Solar Calculator Prince Edward Island

Maritime Electric offers a net metering program for residential solar customers on Prince Edward Island. You receive bill credits for surplus solar generation exported to the grid. Credits roll forward monthly and are settled annually. System size is capped to match your expected annual consumption. Maritime Electric installs a bi-directional meter as part of the interconnection approval process.

Maritime Electric rates on PEI are approximately 16–17¢/kWh for residential customers—among the highest in Atlantic Canada after Nova Scotia. High electricity rates mean every solar kWh is worth more in dollar savings. Combined with the federal 30% Clean Technology ITC, PEI solar delivers payback periods competitive with much sunnier provinces. The island's compact size also means consistent installer coverage.

Maritime Electric uses a tiered rate structure. Residential energy rates are approximately 15.9–16.5¢/kWh, with a fixed basic monthly charge. Including HST (15%), the all-in effective rate is typically 18–19¢/kWh for a typical PEI household. Rates have increased annually in recent years as Maritime Electric transitions its generation mix toward renewables, including wind energy for which PEI is well-known.

PEI residents can access the federal 30% Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit on eligible solar systems. The PEI government has historically supported clean energy through programs like Island Prosperity (check for current residential solar offerings). Maritime Electric's net metering provides ongoing savings. Verify current programs with PEI Energy & Minerals before purchasing.

A typical 7 kW residential solar system on PEI costs $19,000–$24,000 before incentives. After the federal 30% Clean Technology ITC, net cost falls to $13,300–$16,800. PEI has a smaller but growing solar installer base, primarily centred in Charlottetown and Summerside. The island's compact geography means most installers can serve all areas competitively.

With Maritime Electric rates around 16¢/kWh and the federal 30% ITC, PEI solar typically achieves payback in 9–12 years—among the better payback periods in Atlantic Canada due to the high electricity rate. A typical 7 kW system generates ~7,000 kWh/year, saving approximately $1,120/year at 16¢/kWh. Over 25 years with rate escalation, total savings can reach $32,000–$40,000.

Yes. Prince Edward Island averages approximately 1,900–1,950 peak sun hours annually, slightly above the Atlantic Canada average. The island's flat terrain means fewer shading obstacles than hilly Nova Scotia. Summer months deliver excellent solar production, and PEI's famous wind keeps panels cool and clean. Modern panels handle Atlantic weather—salt air, ice, coastal humidity—and are rated for 25+ years of operation.

Solar and wind are complementary on PEI—the island is famous for its wind energy leadership. While residential wind turbines are less common than solar, combining solar panels with battery storage effectively complements PEI's grid, which already has significant renewable capacity. The federal 30% ITC applies to both solar panels and battery storage systems, making a combined solar+storage system financially attractive.