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Rooftop Solar

Do you want solar for your home or business? We’re here to give honest answers about your energy solutions.

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

Rooftop solar is becoming more available to homes and businesses across Northern Colorado. Before installation, first understand if rooftop solar, net-metering, and interconnected systems are right for you.

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.

Have You Considered Other Options?

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 sense for you to seek alternative solutions for your clean energy needs.

Community Solar

Explore this option prior to continuing rooftop solar research. Get energy from local solar arrays without the hassle of installing and maintaining solar panels on your roof.

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Green Power Program

The easiest, most convenient way to go green. Benefit from renewable energy production from solar, wind, and small-scale hydroelectric generation.

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Energy Management Solutions

Learn ways to better manage your energy use through helpful advice, energy management programs, and electric product/appliance rebates.

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Rooftop Solar Basics

Deciding to purchase and install rooftop solar should be considered after you have all the facts – as your trusted energy partner, that’s where we come in!

Is Rooftop Solar Right For Me?

We put together helpful information to assist you in answering questions you might have about rooftop solar. 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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Rooftop Solar FAQs

What is PV solar? What is net-metering? How does it all work with PVREA? Will I still receive a monthly electric bill? There are a lot of questions, and we’ll answer them for you right here.

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Rooftop Solar Requirements

It is crucial that your planned rooftop solar project meets our standards to properly operate 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.

If your system is above 25 kW, find our processes here.

Estimate how much kW your system will need to generate by using the tools below.

Complete Procedures and Guidelines

First Reduce Your Use

Reduce your overall electrical consumption through energy efficiency products and upgrades before calculating how much rooftop solar production you will need. That way, you’re not paying for a system larger than you really need. Discover energy efficiency tips and apply for rebates!

Energy Efficiency

Estimate Your Rooftop Potential

Understand the potential solar energy that could be produced at your address.  Factors such as your roof’s size, age, and condition along with site orientations, area shading, and annual sun exposure all impact production, installation costs, and net return expectations.

Go to US Department of Energy

Steps to Connect Your Rooftop Solar

1. Contact Us First

Talk to our energy experts to discuss your plans, review your energy needs, and find out what solutions might best work for you. Call us at 800.432.1012 or email energyuse@pvrea.coop.
2. Upgrade Your Energy Efficiency

Don’t pay for a system larger than you need.

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.
Energy Efficiency
3. Calculate Your Energy Needs

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.
Go to US Department of Energy
4. Speak to a Qualified Installer

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.
Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor
5. Review Our Net-Metering Application

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.
Download the Net-Metering Application
6. Check Building, Zoning & HOA Requirements

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.
7. Submit Your Net-Metering Application

Submit your completed form and a check for the required fees: a $200 application fee and $55 meter exchange fee. Forms can be mailed or emailed – instructions can be found on the form. Checks can be mailed to 7649 REA Parkway, Fort Collins, CO 80528.

Contact your contractor and/or equipment manufacturer for assistance obtaining the information required in the application.
Download the Net-Metering Application
8. We Review Your System

We will complete a review of your application and, if approved, will provide an executable interconnection agreement.
9. Submit Your Certificate Of Completion Form
Install your system and pass the required electrical inspection.
- Be aware that installers, contractors, and/or members are not allowed to de-energize or remove PVREA meters without facing electrical service interruptions and potential reconnection fees.
- Contact us to schedule time for our crews to be on-site during the installation if the PVREA electrical service must be temporarily disconnected.
Submit your Certificate of Completion form, found below, to us by mail or email – instructions are found in the form.

We will then inspect your system while installing any necessary equipment.
Download Certificate of Completion Form
10. Start Generating Your Own Solar Energy!

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. 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.
Rates, Fees & Charges