Why Higher Energy Usage Lets You Save More with Solar
Key Takeaways/TLDR
The more electricity your home uses, the more solar panels you are allowed to install
Alberta’s net billing rules link system size to your annual electricity consumption
Higher usage means more offset potential and greater savings
EVs, heat pumps, and electric appliances make solar even more valuable
LUMI Renewables designs custom solar systems to match your energy profile
Introduction
One of the most common questions we hear at LUMI Renewables is:
“Can I eliminate my power bill with solar?”
The answer depends on how much electricity your home uses. In Alberta, solar system size is directly tied to annual energy usage. Higher usage gives you more room to install solar panels and achieve larger long-term savings.
In this blog, we’ll explain why using more electricity can actually make solar a better investment.
Understanding Net Billing in Alberta
Alberta uses a system called net billing. When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home needs during the day, the excess energy is sent to the grid. You receive credits on your utility bill for that extra power.
However, Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation limits solar systems to the size required to meet your home’s annual energy usage. This prevents homeowners from installing systems that produce significantly more than they consume.
For example, if your home uses 9,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, your solar system can be sized to produce around that amount. You cannot install a much larger system unless your energy usage also increases.
Why Higher Usage Means More Solar Potential
The more electricity you use, the more solar panels you are allowed to install. This gives you a greater opportunity to:
Offset your energy bills
Maximize the value of net billing
Take full advantage of solar incentives
Improve your return on investment
A larger system spreads out fixed installation costs and usually results in a lower cost per watt. This can reduce your payback period and increase total lifetime savings.
Ways to Increase Your Energy Usage Strategically
If you are considering solar and want to increase your allowed system size, here are a few upgrades that can increase your electricity use while reducing your reliance on fossil fuels.
1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Charging an EV at home typically adds 3,000 to 4,000 kWh per year to your electricity use. This alone can significantly increase your eligible solar system size.
2. Heat Pumps
Switching from natural gas to electric heat pumps for space heating and cooling increases your electricity usage but also improves efficiency and sustainability.
3. Electric Water Heaters
Replacing a gas water heater with an electric one shifts more of your energy use to electricity, which solar can offset.
4. Lifestyle Changes
Adding a home office, a hot tub, or upgrading to electric cooking appliances can all contribute to higher electricity usage, creating more room for solar.
The Financial Upside
More energy usage means you can produce more solar power to match it. This results in:
Higher utility savings
Lower carbon emissions
A better return on investment
More efficient use of federal incentives, such as the Canada Greener Homes Loan
You are not just consuming more power. You are replacing expensive, grid-based electricity or fossil fuels with your own clean, renewable energy.
How LUMI Renewables Helps
We design custom solar systems based on your:
Current electricity bills
Anticipated lifestyle changes
Roof space and sun exposure
Utility rate structure
Budget and financing needs
If you are planning to add an EV, switch to electric heating, or make other changes, we will size your system accordingly and guide you through the installation and approval process.
Final Thoughts
Using more electricity is not always a bad thing. In fact, when paired with solar, it gives you more flexibility, more savings, and more energy independence. If your goal is to eliminate your utility bill and reduce your carbon footprint, a larger solar system that matches your actual usage is the key.
Ready to design a solar system that powers everything in your home?
Book a free consultation with LUMI Renewables and let us help you get the most value from your energy investment.
