Thinking of Going Solar?
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- There are many reasons to consider switching to solar, from reducing your carbon footprint to lowering your energy bills.
- Yampa Valley Electric’s Net Metering Program allows members to offset their electricity usage with solar installed at their homes.
- Not every home is a good fit for solar. Consider these guidelines as you explore powering your home or business with solar.
Renewable Energy
- Did you know that YVEA already has renewable energy in our power supply?
- YVEA’s Green Choice is an attainable renewable energy program that allows our local community to set renewable portfolio goals that are reachable within a short period of time.
- We are currently 50% renewable!
- For more information on our power mix, visit the Green Choice webpage.
Relevant Solar/Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Policies
Net Metering Policy (PDF) Interconnection Policy (PDF) Engineering Services Manual (PDF) YVEA Rules and Regulations Inverter Grid Protection Settings
Solar interconnection application/net metering procedures also apply to wind, hydro, biomass, and battery generators.
Member Solar FAQ
- Ringless-lever bypass type meter enclosure
- A Utility Safety Disconnect Switch (USDS) - located externally
- Proper labeling on the meter enclosure indicating the location of all energy sources, and the USDS - if not immediately visible from the meter.
YVEA does not restrict how large the DC side of your system can be. For the AC side of a system no more than 10kW for a small general service, or 25kW for a medium/large general service can export at any given time. Inverters with larger nameplate ratings that are capable of “export limiting” may be permitted after an application is reviewed. These installations will be required to submit a grid sellback letter in order to receive a Permission to Operate status.
- In order to keep from raising rates to fund such projects, YVEA's board has elected not to offer rebates or incentives for member-owned solar systems.
- During an outage, YVEA requires that member-owned solar systems shut down.
- This is because they could pose a significant safety hazard to line crews troubleshooting outages and restoring power.
- If the solar system is attached to a battery and has a YAMP-approved transfer switch, the battery may continue to provide power during an outage.
- Once the installation is complete, the installer will contact YVEA and let us know that the system is ready for inspection. A member-signed (electronic or manual signature) Certificate of Completion will be sent to YVEA for signature.
- The YVEA Approving Authority will coordinate a time and date to test the system to verify outage monitoring capability, the AC disconnect location and operation, the power production of the system, adequate signage, and any voltage rise on the system.
- The net meter will be installed which will measure excess power production as well as consumption. A copy of the completed Certificate of Completion will be provided to the member or installer.