Solar, Wind & Batteries

Net metering describes how energy produced at a member’s location is measured against the energy consumed. While on a net metered rate, the member is billed for the “net” difference between consumption and production during the monthly billing period. Here's how it works:

This is an opinion and varies from person to person. Some people are interested in supporting the green energy aspect and think solar is a great fit for this, while others feel the cost outweighs the benefits.

No. KEC does not sell or install generation systems or equipment. However, KEC does have a community solar project for members who want renewable energy without the upfront investment. Visit our Clean Energy web page for more information.

KEC cannot recommend an installer. We encourage our members to do their research on installers before selecting one specifically. Some options for research can include online reviews and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured in the state?
• How many systems have you installed? How many locally?
• How do you calculate the anticipated solar production of a system?
• How much electricity will my proposed system generate?
• Can you provide me with references?
• Do you use a licensed electrician to interconnect my generation?
• Will you take care of all the paperwork that my utility requires to sign up for net metering, as well as coordinate the job with them?
• Is my roof in good enough shape to last for the life of the solar PV system (20 years+)?
• Are your components UL listed? (Required for electrical inspection and utility interconnection).
• Will you also take care of any city, county, or state permits that are necessary?
• Do you finance solar projects? If not, what are my upfront costs?
• What are additional expenses over the life of the system? Will I need to replace any components? Do you cover that?
• If there is a problem with the system, who do I contact?

KEC does not give advice on tax incentives or rebates available for solar or other generation systems. We recommend you check with your accountant or the state of Idaho/Washington for tax incentives.

There is a $250 application fee. If we do not have to replace existing infrastructure to accommodate the proposed system size and configuration, then there is no additional cost to interconnect with the power grid. If we do have to upgrade our infrastructure to accommodate the proposed system, then the cost will vary depending on the scope of work. The applicant would be notified of that cost.

Once a completed net meter application packet is submitted to KEC, our staff will review the design specs of the proposed system and the capacity of our transformer to confirm it is sufficiently sized to accommodate this request. When our review is complete the member is notified they can proceed with installation. However, the system cannot be turned on or interconnected to our grid until we perform a final inspection. This is necessary to confirm the system is safely interconnected to our electric grid. Following a passed final inspection, members can begin generating power. KEC will also update the billing rate for the service address to provide credit for excess generation.

KEC staff will review the system’s technical details and drawings to ensure it meets the current National Electrical Code (NEC), the applicable standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), KEC’s Electric Service Handbook, KEC’s Policy 3-20, and KEC’s Net Metering Interconnection Standards. They will also ensure an approved AC disconnect and inverter will be installed.

An electrical permit and proof of a passed electrical inspection from the Idaho Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing will be required.

On occasion, KEC will need to swap out the meter to a newer style of meter however, we do not install a separate production meter. It is the member’s responsibility to install a separate meter if they would like to measure the production of their system.