full step-by-step walkthrough on our How It Works page.
What happens to my solar export credits, and when are they paid out?
Your solar export credits are automatically applied to your account and carry forward to offset future electricity bills, helping reduce your costs during lower-production months. You can request a payout at any time once your credit balance reaches $200 or more, or choose to receive automatic monthly payouts, which are processed by the end of the first week of the following month after the AESO has completed their settlements. Any remaining credit balance is automatically paid out annually at the end of April, regardless of the amount, before the next solar season begins.
Does the rate change hourly or mid-month?
No. The comparison happens once per billing period using your cumulative totals for that period. You don't need to shift your usage to specific hours of the day. Export more than you import over the whole billing period and the high rate applies; the other way around and it's the low rate.
Can I manually switch rates or turn off the automatic rate switching?
No. The Solar Advantage™ Plan automatically determines whether your High Rate or Low Rate applies at the end of each billing period based on your actual monthly import and export meter readings. Because the decision is made using your complete billing period data, there is no advantage to manually selecting a rate or disabling the automatic switching. This approach ensures you always receive the rate that corresponds to your net import or net export position for that billing period, even if your electricity usage or solar production changes unexpectedly during the month.
What if my solar system goes offline?
No need to worry if your solar system goes offline. Your Solar Advantage™ Plan automatically adapts based on your actual meter data, so your billing always reflects your system's performance during that billing period.
Getting Started
How do I sign up?
Signing up online takes less than 5 minutes. Simply complete our secure online application with standard information, select your electricity plan, and choose your preferred payment method (credit card or pre-authorized bank withdrawal). If you'd rather, you can also give us a call and we'll complete the enrollment for you. Once you're signed up, we'll handle the transfer of your electricity service from your current retailer to Solartility.
Start your sign upDo I need to cancel with my current provider before switching to Solartility?
No. Once you sign up we handle the retailer transfer on your behalf. Your current provider will issue a final bill up to the date of the switch and after that everything comes through Solartility. There is nothing for you to cancel or arrange on your end.
Will I still receive a bill from my old provider after switching?
You will receive one final bill from your previous provider covering up to the date of the switch. After that all your billing comes from Solartility in a single consolidated bill.
How long does the switch take?
Once you pick a service start date at signup (typically at least 2 days out), your distributor processes the change for that date. You keep getting power the whole time; only who bills you changes.
Do I need to be moved in already?
No. You can sign up in advance and set a future service start date that lines up with your move-in day.
Is service available in my area?
We serve customers across Alberta for electricity. If you're outside Alberta or in a Rural Electrification Association, we're not able to serve you today.
Do I need to do anything once my solar system is commissioned?
No. Once your system is commissioned your distributor will begin including your export data in your meter reads. The automatic rate switching takes care of everything from there with no action required on your end.
Plans, Billing & Fees
What plans do you offer?
Four electricity plans: Solar Advantage™ (for homes with solar), Solar Pre-Installation Rate (a locked low rate for up to 180 days while you wait for your system), Variable Rate (a straightforward market-linked plan for any home), and Market Rate (an hourly wholesale plan for solar-plus-battery homes with interval meters).
See the Plans page for full comparisonAre there any cancellation or early termination fees?
No. You can cancel your plan at any time with no cancellation or early termination fees.
What is the administration fee waiver promotion?
Eligible customers who sign up during a promotional period may receive a waiver of the monthly administration fee for a limited time. Promotion details, including the duration of the waiver and qualifying plans, will be displayed during sign-up and on our website.
What if I sign up before my solar is installed?
Choose our Solar Pre-Installation Rate plan. You get our low rate locked in for up to 180 days while you wait for your system to be commissioned, and then you roll onto a Solar Advantage™ term automatically.
How am I billed?
You get one monthly invoice from Solartility covering energy, delivery, admin, and applicable taxes and riders. You can pay by pre-authorized bank withdrawal or credit card, whichever you set up at signup.
What charges will I see on my Solartility bill?
Your bill has two parts. The Solartility portion includes your energy charge based on the net difference between your imports and exports, any credits carried forward, and your monthly admin fee. The second part is your regulated utility charges including distribution, transmission, balancing pool allocation, local access fee, and riders. These are set by your wire service provider and are the same regardless of which retailer you are with.
Are my distribution and transmission charges the same with Solartility as with my previous retailer?
Yes. All distribution and transmission charges are regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission and set by your wire service provider. These charges are completely outside of Solartility's control and are identical no matter which retailer you choose. Solartility simply passes these charges through on your bill exactly as received from your distributor with no markup of any kind.
Can I change plans later?
Yes. If your circumstances change (you add solar, add a battery, or your usage shifts), just get in touch and we'll move you to the plan that fits best. No fees, no hassle.
Still don’t see what you’re looking for?
Reach out and one of our Alberta-based team will walk you through it.
Talk to UsReady to make your energy work for you?
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