Solar & Wind Systems
Thinking of generating your own energy? Learn about the options that MVEC has in place to help members generate renewable energy.
Supporting Renewable Energy Solutions
If powering your home or business with renewable energy is a step you’re ready to take, let MVEC help you get connected. If you want to learn if installing a renewable generation system is right for you, we’re here to help you.
Is Renewable
Energy Right
for Me?
Thinking of going solar? You don’t want to be in the dark when it comes to your energy. We’re here to help you ask the right questions and help determine if going solar might be a good fit for you.
Learn About
Connecting
a System
Some renewable energy choices require working with, and signing a contract with, a third party provider. We’re here to equip you with relevant information, and help you ask the right questions so that you can make an informed decision.
Already Have a
Solar Generation
System?
Your renewable energy generation system, whether it is solar, wind or another energy source, will enable you to produce some of your own electricity to offset the power that you receive from MVEC.
Contractor
Resource
Center
Are you working with an MVEC member to install a wind or solar system? Learn about our policies and processes to get a system interconnected.
Is Solar Energy Right for Me?
Learn more about solar installations, how they work and if your home is in an ideal place to install a solar generation system.
Understanding Solar
How does solar work?
- Solar panels capture sunlight rays and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
- An inverter is used to convert the DC power generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) power. AC power is what your home uses.
- Your home will consume the energy that was generated by your solar panel generation system.
- Any energy that is produced and not consumed at the time of production may flow back onto MVEC’s grid or may be stored in a battery for future use if one is installed with your system.
Using Google’s Project Sunroof
Google takes the location of your home to determine sun exposure. To use Project Sunroof, search for your home to determine if your roof is ideal for a solar generation system. You’ll be given a breakdown of costs, energy savings, finance options and list of solar providers. Visit our FAQs section for more information to help you make an informed decision.
You are now leaving Magic Valley’s website and are going to a website that is not operated by Magic Valley Electric Cooperative. We are not responsible for the content or availability of linked sites. Magic Valley offers links to other third party websites that may be of interest to our website visitors. The links provided in our website are provided solely for your convenience and may assist you in locating other useful information on the Internet. When you click on these links you will leave Magic Valley’s website and will be redirected to another site. These sites are not under the control of Magic Valley. Magic Valley is not responsible for the content of linked third party websites. We are not an agent for these third parties nor do we endorse or guarantee their products. We make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of the information contained in the linked sites. We suggest that you always verify the information obtained from linked websites before acting upon this information.
Selecting a Solar Company
Once you’ve made the decision to install a solar system, the next step is choosing a reputable solar installer.
Here are some steps that you should follow when selecting a solar company.- Compile a List of Available Solar Providers
The easiest way to compare solar providers is to create a document that includes details of each company, all on one page. - Evaluate the Pros and Cons of Choosing a Local Installer or a National Company
When comparing your provider options, it’s important to be aware of the differences between a local business and a national company. Typically speaking, larger companies are more established and can offer more comprehensive warranties. They may also offer more payment options and maintenance services, such as panel cleaning. - Check Company Credentials
In most cases, experience is more important than company size. Look through company websites to find out how long each has been in business. See if any advertise how many solar panel systems they’ve installed, and consider the types of roofing each company has worked with successfully in the past. - Read Reviews
All the certifications and experience in the world won’t matter as much if the company doesn’t treat its customers well. Search for customer reviews on websites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. If you don’t find any, or only find a few, contact the company and ask for references. - Review Each Company’s Financing Options
There are a few different ways to finance solar panels, including paying cash, taking out a loan or leasing.You’ll want to find out which options each company on your list offers and make note of it. - Request Multiple Quotes
Based on the information you’ve compiled for each company, narrow down your list to five or so top picks. These will be the companies you call to request a personalized quote. Make sure you are comparing quotes that are for similar sized systems. For example, if you are interested in installing a 5 KW system, you’ll want to make sure that all companies quote you for the same system size.Most companies will schedule an appointment to see your property so they can accurately calculate prices. During this time, ask any questions still left unanswered, including the following.
- Do you handle the permits my city and state require?
- Based on my monthly energy usage, what size system do I need to meet my energy goals?
- Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what’s included?
- What’s the process like if I wanted to take the next steps with your company?
- Compile a List of Available Solar Providers
Net Metering Installation
If you are ready to take the next step, it is important to understand MVEC’s application process as well as our Net Metering policy. We invite you to visit our Learn About Connecting a System page to learn about the next step.
Learn About Connecting a System
How net metering works.
- I’m considering solar, where should I start?
MVEC members should contact MVEC very early in the solar decision-making process. Our representatives will be glad to take time to answer questions and provide both technical and procedural information regarding your potential solar installation. Before any solar panel generation system is installed, members must submit a completed application and signed agreement for review by MVEC. MVEC reserves the right to deny an installation if safety measures are not addressed.
- What is NET Metering and how does it work?
Members that elect to install a solar panel generation system on their home will be put on MVEC’s net metering policy. A net meter allows energy to flow in both directions. If a member overproduces during the day, any excess production that is not consumed will flow through the meter causing the meter to spin backwards. As a member consumes energy off of MVEC’s grid, the meter spins forward. At the end of a member’s billing cycle, MVEC will take the net amount, forward spins minus reverse spins, and bill members based on net consumption. If net consumption is positive, then members will be billed for that energy that was consumed off MVEC’s grid. If net consumption is zero or negative, members will only be billed the monthly customer charge and any applicable fees or taxes. Please note that MVEC does not buy back any excess production nor do we credit forward to the following month.
- Does MVEC buy back any excess energy that I produce?
MVEC does not buy back or credit forward any excess energy produced by a member owned generation system.
- Does MVEC credit for months with overproduction?
MVEC does not credit for months with overproduction. Production is calculated and billed within a billing cycle; any excess production will not be carried over to the next billing cycle.
- Will I be getting a bill from MVEC if I go solar?
Yes. Although connected to a privately owned solar generation system, members will still receive a bill from MVEC. Members can expect to receive a monthly bill that will consist of the customer charge plus any energy that was supplied by MVEC as well as any applicable fees and taxes. Members that produce 100% of their energy needs, will still receive a monthly statement that will include the customer charge and any applicable fees and taxes.
- Is solar energy free?
The short answer is, No. Although your solar company may not require an upfront payment, the reality is that you may be financing your solar generation system for up to 20 years, or more. Monthly finance payment amount will vary based on the amount you finance, interest rate and cost of the solar panel system. When deciding if solar is right for you, please take into consideration the monthly payment you will incur through financing your solar panel system as well as your monthly MVEC energy bill. The reduction in your MVEC energy bill may be less than the monthly solar panel monthly payment.
- What happens with my generation system during a power outage?
All member-owned, grid-connected, generation systems are required to shut down during an outage to prevent any back-feeding of electricity into de-energized power lines. It’s important to have this shut-down feature to prevent injuries—and even death—to those working on restoring power.
Already Have A Solar Generation System?
Your renewable energy system, whether it is solar, wind or another generation source, will enable you to generate some of your own electricity to offset the power that you receive from MVEC.
Every kilowatt hour you generate is a kilowatt hour you do not have to purchase from MVEC. When you generate more than you use, any electricity you don’t consume will be exported to MVEC’s grid, causing your net meter to spin backwards. As you consume energy off the grid, your net meter will spin forwards. MVEC will then bill based on the net reading (forward spins minus reverse spins). Members that produce 100% of their energy needs, will still be required to pay the monthly member charge and any applicable taxes.
- Why can’t I see how much energy I am generating on my MVEC electric bill?
Because solar generation systems are installed behind the meter, MVEC is unable to see how much energy a member generates. MVEC is only able to track any excess energy production that flows through the meter back onto the grid. Members should contact their solar installer to see how much energy their system is producing.
- Why am I receiving an electric bill?
MVEC members who install a solar generation system will continue to receive a monthly statement. Statement will include the monthly customer charge, applicable taxes as well as any energy that was provided by MVEC. If members produce 100% of their energy consumption, they will still receive a statement for the monthly customer charge and any applicable taxes.
- My solar company said I would never get an electric bill again.
MVEC members are encouraged to contact MVEC prior to installing a solar generation system to inquire about MVEC’s net metering policies.
- Who should I contact for questions about my electric account or MVEC’s Net Metering program?
Members that have any question regarding solar generation systems or MVEC’s net metering policy, can contact MVEC at energysolutions@magicvalley.coop
Contractor Resource Center
Are you working with an MVEC member to install a wind or solar system? Learn about our policies and processes to get a system interconnected.
Interconnection Documents & Forms
Interconnection Checklist
Distributed Generation Procedures & Guidelines Manual for Members
Distributed Generation Application Packet (51kW to 700 kW)
Distributed Generation Application Packet (50kW & Under)
Cooperative Agreement for Interconnection & Parallel Operation of Distributed Generation: 50 kW & Under
Application for Operation of Customer-Owned Generation