Solar Club™ Members Celebrate A Record $14.9 Million in Earnings!
When we launched the Solar Club in 2019, we had a bold vision: empowering homeowners with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to actively participate in Alberta’s evolving energy market. Five years later, this vision has transformed into an inspiring reality. Here’s how Solar Club Members blazed a trail of success in 2024.
For the very first time, Solar Club Members are collectively net positive in a single year based solely on exports to the grid. The value to Members for 2024 from exports, cash back, and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is a whopping $14.9M, bringing the cumulative total from 2019 onwards to nearly $33M!
The Solar Club operates on four core pillars:
- Improving ROI: By providing excellent rates, a cash back program, and the chance to profit from the sale of carbon credits, Members have vastly improved the returns on their solar investments.
- Achieving Net Zero: By aggregating all Members’ exports, we can achieve net zero or even climate-positive status.
- Environmental Impact: The Solar Club’s original commitment to a collective environmental statement by exporting 100 million kWh of renewable energy into Alberta’s grid by 2030 has been achieved. We surpassed this goal last year, and we have set a new goal of exporting 250 million kWh by 2030.
- Promoting Renewables: By encouraging the use of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) alongside solar energy exports by our Members.
2024: Breaking Records and Building Momentum
This past year, Solar Club Members raised the bar even higher:
- Collectively exported 56 million kWh of green energy to Alberta’s grid.
- Exported a collective total of 135 million kWh since our launch in 2019, marking 54% progress toward our new goal of 250 million kWh by 2030—an increase from our original target of 100 million kWh.
- Maintained net-positive energy contributions, exporting more energy (in addition to RECs) than the 52 million kWh imported from the grid.
In dollar terms, 2024 was a standout year. Members received a total value of $14.9M, including:
- $14.6M for energy exported to the grid.
- Nearly $180,000 in cash back, up from $100,000 in 2023, an 80% increase!
- Over $40,000 in Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), representing 2.6 million kWh of green energy resupplied to the grid.
Since our inception, Solar Club Members have collectively earned an incredible $32.8M, including this year’s $6 million increase over 2023’s total value of $8.9M. Every dollar earned by Members contributes to a better return on investment in solar and a reduced payback period. These numbers highlight the growing strength and unity of Alberta’s solar community.
As noted in the stats above, our Members recently received their cash back payments for 2024. This year’s cash back program paid out a record-breaking $180,000 directly to Members. Calculated as a percentage of energy imported throughout the year, these payments are a tangible reward for embracing solar energy and supporting Alberta’s renewable energy future.
Hummingbird Virtual Solar Community (VSC)
All microgenerators enrolled with us, regardless of membership status, are part of our Hummingbird Virtual Solar Community (VSC)—one of the largest and most impactful distributed solar farms in Alberta. This initiative is a shining example of what we can achieve together and a source of immense pride for the Solar Club.
The Hummingbird VSC harnesses Alberta’s abundant sunshine and the commitment of homeowners who believe in the future of solar PV technology. It now represents the installation of over 180,000 solar modules and boasts a total capacity of approximately 85 MW.
This incredible collective effort not only showcases the power of community-driven action but also highlights Alberta’s leadership in renewable energy innovation. We’re proud to celebrate this initiative as a cornerstone of the Solar Club’s mission to create a cleaner, greener future for all.
Strengthening Alberta Communities
In 2024, Solar Club retailers donated over $500,000 to support 40+ charitable organizations, including food banks, mental health initiatives, and social service organizations. With a total of $800,000 donated since 2019, your participation directly impacts local communities, embodying the ethos of doing what we can, one kilowatt-hour at a time.
2025 Solar Show
As proud sponsors of Solar Alberta’s annual five-day Solar Show, we invite you to join us for this flagship event, showcasing the latest in solar innovation, industry insights, and community connections. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts and fellow solar enthusiasts.
Get Even More From the Solar Club!
In a few months’ time, we will be introducing a new cash back feature for natural gas! Now is the time to sign up for a natural gas account with the Solar Club (if you haven’t already done so). All Solar Club Members with natural gas will earn 3% cash back on their natural gas usage, in addition to cash back on all electricity imported annually. Moreover, if your membership group only had 2% cash back, you are being upgraded to 3%. Keep your eyes peeled for further announcements.
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As we look ahead, the future of solar in Alberta has never been brighter. Thank you for being an integral part of the Solar Club’s journey. Together, we’re proving that a sustainable, solar-powered future is not just a dream—it’s happening right now!
With your continued support, 2025 promises even greater achievements for the Solar Club. Together, we’ll drive Alberta’s energy transition, empower homeowners, and make history—one kilowatt-hour at a time.
