Renewable Energy

ANSWERS TO SOLAR'S MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In 2022, United saw a 283 percent increase in members installing solar panels at their homes over 2021. As more members explore the pros and cons of installing solar, United’s Energy Solutions team has fielded countless questions from curious members. Below is a list of the most common solar-related questions.

Does United have any advice for members considering solar?

Yes, our biggest recommendation is to first tackle as many energy-efficiency projects in the home as possible. By decreasing a home’s electric usage, a smaller and therefore less expensive solar system can be considered. Many energy efficiency projects offer quicker return-on-investment opportunities when compared to a solar system. United is here to help members identify and achieve their specific energy goals. Sign up for a free home energy audit today.

How many solar installation quotes should members receive?

United recommends receiving a minimum of three quotes from different solar installers. There is currently a wide array of pricing in the solar market. Generally, those who sign their first and only quote run the risk of paying significantly more than those who compare and negotiate between multiple offers. First, review and understand United’s net metering, buyback policy, and interconnection process (please see below).

What research should be performed before signing a solar contract?

• First, review and understand United’s net metering, buyback policy, and interconnection process (please see below).
• Second, members should speak with a tax professional or CPA about the potential for a Federal Income Tax Credit (FITC). Purchasing solar becomes much more attractive if a member qualifies for the entire 30 percent credit.
• United also recommends speaking with insurance professionals to determine if policy adjustments are needed to cover solar equipment.
• Lastly, speaking with a realtor can provide insight into potential changes to market value and desirability.

Does United partner with any solar installers?

United is excited to announce a new solar installation offering for its members. The cooperative’s new solar solution now takes members from solar education all the way to installation through a third-party installer. United decided to offer this service to its membership in order to educate members and allow members to make an informed decision after being presented with all the facts. To learn more about United’s solar solution, please click here.

There have been many reports of contractors in United’s territory that are claiming to have a partnership with United. Please keep in mind that United, and United’s third-party contractor, do not go door to door soliciting business. Nor does United or United’s third-party contractor participate in telephone sales. To speak with one of United’s Energy Solutions team members today, call (817) 556-4000.

How long is the return-on-investment (ROI) for a solar system?

There are many factors that can affect the ROI of a solar system, including the total cost and size of the system, as well as United’s rates. Those who install solar could be eligible for a 30 percent FITC. It is important to speak with a tax professional or CPA to determine eligibility for the FITC.

The ROI can extend several years if the full tax credit is not received. Additionally, paying cash for a solar system can significantly reduce overall cost due to the lack of interest charges. Overall, members who pay cash for solar through a third-party contractor can expect an ROI of about 15-20 years. If financed, the ROI is generally about 20-25 years. If electric rates decrease in the future, the ROI will be extended. If a member purchases a system through United, paying cash, the average ROI is reduced to approximately 10-13 years.

How are solar accounts billed?

Accounts with 50 kW DC and below are net-metered, which means members are billed monthly on the difference between the energy delivered to their homes or businesses and the energy received by United during the billing cycle.

• Solar Underproduction (Net Consumer)—If United delivers more kWh than what is received from a solar system, the received kWh are credited back at retail cost and the net energy is billed to the member. Beginning in 2023, all members will be billed a securitization charge due to Winter Storm Uri based on the total energy delivered. For example, if United delivers 1,000 kWh and receives 800 kWh from the solar in a month, the member will receive a bill for the 200 kWh net difference, plus securitization charges on the 1,000 kWh delivered.
• Solar Overproduction (Net Producer)—When the energy supplied by the member exceeds the energy supplied by United during a monthly billing period, the member will be responsible for a minimum bill ($32.50 for residential accounts) plus securitization charges on the total kWh delivered. Any excess kWh will be purchased back at that month’s avoided wholesale power supply costs and deposited into a banked balance on the account. The accrued bank balance will be automatically applied to that month’s minimum bill, securitization charges, and other electric charges, such as area lights. Any remaining banked balance will be applied to future energy charges.
• If you'd like to view sample DG bills for the two scenarios above, CLICK HERE.

Will members still have a bill with solar?

When the energy supplied by the member exceeds the energy supplied by the cooperative during a monthly billing period, the member will be responsible for a minimum bill ($32.50 for residential accounts) in addition to securitization charges for delivered kWh. Any accrued banked balances will be automatically applied to that month’s minimum bill, securitization charges, and other electric charges, such as area lights. It is possible for the banked balance to satisfy the electric portion of the bill resulting in a total electric due of $0. It is important to note that the banked balance will not be applied to United's internet service charges.

What will happen to any remaining banked balances at end of year?

If the member has an unused banked balance left over at the end of a calendar year, United will issue a check for balances greater than $20 and credit the member’s account for balances equal to $20 or less. The banked balance is reset in January of each calendar year.

What size system should a member install?

The total size of a solar system will vary depending on the usage history, location of panels, and ultimate goals of the member. United will net meter any solar system 50 kW DC and below. An average home would not need to install a system anywhere near this maximum net-metered size. United does not recommend oversizing a system in excess of the yearly energy needs. This recommendation is in place to maximize United’s net metering policy and retail credits (under-production), instead of receiving wholesale credit for over-production kWh along with the minimum bill and applicable securitization charges.

Can one system offset multiple meters?

United does not currently offer “virtual-metering.”

Each metering point is billed independent of one another. Therefore, any over-generation on one meter will not be used to offset the usage of another meter.

If solar is purchased for multiple meters, there will need to be individual, properly sized systems interconnected to each metering point.

How does the process for installing solar usually go?

• The first step of installing solar is choosing a trusted solar company.

• After signing, the solar company will then complete and send United a solar application on the member’s behalf.

• United takes approximately three to four weeks to review applications from the date of submission. During this review process, United will confirm that the system conforms to United’s requirements and will inform the installer of any required changes.

• Once the installer receives approval from United, the installer is free to install the system. If the installation is within city limits, the solar company will need to obtain an installation permit from the municipality.

• After the installation is complete and has passed city inspection, if applicable, the solar company will notify United that the system is ready for United’s field verification.

• United’s field verification will generally be completed within a week from notification that the system is ready.

• The system can stay on once the system passes United’s field verification and Permission to Operate (PTO) is granted.

***If a member purchases a system through United, these steps are still followed by our third-party contractor to make sure all contractors follow the same process.***

Are there any fees associated with a solar installation?

United does not currently charge any application fees for solar. The only fees that may be incurred include infrastructure upgrades. These costs, if applicable, will be billed to the solar contractor for payment. Each installation is individually evaluated during the application review process, to determine if United’s infrastructure will accommodate the specific solar system.

Why does solar monitoring not match the received reading on my bill?

United only receives excess solar energy that the home does not consume behind the meter, not total production from the system. As solar is being produced throughout the day, the home actively pulls from the solar production first. At any moment, if there is more energy being produced than demand in the home, United will receive the excess solar energy through the meter.

Will my solar continue to operate during an outage?

Unless a solar system has backup battery storage, the home will lose power during an outage. Grid-tie solar systems operate in parallel with the grid and are unable to back feed onto the grid during an outage for the safety of linemen.

Is it better to purchase or lease a solar system?

It is often more advantageous to finance than to lease a solar system. Once a loan is paid off, financed systems will continue to produce power until the system’s end of life, whereas leased systems will be removed after a predetermined number of years. Additionally, members that lease systems are unable to claim the FITC.

How long do solar systems last?

Most solar panels are warrantied for 20-25 years. Panel manufacturers certify their products against hail, high winds, and extreme temperatures to simulate real-world exposure. In general, solar systems that utilize credible products have about a 30-year life expectancy.

How is United Community Solar different?

United Community Solar is a voluntary program that the co-op offers its membership to pass on some of the savings received from large solar facilities. This program does not involve installing physical solar-related equipment at the member’s residence. There is a waiting list at this time as it is fully subscribed.

Will I still be able to participate in Community Solar?

Net-metered accounts cannot participate in the community solar program. There is potential in the future that United will be able to provide our net-metered accounts with the option to participate in our community solar program.

If a member installs solar behind their metering point, and switches off the community solar rate, the ROI of their solar installation is typically extended a few years.  This is due to the savings they are realizing by being on the community solar rate and a lower price per kWh.

United will continue serving as a trusted source of information. Please contact a member of United’s Energy Solutions Team for any questions regarding solar or your energy needs.