We’re here to help you make the best decision about your current and future energy needs. As your trusted energy partner, we want to provide you the resources and information you can depend on.
Learn rooftop solar basics, what you should ask solar companies, and the steps you should take before installing.
Rooftop Solar Requirements
Your planned rooftop solar project must meet our standards to operate correctly within our system.
Your rooftop solar system must be under 25 kW or 120% of the twelve-month historical usage at the metering point, whichever is less.
We can assist in ensuring any existing PVREA-owned equipment (for example: transformers) is sufficiently sized for your solar needs. Please contact us for more information.
Talk to our energy experts to discuss your plans, review your energy needs and system requirements, and find out what solutions might best work for you.
Small steps towards better energy efficiency can help you optimize your PV system for your lifestyle, instead of paying to produce more energy than you might actually need.
These resources help identify areas where you can be more energy efficient in your home. Plus find rebates to offset the cost of electric products and appliances.
Only after upgrading your energy efficiency should you then determine how much solar energy production you’ll need. Estimations are calculated based on your average (or expected) energy use and the potential solar energy that can be produced at your address.
Click the link below to access a useful online solar calculator from the US Department of Energy.
Research the company or contractor you plan to use. Make sure they have a good reputation in your area. And read all the details about how your system is expected to be paid for or financed.
Before you install any equipment, ensure the system’s size matches your energy consumption, has a realistic payback timeline, and can be properly integrated within our electric system.
Click the link below to continuing reading about best practices and what questions to ask when speaking to potential solar installers.
Find the Net-Metering Application form below. Ensure that your planned system meets our interconnection standards. Systems must be under 25 kW or 120% of your twelve-month historical usage at the metering point, whichever is less.
Know what information you or your contractor/installer must submit to meet our interconnection standards. Understand when you need to schedule time for our crews to be on-site during your installation – including anything that has to do with temporarily de-energizing and/or removing PVREA meters.
Contact the building and zoning departments in the county to request a building permit and/or an electrical permit for an electrical addition. Also contact your homeowners association.
Installers, contractors, and/or members cannot de-energize or remove PVREA meters without facing electrical service interruptions and potential reconnection fees.
If the PVREA electrical service must be temporarily disconnected to complete your rooftop solar installation, you mustcontact us to schedule a time for our crews to be on-site.
We will then inspect your system while installing any necessary equipment.
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 and will receive a Certificate of Completion. See our rates, fees, & charges for current unused energy credit balance rates. The annual true-up date is April 1.
You will continue to receive a monthly PVREA electric bill that includes service charges and any costs for electricity delivered by the co-op. These charges ensure we maintain your electrical demand capacity and manage the overall electric grid.
There’s additional ways to benefit from renewable power besides installing solar panels on your roof.
With the high upfront cost of installation, managing routine maintenance, and other unforeseen problems, it might make more sense for you to seek alternative solutions for your clean energy needs.