In 2008, the Alberta micro generation regulation was developed and it came in to full effect in January 2009.
What the intent of this regulation provides for is the legal and safe production of alternate energy by anyone connected to the grid.
The Alberta Utilities Commission defines alternate energy as “electric energy generated from solar, wind, hydro, fuel cell, geothermal, biomass, or another generation source where the electric energy produced provides a greenhouse gas intensity less than or equal to 418 kg per MWh.”
The regulation defines two sizes of micro generator: a large MG is “a micro-generation generating unit with a total nominal capacity of at least 150 kW but not exceeding 1 MW” and small micro generation as “generation of electric energy from a micro-generation generating unit with a total nominal capacity of less than 150 kW.”
The commission’s micro generator application guidelines further define MG size into a sub group, mini micro-generator; defined as an inverter-based system sized for residential purposes not exceeding 10 kilowatts.
The micro generation regulation and the micro generator application and guidelines are both available on the Alberta Utilities Commission’s website auc.ab.ca
Once you are on the site, look for the link to Rule 024-Micro-Generation.
This will take you to the page http://www.auc.ab.ca/rule-development/micro-generation/.
On this page you will find the information and links to download the micro generation application and the micro generation regulation as well as a description of the process you will have to follow.
The procedure for applying for grid tie is laid out in the application and sets out each step in a clear and concise matter.
It covers everything from terminology, definitions, equipment, installation and compensation for the electricity produced. It explains the use of bi-directional meters and bi-directional interval meters, the rules on crediting you for the excess electricity produced, and the payout of excess credits at the end of the year.
Now that the technical definitions are laid out, let’s focus on the mini micro producer. The mini-MG, 10 kW or less, is for all practical purposes more than enough to supply the electrical needs of a family residence.
Farms or shops could use larger installations and would thus fall in the small micro generator category.
The mini-MG would typically use solar panels arranged in a group, called an array, that would be mounted either to the roof, wall or a pole mount in the yard.
The electricity produced in the array will be changed from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) by using an inverter, and connected to the breaker box in the home.
If the current isn’t used up by the home’s electrical appliances and contrivances, then it would flow into the grid and turn the bi-directional meter in the opposite direction, thus producing a credit.
A grid tie system is relatively inexpensive, simple, and can be designed to facilitate most structures, locations, and yard or garden configurations.
Lorne Oja is an energy consultant, power engineer and a partner in a company that installs solar panels, wind turbines and energy control products in Central Alberta. He built his first off-grid home in 2003 and is in the planning stage for his second. His column appears every second Friday in the Advocate. Oja, who lives in west Central Alberta, can be contacted at lorne@solartechnical.ca