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. This electricity can be used to power homes and businesses.

Sizing a PV system to meet your needs is an important first step in determining your overall investment and payback. Your solar contractor will be able to assist you in sizing your system appropriately. While a system that is too big will increase your upfront capital costs and the amount of power you export to the grid. This will decrease the overall cost effectiveness of your solar investment while extending the payback period. Your current and future energy goals are key factors to consider. This step is a great time to consider improving your energy efficiency, or adding a heat pump or electric vehicle charger.

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.

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

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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

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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

Steps to Solar

1. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PV SYSTEM?
There are several free online solar calculators available that estimate the size and energy production of a grid-connected PV system at your address. Using one of these online calculators is a good place to start learning about PV systems.

2. RESEARCH ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ELECTRIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES
Prior to sizing your solar system, research energy efficiency measures that may help you reduce your electric consumption and realize added efficiency and savings associated with the size of the solar system. NHEC offers a portfolio of energy efficiency options for your home or business. This is also a great time to consider installing a high efficiency heat pump, hot water heater, or electric vehicle charger to maximize the value of your PV system by using more generation on-site. NHEC has programs and rebates available.

3. LOOK FOR FEDERAL AND STATE INCENTIVES
Federal tax credits and rebates through the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission may be available for the installation of qualified PV systems. You can research available incentives online, or consult a tax professional. You can also check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

4. RESEARCH AND SELECT A SOLAR CONTRACTOR
There are a number of solar installers in the area who offer the expertise, high-quality workmanship, and reliable customer service to ensure your system performs efficiently. You may elect to solicit multiple quotes and then choose the contractor that provides the best installation package to suit your needs.

5. SUBMIT INTERCONNECTION APPLICATION TO NHEC
Your solar contractor, along with NHEC’s program administrator, will help you complete and submit NHEC’s Interconnection Application. The process of constructing and interconnecting your PV system may vary based on project specifics. If required, improvements or upgrades to NHEC’s electrical system may be necessary. These system improvement costs are responsibility of the member. It is important to note that you may not interconnect a renewable system to the grid prior to contacting NHEC.

6. BEGIN INSTALLATION
Once the submitted Interconnection Application is reviewed and accepted by NHEC’s program administrator and system upgrades (if required) have been completed, the installation may begin.

7. POST INSTALLATION
We will schedule a site visit to ensure the installation is compliant with our standards and, if all is in order, our representative will finalize the interconnection process by replacing your existing meter with a net meter that allows us to measure the amount of energy you use, as well as any excess energy that is produced and exported by your system. A solar production meter will also be installed in accordance with the Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Member Agreement.

Contact NHEC: If you have additional questions about going solar, or connecting other renewable energy technologies to NHEC’s distribution system, please contact Scott McNeil at mcneils@nhec.com or (603) 536-8608.

NHEC Interconnection Application

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.