SB374 Net Metering Cap
The 235-megawatt limit for the previous net metering treatment established by Senate Bill 374 has been reached. New applications will be subject to new net metering rules and rates that will be established by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada before December 31, 2015.
Submit to Request Net Metering Installation
- First Name
- Last Name
- Zip Code
- Phone Number
- Electric Bill
Your email will not be published.
There are several things to consider before making a decision to buy solar energy.
Here are important factors you should know in order to make a good decision.
1. Understanding Solar Basics
NET METERING
Unless you live where there is no electricity, your solar system will be connected to the grid so you can benefit from net metering. The energy produced by your solar system first goes to the electric needs at your house, but it is unlikely that your needs will always match your solar production. With net metering, if your system produces more than you need at your house, the extra energy flows to the grid and is marked in kilowatt-hour credits to your account. Likewise, if your house needs more electricity than your system is producing (for example at night when your solar system isn't producing), you will first use any kilowatt-hour credits in your account before you are charged for new kilowatt-hours from the grid. Like a bank statement, at the end of the month your net metering bill shows what you sent to the grid ("deposits") and what you took from the grid ("withdrawals").
YOU WILL STILL HAVE AN NV ENERGY BILL
Even if your solar system generates all your electricity needs, you will receive a bill from NV Energy. All net metered customers pay the basic monthly service charge and other taxes and incidentals. You will also be charged for any electricity that you consume beyond what your system is able to produce for your house.
CUSTOMERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SOLAR-GENERATIONS INCENTIVE PROGRAM
All customers except federal entities are eligible for the NV Energy incentive program. Who receives the incentive is decided between you and your installer. Customers who participate in the incentive program assign their portfolio energy credits to NV Energy. Customers who do not participate in the program maintain ownership of their portfolio energy credits. Portfolio energy credits are an environmental attribute managed by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
Unless you live where there is no electricity, your solar system will be connected to the grid so you can benefit from net metering. The energy produced by your solar system first goes to the electric needs at your house, but it is unlikely that your needs will always match your solar production. With net metering, if your system produces more than you need at your house, the extra energy flows to the grid and is marked in kilowatt-hour credits to your account. Likewise, if your house needs more electricity than your system is producing (for example at night when your solar system isn't producing), you will first use any kilowatt-hour credits in your account before you are charged for new kilowatt-hours from the grid. Like a bank statement, at the end of the month your net metering bill shows what you sent to the grid ("deposits") and what you took from the grid ("withdrawals").
YOU WILL STILL HAVE AN NV ENERGY BILL
Even if your solar system generates all your electricity needs, you will receive a bill from NV Energy. All net metered customers pay the basic monthly service charge and other taxes and incidentals. You will also be charged for any electricity that you consume beyond what your system is able to produce for your house.
CUSTOMERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SOLAR-GENERATIONS INCENTIVE PROGRAM
All customers except federal entities are eligible for the NV Energy incentive program. Who receives the incentive is decided between you and your installer. Customers who participate in the incentive program assign their portfolio energy credits to NV Energy. Customers who do not participate in the program maintain ownership of their portfolio energy credits. Portfolio energy credits are an environmental attribute managed by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.
DIFFERENT OWNERSHIP MODELS
There are two primary ownership models. You can either own your system or lease it. The difference is similar to buying or leasing a car. Each model has its pros and cons.
There are two primary ownership models. You can either own your system or lease it. The difference is similar to buying or leasing a car. Each model has its pros and cons.
LEASING
- Usually does not require down payment.
- Customer makes monthly payment to leasing company either as a set payment or based on energy produced by system.
- Payments may have yearly escalation percentage.
- Homeowner does not qualify for federal 30% tax credit.
- Leasing company usually handles maintenance and equipment replacement needs.
SELF OWNER
- May require down payment.
- May provide better financial return over long term.
- Homeowner is eligible for 30% federal tax credit.
- Homeowner has to arrange for maintenance and equipment replacement needs.
2. Choose An Installer
NV Energy does not sell or install solar systems so you'll need to work with a company that offers solar services. You should get multiple bids to compare services and prices. Seek out personal recommendations from friends, colleagues, or from public buildings that have solar systems.
Not all homes work well for solar. You and your installer will need to consider potential shading and what roof space faces south or near to south for the best production.
An installer will need to know your electricity consumption for the last year in order to appropriately design your system. The easiest way to find your annual consumption is through the MyAccount feature at nvenergy.com/myaccount. There you can see all of your billing and account information. Contractors who work in Nevada must be licensed with the Nevada State Contractors Board. Visit the Board's website to see if your contractor is licensed. The website also provides excellent suggestions to help with selecting a contractor.
3. Be A Smart Consumer
Is your roof ready for a solar system? If you don't know when your roof was constructed or replaced, you may want to have a professional determine when your roof may need replacing and discuss this with the solar installer.
Solar companies may calculate your expected savings based on assumptions of how utility rates may change in the future. Utility rates may change in the future but not at the tempo that some companies suggest. Utility rates do not always increase and have actually decreased during some periods. Make sure you understand how a solar company creates a savings proposal for your house. Savings projections made by solar companies are not guaranteed by NV Energy or the Public Utilities Commission.
Ask your installer important questions such as:
- If I lease, do my payments increase each year? By what percentage?
- What if I move?
- Who will be eligible for the federal tax credit and who will get the NV Energy incentive?
- What percentage of my bill should I expect the system to offset?
4. Have You Considered Energy Efficiency?
Solar is just one way you can make an impact on your power bill. NV Energy offers other energy conservation programs and clever tips that can help you save energy. Visit the NV Energy website for energy efficiency to learn more. Undertaking energy efficiency before installing solar may allow you to install a smaller solar system and that may further save you money.
Our Sponsors
© Copyright 2015 Green Solar Technologies. CA CSLB 991275