Net Metering for Member-Owned Solar
20 kW or Less
Systems sized 0 to 20 kW are net metered and trued up monthly. The co-op looks at how many kWhs were purchased by the member and how many kWhs were sold to the cooperative, and trues up at the end of the month.
If any excess energy is sold to the cooperative, the cooperative pays avoided costs for that excess.
Avoided cost is the same rate as the cooperative can purchase energy on the market. The average avoided cost comes from our G&T power provider, Dairyland Power Cooperative. This rate varies every month and will be adjusted monthly. The rate averages $.03/kWh.
Greater than 20 KW
Systems sized over 20 kW are net metered. Any excess solar energy that goes out to the co-op grid is paid at avoided cost. Averages $.03/kWh.
Why does the co-op pay avoided cost and not a higher rate for solar?
Paying avoided costs means we do not pay a premium for solar energy. Paying the avoided cost (the same rate as the co-op can purchase energy on the market) is fair for all of our members and does not put the burden of paying a higher price to solar owners on other members.
To get the best return on your investment, it is important to size your system properly to avoid purchases of electricity, and not oversize to sell energy back.
Please contact the co-op before you install solar for help with interconnection requirements, net metering and proper sizing, 800-421-0283, ext. 595.
