Harnessing the Power of the Sun Did you know that every hour more energy from the sun hits the earth than the world uses in an entire year? Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems absorb this energy and convert it into electricity that powers our homes and businesses. Net Metering NHEC supports our members who choose to install renewable generation at their home or business. During certain hours, your PV system may generate more electricity than you can use. Net metering is the way that members are compensated for this surplus generation that is exported onto NHEC’s distribution system. Each month, members pay for the electricity they import from NHEC, net the credit for the surplus electricity they export. As a member-owned, non-profit, cooperative, NHEC’s net metering rates are based on the savings that all members realize through the purchase of this electricity. Exports from members’ PV systems allow NHEC to avoid purchasing electricity from the regional wholesale market. In addition, depending on when the export occurs, it can also help reduce other regional charges that all members pay, like transmission and capacity. Please reference NHEC’s Terms and Conditions Section X – Net Metering and Schedule of Rates and Fees for more information regarding our interconnection policies, the rates that members will be charged, and the compensation they will receive for exports. We strongly recommend net metering members become familiar with the information contained within these documents. . i Interconnection Net Metering Application Solar & Battery Interconnection Application If you are planning to install renewable energy generating system the Co-op is pleased to offer this online application system. Working with your installer and us, we will get you on your way to enjoying all that renewable energy generation has to offer. Our application process assists us in evaluating your proposed system and interconnection to ensure its operation will deliver all you are hoping for and is in sync with our electrical distribution system. Before you begin the application process, be sure to finalize your renewable energy generation and interconnection plans with your installer and be sure to read and understand NHEC’s Terms and Conditions. Once you have done that, you can begin the application process by clicking the button below: Start Your Application Avoid Costly Solar Interconnection Mistakes Are you a homeowner or contractor planning a solar installation? This video will guide you through the common mistakes to avoid during the interconnection process. Learn how to adhere to NHEC’s guidelines to ensure a successful inspection and connection to the grid. Share the PDF version with your installer to help ensure compliance with NHEC’s guidelines. Download 'Avoid These Common Mistakes' PDF Calculating Solar Electricity generated from a PV system that powers a home or business allows members to avoid purchases from NHEC’s distribution system, which are at the retail rate – the full cost of delivered electricity. Surplus electricity that is not used onsite and exported to NHEC’s distribution system is compensated at a rate that is based upon the savings this electricity provides to all NHEC members, not the retail rate. This rate also recognizes that members use NHEC’s distribution system when they export electricity. The net metering rate may change over the course of the year, as NHEC’s cost to purchase electricity from the regional wholesale market, or other regional charges, increase or decrease. Net metering members’ delivered and exported rates will reflect these changes. For example, if the regional cost of electricity decreases, then NHEC’s Co-op Power rate will also decrease. Net metering members will also see a decrease in the cost of electricity they import, and will also see a decrease in their credit for exported electricity. Likewise, if NHEC’s cost to purchase electricity increases, then the Co-op Power import rate will increase, as will the net metering credit for exported energy. The following calculator illustrates how members’ are compensated for electricity exported to NHEC’s distribution system. Solar Calculator Hosting Capacity The Hosting Capacity Map is a tool that helps both our members, installers, and developers with the interconnection process. It shows graphically on a map what the hosting capacity of the NHEC system is at each point in the system. It also provides information about substation, voltage and phase that can be useful. Hosting Capacity Map i Understanding Your Net Metering Bill Net metering members will see three separate readings on their monthly bill. For example, a Residential member would see: N01A – The amount of electricity NHEC delivered to your home N02A – The amount of electricity that your PV system exported to NHEC’s distribution system PVN – This is the total amount of electricity generated by your PV system T Other Considerations Net Meter: NHEC will replace your existing meter with a net meter during the interconnection process. This meter allows NHEC to measure the amount of energy delivered by NHEC to your home or business, as well as any excess energy that is produced by your PV system and exported to the electrical grid. Your Bill: You will remain an NHEC member after installing a solar or other renewable energy system and will continue to receive a monthly bill. Moving: If you decide to move and had previously installed Solar PV, the value of the system is typically incorporated into the purchase price of your home. You are required to provide NHEC written notice of property transfer of ownership. Inform Your Energy Supplier: We recommend that you inform your third-party electric supplier (if applicable) of your plans to install Solar PV. Power Outages: Unless you have a backup battery system installed, you will not have power during an outage. Inverters, that are utilized on all interconnected Solar PV systems, are required by code to automatically disconnect from the grid when the utility power goes out. This provides an important safety mechanism that prevents power from feeding back to the lines. u Resources Group Host Annual Report Group Hosting Application