YVEA’s Board of Directors has voted to change our net metering policy and rate. Here are more details on the change, effective January 1st, 2023.
- Net Metering Advice Letter – Rate 50 (PDF)
- Net Metering Notices of Change – Rate 50 (PDF)
- Net Metering Redlined Version – Rate 50 (PDF)
Once you decide to invest in solar, there are several steps to getting your new system installed.
- Choose a solar installer. It is important to choose the right installer. YVEA’s list visit Qualified Solar Installers webpage is a good place to start. We recommend getting multiple bids to include the total cost of getting the PV system up and running, including hardware, installation, connection to the grid, permitting, sales tax, and warranty.
A cost/watt and estimated cost/kWh are the most useful metrics for comparing prices across different installers, as installers may use different equipment or offer quotes for systems of different sizes. Here is a list of questions to consider asking each solar installer.- Is your company familiar with YVEA’s interconnection process?
- Is your company familiar with the city, county, and HOA requirements, as well as the State Electrical Inspection process?
- Can you provide references from other members in YVEA’s service territory?
- Are you properly licensed/certified?
- Do you carry liability insurance?
- What is the warranty for this system?
- What does a service call look like?
- Does your company have any pending or active judgments or liens against it?
- For an even more comprehensive list of questions to ask, View Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor (PDF).
- Apply. YVEA members should work with their installers to submit an Interconnection/Net Metering Application (PDF). Once your application has been approved, you may either Pay Your Solar Application Fee in the office, mail in a check or Visit the Pay Online webpage. Please note this online payment option is only to be used for Interconnection/Net Metering Applications.
- Understand your electricity use. Your solar installer will need to know how much electricity you use annually to design your system. To view your electricity usage data, sign into your YVEA SmartHub account or via the top of your monthly bill.
- Sizing requirements Generators cannot exceed a nameplate of 10 kW for small general service and 25 kW for medium and large general service. For sizing requirements and any additional questions regarding our policy, send us an Inter Connections email
- Work with YVEA and your installer. Your installer should be able to help you complete the necessary permitting and steps. You and your installer should use the Generator Sizing Calculator (XLSX) to determine the appropriate size based on the most recent 12-month annual consumption history. Please submit this tool filled in with your data with the Interconnection/Net Metering Application. The size will be based on your electricity needs and:
- The site’s solar resource or available sunlight
- The system’s orientation and tilt
- The system’s efficiency at converting sunlight to energy. You will get the most bang for your buck on systems that are properly sized as systems that are oversized have longer payback periods.
YVEA allows retail net metering to the extent that the solar generation is providing for the home or business’ normal electricity usage. Retail net metering provides an incentive to members by allowing members to avoid paying for a portion of the electrical facilities needed to serve their homes. Once a member produces more energy than their home or business consumes, the additional incentive is no longer provided, and the excess annual energy is purchased from YVEA at its wholesale cost.
- Approval & Installation. YVEA will review and approve your Interconnection/Net Metering application. Your installer will then pull and obtain all permits, install the system, complete all the necessary paperwork, install the production meter, and program the equipment to meet LPEA’s Interconnection Standards. Once completed, YVEA will conduct a final safety inspection and interconnect your system to YVEA’s grid.
- Certificate of Completion. Work with your installer to submit the Certificate of Completion (PDF)
- Billing. Your YVEA bill will change to that of a net metered member.