Renewable Energy and Net Metering

I’m thinking about installing solar, wind, biomass, biogas, or hydro energy sources, where do I start?

The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection has prepared a guide on How to Prevent Solar Scams and has asked that we distribute it to any of our members who may be considering purchasing a solar power system.

We have developed Solar 101: What You Need to Know to provide information on several important points to consider. We encourage all members considering installing renewable energy systems to contact us first. Our representatives will be happy to guide you through the process of interconnection and answer any questions you may have. If you are installing a renewable energy system, be sure to read the Contractor/Member Requirements for more information on the important steps and requirements of the installation process.

1. It is important that you get in contact Nolin before you install your system, as this will allow Nolin to ensure that you are properly connected to the grid and get credit for any excess electricity you produce.
2. Read the Net Metering Tariff for more information on interconnecting your renewable energy source. This tariff agreement must be completed and approved prior to beginning installation.
   • Net Metering installations are limited to a rated capacity of 45 kW (kilowatts). Installations larger than this limit become Cogeneration installations and a three party contract with Nolin RECC and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) is required. More information and the application for Cogeneration installations can be found here.
3. Prior to installing a renewable energy system, members are responsible for obtaining any necessary permits from Planning & Zoning.

ENVIROWATTS: For those interested in renewables like solar, biomass, wind and hydro that do not want the expense of their own installation, a good option might be envirowatts. Find out more about envirowatts HERE.

I’m thinking about installing solar panels, what energy production should I expect?

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory with the U.S. Dept of Energy has created a calculator to estimate both the energy production and the cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems.

I have already installed my renewable energy system, how does “net” metering work?

Net Metering is capable of measuring the flow of electricity in two directions. Nolin’s Net Metering Tariff provides billing details specific to net metering applications.

Click HERE for a guide to calculating the usage of electricity in your home with a net-metered system.