Interested In Solar Generation For Your Home?

As prices decline and technology improves, installing a residential solar system—also called a photo-voltaic or PV system—makes sense for some consumers. However, even with these recent improvements in PV, it’s important to find out the facts before committing to a purchase.

Start With These Steps To Take Before Installing Solar:

  • ENERGY EFFICIENCY FIRST: Improving your homes energy efficiency will reduce the size of the solar array needed, thus reducing costs.
  • RESEARCH: Use pvwatts.nrel.gov to understand solar production. With this data and the cost of the PV system, simple payback can be figured to help you understand the economics.
  • POSITIONING: Many roof directions and angles are not positioned well for solar generation, and a free-standing solar array is a better option since it can be positioned in the perfect direction and angle. A solar array at a wrong angle or under trees will not produce good results.
  • RECORDING: Make sure to keep good records and submit for your tax credit.
  • ROOF LIFE: Consider the age of your roof before adding solar panels.
  • OPTIONS: South River EMC offers net metering and buy all sell all solar interconnection.
  • UPDATES: Make sure to keep solar software up to date and understand it. Since the priority for produced solar is in the home, the software is the only way to monitor total solar production.
  • SUPPORT: We are here to help. We will be glad to look at an estimate and gather information to help you make an informed decision.
  • UNDERSTAND, SO YOU KNOW: Understand how solar systems work to get the best system available. While standard string inverters will cap the electricity production of each panel by the lowest producing panel on your roof, micro-inverters don't have this problem, since they function in a parallel circuit. A micro-inverter will take full advantage of the production of each individual panel. Inverters are very important, especially if the panel direction and angle are not ideal. Make sure to get a qualified solar installer and know your options. 
Net Metering Explained

 

Net Metering Information

Net Metering Application

Pittman
McCrimmon

Just The Facts

• A Consumer's Guide: Get Your Power from the Sun

• A Consumer's Guide: Heat Your Water with the Sun

Information and questions regarding solar installments of 100 kw or less can be directed to the Advise Guys at adviseguys@sremc.com.

Interested in finding a solar installer? NC Solar recommends a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioner (NABCEP) certified installer.    

One can be located at: http://www.nabcep.org/certified-installer-locator.

Solar FAQ's

Yes, there are fixed fees required with providing electrical service that will remain as long as you are connected to the grid. Also, you will rely on the grid for power when the sun is not shinning. If the system is large enough to absorb these costs, there may be billing periods that result in a credit with zero amount due.
Your solar company will provide you with software to see your solar production. This software is the only way to see total production.

Energy credits are the amount of reverse flow the solar system has produced in one billing period.

 

The net meter is bi-directional. It reads forward and reverse flow. Forward flow is power delivered from SREMC. Reverse flow is power delivered from the member. The priority for solar produced power is in the home but when there is more power than the home needs, the excess flows backward onto the gird resulting in reverse flow. Any reverse flow receives a credit at the same retail rate that is charged.

 

Reverse flow is when the solar system is producing more power than the home needs and runs back onto the grid, resulting in reverse flow.  

 

The angle and direction the roof is facing plays a critical role in this and needs to be determined by a qualified installer. Make sure to get a least three quotes and ask each installer about angle. Unfortunately, some homeowners have received systems that are at undesirable directions and angles, which result in a reduction of solar output. Also, the age of the roof needs to be considered when installing roof top solar. Finally, trees that shade the roof during solar production hours are not recommended.

There is a 30% tax credit for systems installed between 2022-2032. It will decrease to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and to 22% for systems installed in 2034. The tax credit expires starting in 2035 unless Congress renews it.

Home improvements such as insulation upgrades, air sealing, and HVAC upgrades are great ways to help lower your energy usage as well as the required size of the solar array that will be required. Also, you can call us and request a 2-year electrical usage summery to help determine the size solar needed.

The typical lifetime of solar panels is 25 years.

You, the homeowner, have total responsibility and liability of the residential solar power plant
No, solar accounts must be standard billed accounts and can not be prepaid. Before interconnection can take place, these changes must occur and any required deposits paid.
South River EMC reserves the right to clear energy credits at the end of each year so size appropriately.

In the event of an outage or disconnection of electric service, once service is restored, the member should reset the inverter on their solar system.

For more information about residential solar