Published On: May 24, 2023

The Solar Club™ believes in paying micro-generators a reasonable price for the surplus green electricity they produce and ship back to the grid. The program was designed specifically to help small solar micro-generators earn a premium on their solar electricity and help further green Alberta’s electricity grid.

At the heart of the Solar Club is the mighty but humble hummingbird. The story of the hummingbird embodies the core value of the Solar Club: “Do what you can.”

One day a terrible fire broke out in a forest – a huge woodlands was suddenly engulfed by a raging wildfire.

Frightened, all the animals fled their homes and ran out of the forest. As they came to the edge of a stream they stopped to watch the fire, and they were feeling very discouraged and powerless. They were all bemoaning the destruction of their homes. Every one of them thought there was nothing they could do about the fire, except for one little hummingbird.

This particular hummingbird decided it would do something. It swooped into the stream and picked up a few drops of water and went into the forest and put them on the fire. Then it went back to stream and did it again, and it kept going back, again and again, and again.

All the other animals watched in disbelief; some tried to discourage the hummingbird with comments like, “Don’t bother, it is too much, you are too little, your wings will burn, your beak is too tiny, it’s only a drop, you can’t put out this fire.”

And as the animals stood around disparaging the little bird’s efforts, the bird noticed how hopeless and forlorn they looked. Then one of the animals shouted out and challenged the hummingbird in a mocking voice, “What do you think you are doing?” And the hummingbird, without wasting time or losing a beat, looked back and said, “I am doing what I can.”

This inspirational story is an excerpt as told by Nobel Peace Laureate, Wangari Maathai, in an address to international educators in 2006.

Our new logo design puts the brave little hummingbird at the forefront, with its beak proudly pointed toward the future. Its wings are prominently and powerfully displayed mid-flight. A hummingbird’s wings beat up to 80 times per second, small but frequent beats, much like the humble kilowatt-hour, which alone is insignificant, but cumulatively is significant. The design of the tail mimics the shape of water droplets, signifying the small but powerful message at the core of the story. Finally, the hummingbird is silhouetted against a circular shape, representing the sun.

Win $1,000 for being a Solar Club Member!

The first winner of the 2023 Solar Club Contest Giveaway has also been chosen and awarded $1,000! Congratulations to Barbara Sontag!

We will be drawing three more winners at the end of the month in April, July and August. To be eligible, simply join The Solar Club! Already a member? You’re already entered! Just sit back, relax, and wait for us to randomly select the winners.

Get a FREE Solar Alberta Membership

Solar Alberta is a non-profit society whose mission is to accelerate Alberta’s transition to a just and sustainable energy future. They accomplish their mission by advocating, by educating, and by serving as an industry and community hub for solar energy. Their membership is made up of over 380 individuals and businesses from all over the province.

In both 2014 and 2021, Solar Alberta received Alberta’s highest environmental honour by winning the Emerald Award in the coveted Community Group & Nonprofit Association category.

As an individual member, you will receive some great benefits. In addition to supporting Solar Alberta’s mission; you can access discounts on their workshops and courses; you’ll receive exclusive member-only website content and newsletters; and you’ll benefit from advocacy on your behalf. As a hub for micro-generators, solar enthusiasts and solar businesses alike, they work to champion and enhance Alberta’s Micro-generation Regulation, they advocate for the expansion of solar and solar-related incentive programs, and much more!

By joining the Solar Club in May and June, you will receive a free one-year membership with Solar Alberta. This is a NEW gift that we are proud to offer our members. One of the many perks of being a Solar Club participant.

Please note that it will be completely optional to renew your membership at the end of the year and if you’d like to opt out of the free membership, you can email membership@solaralberta.ca at any time.

More Great Perks of the Solar Club

  • Price Match (NEW): Anytime the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) price exceeds 30.0 cents/kWh, we will match it.
  • Cash Back: You’ll receive 2% cash back on the cost of electricity imported from the grid on an annual basis. This credit is paid directly to you in February or March for the previous year.
  • Free RECs: 50% of your imports from the grid will be offset by green RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates) courtesy of the Solar Club. This means that we purchase enough RECs to replenish electricity equivalent to 50% of the energy you consume with green power.
  • Carbon Offsets: You can take advantage of our Carbon Offset Credit Platform and sell the carbon credits generated by your system.
  • AIR MILES®: Sign up for a new electricity service and get 20 AIR MILES® Reward Miles™.
thinking about solar?

Once you have solar installed on your home, you are considered a micro-generator and are automatically eligible to be part of Alberta’s best solar loyalty program.