Billing and metering of solar electric systems
Q: Will I need a separate meter for my solar electric system? If so, who will install
it?
A: Yes, a second meter is required to monitor the output of energy from your
system. SRP will provide and install the meter at
no cost to you..
Will I need a separate meter for
my solar water heating system? If so,
who will install it?
Residential systems do not require metering.
Commercial water heating systems require
a BTU meter.
What rate plan should I select now
that I am installing solar?
Customers with solar can choose any of SRP's
rate plans with the exception of M-Power.
What happens if my solar electric system
produces more energy than I use?
SRP has two options for systems that generate
excess electricity. If you choose to sign up with
our Solar Net Metering program, SRP will allow the
excess energy that your system generates to roll
forward to the next month's bill. These credits
will roll forward until the end of our fiscal
year (April 30) at which time SRP will give you
a dollar amount of credit for any excess
energy remaining on your account. The Solar Net
Metering program is open to residential and
commercial customers, installing a system
that is 20 kW or less. If you choose to sign
up with our Buyback Service program, SRP
purchases the excess energy at the hourly
wholesale market price. This program is
available to residential and commercial
customers, with no size restrictions.
Q: What is the wholesale rate that SRP will pay me for my solar electric generation?
A: SRP buyback rates are determined by the market rate for electricity, but generally they
run from 3 to 4 cents/kWh in the winter and 6 to 7 cents/kWh in the summer. The lower buyback rates, when
compared to the retail rates, are due to the expensed use of the utility system regardless of the direction
of energy (i.e. maintenance of wires and poles.)
Interconnection with the grid
Q: What is an Interconnection Agreement (ICA)?
A: An interconnection agreement is an agreement between an SRP customer and SRP outlining
the rules and requirements for interconnecting to SRP's electrical grid.
Q: When is an Interconnection Agreement required?
A: Solar electric customers planning to interconnect their system with SRP's electrical grid
are required to sign an Interconnection Agreement. A signed ICA must be received before an incentive payment
will be issued.
Q: Is interconnection with SRP different if I want to utilize battery back up with my
system?
A: Yes, systems that use a battery back up must meet additional guidelines. Please review
SRP's Interconnection Guidelines For Distributed Generators
(PDF) for more information.
