SaskPower has announced a new solar Net Metering Program after the previous one reached its cap 2 years early, but there are some caveats to this news.

This time around there will be no rebates for capital equipment and installations, which previously was up to 20 per cent of the total system costs at a maximum of $20-thousand, and the power credit program has been cut in half. On the other hand, there is no limit on program capacity this time around, no end date, and no specified contract length.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili believes the new program will basically kill the small solar panel industry for homeowners, farmers, and smaller communities. SaskPower has announced a credit of 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour for excess power generated in the new Net Metering program, but the Crown Corporation itself charges around 14 cents. The previous program included one-to-one rebates.

SaskPower argues it’s too costly to have the one-to-one rebates, so this new program helps those who want to add solar power and those who can’t afford it don’t have to shoulder any extra costs from the Crown Corporation.

Customers participating in the previous program will be grandfathered under their current contract as long as there are no changes to their projects. SaskPower President & CEO, Mike Marsh, says there is a growing demand for solar self-generation.