Co-op members exploring solar energy have options. Members can buy or lease solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for their own rooftop or property (“private solar”), or participate in PVREA's myLocal Solar community solar farm program. 

Is it right for me?

Since solar power generation is rapidly becoming more widely available, we put together helpful information to help answer questions you might have. Find out if a private solar system is right for you, what you should ask solar companies, and the steps you should take before installing solar. 

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Co-op Community Solar

myLOCAL Solar is PVREA’s Co-op Community Solar program that allows members to subscribe to the output of solar panels at Coyote Ridge Community Solar Farm. The energy produced by subscribed solar panels are credited to your monthly bill. Easy, convenient, and hassle-free.

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FAQs

What is PV solar and net-metering? How does it work with PVREA? There are a lot of questions, and we'll answer them here.  

 

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Connecting your Distributed Generation System

Key Tips:

  • We're here to help. Contact Member Relations at PVREA to discuss your household's energy use to help determine sizing for your system, and to help answer any questions you may have. PVREA members can purchase solar panels or any other type of self generation from any vendors, it's the members' choice. PVREA will also walk you through the interconnection process and how it works.

  • Systems must be under 25 kW, and per state statute, you are allowed to completely offset your home's average energy use with a renewable source. Your system cannot have the potential to generate greater than 120% of your home's average energy consumption.

The Steps:

  1. Call Poudre Valley REA Member Relations at 1-800-432-1012 or email us at energyuse@pvrea.coop to discuss your plans and start the interconnection process.

  2. Review the Poudre Valley REA Renewable Net-metering Application to see if your planned system meets the Interconnection Standards. Systems must be under 25 kW, and per state statute, you are allowed to completely offset your home's average energy use with a renewable source. Your system cannot have the potential to generate greater than 120% of your home's average energy consumption.

  3. Check with the building and zoning departments in the county in which you live to request a building permit and/or an electrical permit for an electrical addition and check with your home owner's association.

  4. Submit the Renewable Net-Metering Application Form and a check for the required fees: a $100 Application Fee and $55 meter exchange fee. Checks can be mailed to PVREA at PO Box 272550, Fort Collins, CO 80527. Contact your contractor and/or equipment manufacturer for assistance obtaining the information required in the application. 

  5. Once your generation is installed and your required inspection is completed, you will be put on the Tariff NP (Net Metering) rate for payment of annual true-up of unused energy credit balance at $0.04528 /kWh. The annual true-up date is April 1.

  6. PVREA will exchange your meter and install a net-meter, a type of meter that works with your system.