Micro-generation program intakes are closed

Applications to the Micro-generation Program closed for the Whitehorse and Southern Lakes area. To learn if you are eligible to apply email micro-generation@yukon.ca or contact the Energy Branch.

Add a solar system and sell your surplus energy

The Micro-generation Program allows you to sell the surplus energy you generate if you:

  • add a solar photovoltaic (PV) or another renewable energy system to a site; and
  • are connected to the electrical grid.

The program applies to homes, businesses and industry.

Reimbursement rate for exported energy

We’ll reimburse up to a maximum of 65 per cent of your system’s annual modelled generation capacity every April. This applies to new, newly purchased (with your home) or modified systems.

There is no credit or rollover to future years. This rate is subject to change.

Apply to the Micro-generation Program

There are many steps to becoming a micro-generation client. Some steps can be quick, others can take time.

Discuss your project with the Energy Branch

Before starting your project, meet with energy advisors from the Energy Branch. They’ll help you understand:

  • your renewable energy options;
  • our incentives;
  • system economics; and
  • how to find local installers and suppliers.

The meeting will take 1 hour.

Energy advisors will also give you a pre-approval application form. Your installer can also seek pre-approval on your behalf.

Energy Branch contact information

Get pre-approval

Before you install a renewable energy system, you must be pre-approved. You’ll need pre-approval before you can apply to become a micro-generation client. The Energy Branch manages pre-approvals.

Fill out your pre-approval form

Complete the pre-approval application form you received from the Energy Branch. You'll need to provide:

  • your contact information;
  • the planned system location; and
  • a recent electrical bill.

You may need to provide additional information if:

  • your bill does not represent the electrical load to be offset;
  • you just acquired the property; or
  • your home or business has not been built yet.

You can submit a pre-approval application for 1 of the following:

  • an existing residence
  • a new residence that is
    • undergoing design or construction; and
    • not yet unoccupied

Find out your system limits

The electrical utility sets a limit on the energy capacity you can add to the electrical system at your site. The pre-approval process will set the maximum capacity or size of your renewable energy system.

Upon pre-approval, the Energy Branch will give you:

  • your system’s generation limits; and
  • other site-specific information.

Your pre-approved status is valid for 12 months.

Finding out the system limits can take 1 to 4 weeks. Do not proceed without formal pre-approval.

Design and install your system

You can install your renewable energy system once it’s pre-approved. You must install your system within 12 months of it being pre-approved.

Contact your insurance company to discuss your plans before installing your system. Your home or business insurance rates or conditions may change if you install a renewable energy system.

Work with local contractors to design a system that works best for your needs. Make sure they’re available to do the work. If they are, proceed with installing the system.

Designing and installing your system could take up to 8 months.

Apply to connect to the grid

Your must work with your utility to get your system connected to the grid.

It’s important that you adhere to the pre-approval terms and conditions outlined by the utility and the Energy Branch. You can find them in section 5 of your pre-approval application form.

You’ll need to sign a micro-generation interconnection and operating agreement with your utility.

Apply to become a micro-generation client

Once you've installed the system and passed an electrical inspection, you’ll need to complete the following steps.

  1. Complete and sign the micro-generation interconnection application form. The Energy Branch gives this form when confirming your pre-approval
  2. Attach your supporting documents. In many cases, your installer can do the paperwork for you. If you have questions about the following requirements, email micro-generation@yukon.ca or phone 867-393-7063. The supporting documents include:
    • your pre-approval document;
    • a photo of your electrical meter;
    • a recent electrical bill;
    • an electrical diagram of the final system as installed and approved;
    • a site diagram of the final system as installed and approved;
    • a system description of the final system as installed and approved;
    • manufacturer specification sheets for generation equipment, inverters and controllers;
    • the final, approved electrical inspection; and
    • the signed micro-generation interconnection and operating agreement.
  3. Submit your application package to the Energy Branch.
    Email: micro-generation@yukon.ca
    In person: Climate Change and Energy Solutions Centre at 206A Lowe Street, Whitehorse. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
    Mail:
    Government of Yukon
    Energy Branch (EMR206)
    Box 2703
    Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2C6

Processing your application will take 1 to 2 weeks.

Get final approval and the signed agreement from the utility

We'll review your application and send it to the utility. They'll:

  • sign the agreement;
  • send it back to us; and
  • mail you a hard copy.

You’ll become a micro-generation client under the micro-generation program when:

  • your interconnection application is approved; and
  • you have signed a micro-generation interconnection and operating agreement with your utility.

Getting final approval will take 1 to 3 weeks.

Receive a new electrical meter

After the utility approves your application, they'll replace your electrical meter. Your new meter will be a bi-directional or dual register one. They’ll then start tracking your surplus energy.

This will take 1 to 3 months.

Receive annual reimbursement for your surplus energy

Each April, you'll receive a cheque from the Government of Yukon. This will be for the surplus energy you exported to the grid that year.

In most cases, your 1st-year reimbursement will be much lower than future years. This is because we start tracking your surplus on the installation date of the bi-directional meter. This means that your 1st year is likely only a partial year of export.

Apply for a rebate for your renewable energy system

We offer homeowners a separate rebate for adding renewable energy to their property. See our Good Energy renewable energy rebate for more information.

Canada Greener Homes Grant

The Government of Canada is offering additional funding. Your new solar or renewable energy generating system may qualify under the Canada Greener Home Grant.

To be eligible, you must:

  • register with the Canada Greener Homes Grant;
  • submit a request for an energy assessment called a "pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation";
  • complete an energy assessment in advance of your project;
  • receive an energy assessment report that recommends adding solar photovoltaic (PV); and
  • complete the installation of a solar photovoltaic system as recommended in the energy assessment report.

If you need an energy assessment to complete a current project, you can discuss your needs with the Energy Branch. Phone 867-393-7063 or email energy@yukon.ca.