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If that rule is dropped, households would get smaller payments for excess electricity they feed into the grid.
Photo Credit: iStock
Some homeowners in Canada’s Northwest Territories who spent as much as $20,000 on rooftop solar could soon face a much longer road to earning that money back if a utility policy change under review takes effect.
In fact, according to the Yellowknifer, leaders in the Town of Inuvik warned that the rule could stretch the payback period for some systems by about three times. 
The issue carries extra weight in northern communities such as Inuvik, where winter darkness sharply limits solar production.
The Northwest Territories’ Public Utilities Board is reviewing a policy that allows homeowners to carry forward credits from extra solar power for later use. If that rule is dropped, households would get smaller payments for excess electricity they feed into the grid.
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Inuvik Mayor Peter Clarkson said the proposal would make solar much less worthwhile even as the Department of Environment and Climate Change is encouraging residents to look into it, per the Yellowknifer. He added that incentive programs helped nearly 30 Inuvik homeowners install solar, with the arrangement putting the payback period at about 10 years. 
Even if a policy change extends a payback period, going solar is still one of the best ways to save money on home energy over time. If you’re weighing the numbers for your own home, EnergySage can help you get free installation estimates and compare quotes.
A spokesperson for Yellowknife-based Arc Electric and Solar Installations told the Yellowknifer that utilities say solar users across the Northwest Territories are costing them about $300,000. The PUB expects that amount to climb to $3 million in 10 years if more homes adopt the energy systems.
However, Arc argued that $300,000 is a drop in the bucket compared to increasing diesel costs and the expense of expanding the Taltson hydro system. The company also said utilities may be able to sell excess solar power from the grid back to customers at a higher rate.
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To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
“It is not fair to have people buy into a program then change the rules,” Clarkson said, per the Yellowknifer.
Inuvik plans to take part in PUB hearings, and Arc Electric said it also plans to intervene, according to the Yellowknifer. The company is also urging residents with a stake in solar to reach out to the board, their members of the Legislative Assembly, and relevant ministers.
PUB Chair Gordon Van Tighem said the review is meant to safeguard infrastructure residents have already paid for. He added that the hearings will likely last for months, while Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins is planning a town hall meeting on the issue this month.
For homeowners trying to make smart solar decisions, the right tools can make a difference. With EnergySage’s help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on a solar purchase and installation. EnergySage’s solar map shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state along with details on solar panel incentives in each state. 
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Together, these resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. 
Homeowners interested in backup power can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
These stories cover how tax credits, installation costs, and long-term savings can affect payoff timelines.
• Homeowners are still finding solar worth the investment even without the federal tax credit.
• In Virginia, federal incentives covered over $11,000 of a home’s solar cost.
• EnergySage says various factors shape what homeowners pay for rooftop solar.
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© 2025 THE COOL DOWN COMPANY. All Rights Reserved. Do not sell or share my personal information. Reach us at hello@thecooldown.com.

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