On-Farm Solar Photovoltaics

ALBERTA AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

**PLEASE NOTE**   AS OF FEBRUARY 7, 2018

The On Farm Solar Program through Growing Forward 2 has now been discontinued and has been replaced by a provincially administered program through Alberta Agriculture and Foresty.   The rebate amounts and terms have not changed.  

The new program, now active, has been funded for 4 years and is expected to further advance solar PV within Alberta Agriculture.   

KEY POINTS REGARDING THE NEW PROGRAM CONDITIONS

1. Retroactive projects that have been completed AFTER APRIL 15, 2017 are now eligible. If a project has been initiated (ordering or purchasing equipment, equipment delivery, component construction, etc.) prior to April 15, 2017, it will NOT be accepted. ALL installed equipment will be held to the following standards:

  • The system’s modules must have at least a 20 year pro-rated warranty from the manufacturer;
  • The system’s inverter(s) and/or micro-inverter(s) must have at least a 10 year warranty from the manufacturer;
  • Solar racking must be manufactured by a qualified commercial racking company.

2. The grant rate has changed to align more closely with the Residential and Commercial solar programs. Grant funding is calculated as follows:
≤100 kW: $0.75/W to maximum 35% eligible cost share
100.01 – 150 kW: $0.56/W to maximum 27% eligible cost share

3. In order to qualify for the On-Farm Solar PV grant program, an applicant must have an Electrical Distribution Rate Class that is rated as Farm, or equivalent. Proof of this rate class will be required, and can be found either on your electrical bill or obtained from your electricity retailer.

4. If you do not have an Electrical Distribution Rate Class that is rated as Farm, or equivalent, please refer to Energy Efficiency Alberta to determine if you may qualify under other provincial solar programs.

WHAT KINDS OF PV SYSTEMS ARE ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible for funding, a Photovoltaic system must be:

  • Grid-tied, not off-grid
  • Approved under Alberta's Micro-Generation Legislation
  • Positioned to optimize sunshine and minimize shading
  • Have manufacturer-warranties on: Solar modules, Racking, Inverters and/or Micro-inverters, and
  • Installed on a Site ID that has a Distribution Rate Class of Farm, Irrigation, Grain Drying, or equivalent.

HOW ARE COSTS SHARED?
≤100 kW
$0.75/W to maximum 35% cost share of eligible expenses

100.01 kW - 150 kW
$0.56/W to maximum 27% cost share of eligible expenses


WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any resident of Alberta with a Distribution Rate Class of Farm, Irrigation, Grain Drying, or equivalent.

HOW DO I START?
Before submitting an application, you must prepare the following information:

1. Obtain written verification from your Wire Service Provider of the Rate Distribution Class for the Site ID on which the solar PV system will be installed. This verification may be found on your utility bill, or you may need to request it from your Wire Service Provider with the following information:

  • Name of the load customer
  • Legal land description of the service location
  • Site ID of the service location
  • Distribution rate class for the Site ID/Service location

2. An approved and signed Microgen Interconnection and
Operating Agreement from your Wire Service Provider;

3. A solar PV quote from your Solar Contractor describing
the system you will be installing;

4. An electricity bill for one month's electricity
(current within the last 24 months).

 

AGENCY:
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

For Further Information Contact:
Email: af.farmsolarpvprogram@gov.ab.ca