Customer Self-Generation Programs

For a single-phase system, there will be a $100 cost for a witness verification test. This is billed to you at the end of the project. For three phase systems, the customer will pay the cost of the bi-directional meter (~$600), plus the $100 cost for a witness verification test.

An interconnection study may be required, which is at the discretion of SL&P. An interconnection study is typically required only for non-residential projects. The interconnection study cost is $300. 

1. Apply      
   1. Complete one of the following Applications for Interconnection:
      1. Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Self-Generation Application
         1. This application is intended to be used for:
            • Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installations under or equal to 15 kW total capacity;
            • Solar PV installations at a residential location; an
            • All Solar PV is installed on one structure.
         2. Applications to include:
            • Electrical Single Line Diagram.
      2. Request for Preliminary Interconnection Study & Self-Generation Application
         1. This application is intended to be used for:
            • any generation interconnections that are not by Solar Photovoltaic (PV) source; or
            • Solar PV applications that do not meet the requirements of the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Self-Generation Application above.
         2. Applications to include:
            • Protective Device Information – Manufacturer’s Name and model, Settings, Protection Scheme;
            • Site Plan showing the generator, inverter, and transformer locations; and
            • Electrical Single Line Diagram. 
   2. The application can either be completed by the homeowner or the contractor, but must be signed by the Primary Account Holder. 
   3. The applications reference the following documents that should be read in conjunction:
      1. Administrative Policy No. A07-022, Power Producer Policy; and
      2. Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) Interconnection Guidelines.
   4. The completed application will be submitted to:  
      • Saskatoon Light & Power
        322 Brand Road
        Saskatoon SK  S7J 5J3 
        selfgenerationprogram@saskatoon.ca
      1. SL&P will either approve the application or request more information. A letter will be mailed to the customer informing them of the approval to proceed with their self-generation project.
2. Install Your System
   1. For helpful hints on the Installation Process including required permits and inspections, see SaskPower’s site.
3. Request an Installation Inspection
   1. SaskPower will inspect the installation and install a Non-Utility Generation (NUG) sticker to the meter after inspection. Once the NUG sticker is attached, contact Saskatoon Light & Power to perform a system witness test at: selfgenerationprogram@saskatoon.ca or (306) 975-2414 
   2. The witness test involves a visual inspection of the generation system and testing the Voltage Loss Protection.
4. Interconnection Operating Agreement
   1. After a successful Installation Inspection, an agreement will be mailed to Primary Account Holder, who must read, sign and return this to Saskatoon Light & Power.
   2. Once we receive the signed copy, a Saskatoon Light & Power representative will sign the agreement and a copy will be sent to you for your records.

Saskatoon Light & Power’s customer-based generation programs are pre-approved for solar photovoltaic projects (solar panels), and we will consider all environmentally-preferred generation technologies such as wind, biomass, micro-cogeneration (combined-heat and power), geothermal, and fuel cells under 100kW in size.

If you are interested in an alternative technology, you will be asked to provide details about the technology that supports your request, and to demonstrate a greenhouse gas emissions savings over combined-system natural gas electricity sources (assumed to be 420 Tonnes of Carbon Dioxide equivalent per Gigawatt-hour (CO₂eq/GWh)).

For Saskatoon residents who live outside of the SL&P Service Area, SaskPower offers a Power Generation Partner Program and a Net Metering Program to its customers.

Which program is better for me?

If you think you will generate less electricity that you will consume in a one-year period, the Net Metering Program is likely more beneficial, as you will be credited for the electricity at the same rate as you pay. If you want to sell all of the power you produce, or produce more power in a year than you will consume, then the Small Power Producers Program may be a better option, as all the excess electricity generated with your system is sold to SL&P.

How big of a solar system would I need to cover my needs?

A typical residential solar system will generate 1,225 kilowatt-hours per kilowatt (kWh/kW) a year. A typical house uses between 8,000 to 10,000 kWh per year, so a typical house would need between a 6.5 and 8 kW of solar panels to generate all the required electricity for their home. To estimate your requirements, divide your yearly kWh consumption by 1225.

Will generating my own electricity help me reduce my carbon footprint?

Yes. Saskatchewan residents use more energy and produce more greenhouse gas emissions per person than anywhere else in Canada. About 80% of Saskatchewan’s electricity comes from fossil fuels (coal and natural gas). The Saskatchewan electrical grid intensity is 646 tonnes CO₂eq per GWh (based on 2018 numbers), which is one of the highest in the country. The carbon emissions intensity of a typical solar system is less than 100 tonnes CO₂eq per GWh.