Solar panels in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Yellowknife has outstanding solar energy potential, with installations producing an average of 1,095 kWh per kW installed annually – among the highest in all of Canada. This means a typical 10 kW residential system generates approximately 10,950 kWh per year. Yellowknife benefits from extended summer daylight (up to 20 hours around the solstice) and cold temperatures that improve panel efficiency. The subarctic climate provides excellent solar irradiance, particularly from March through September when daylight hours are longest.

Yellowknife is served by Naka Power (formerly Northland Utilities) at approximately 37-38 cents/kWh – nearly double the Canadian average of 19.2 cents/kWh. This makes Yellowknife one of the most expensive cities for electricity in Canada. By going solar, Yellowknife homeowners can save approximately $3,300 per year. Over a 25-year system lifespan, that translates to over $82,000 in total savings, with returns growing as electricity rates continue to increase.

Yellowknife residents can access net metering through Naka Power for systems up to 15 kW, receiving credits at the full retail electricity rate. Credits expire annually on March 31st. Important: The Arctic Energy Alliance (AEA) solar rebate ($4/watt up to $20,000) is NOT available in Yellowknife – this program is restricted to communities not on the hydroelectric grid (diesel communities). The federal Canada Greener Homes Grant closed to new applicants in March 2024, and the Greener Homes Loan closed October 1, 2025. Neither is available to new applicants. Even without rebates, Yellowknife’s high electricity rates make the payback period among the shortest in Canada at 7-10 years.