Wisconsin We Energies And Alliant Solar Net Metering Guide

Key Takeaways

• Net metering allows solar owners to receive credit for excess electricity sent to the grid.
• Specific parallel generation tariff rules, buyback rates, and True-Up processes vary by utility.
• A bidirectional meter is typically required for net metering.
• Specific details for Wisconsin, We Energies, and Alliant Energy are not available in the published sources for this guide.

Understanding Net Metering and Solar Buyback

Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid. When a solar array generates more electricity than the home or business consumes, the excess power is exported to the utility grid. The electricity meter, typically a bidirectional meter, records both the power drawn from the grid and the power sent back to it.

Utilities then credit the solar owner for the exported electricity, often at a rate determined by specific tariff rules or avoided-cost rates. This credit can offset the cost of electricity drawn from the grid at other times, such as at night or on cloudy days. The aim is to provide a financial incentive for installing renewable energy systems by ensuring that self-generated power is valued.

Parallel Generation Tariff Rules

Parallel generation tariff rules are the specific regulations set by utilities that govern how customer-owned generation systems, like solar panels, connect and operate in parallel with the main electricity grid. These rules cover technical requirements for interconnection, safety standards, and the administrative processes for applying and maintaining a grid-tied system.

These rules ensure the stability and safety of the grid by stipulating requirements for inverters, protective relays, and other equipment that prevent issues such as back-feeding the grid during an outage, which could endanger utility workers. They also define the commercial terms under which the utility will purchase or credit excess electricity.

Avoided-Cost Credit Rates and True-Up

Avoided-cost credit rates refer to the price a utility pays for excess electricity generated by customer-owned systems. This rate is often based on the cost the utility "avoids" by not having to generate that electricity itself or purchase it from another source. These rates can be lower than the retail rate customers pay for electricity.

"True-Up" is an annual or periodic reconciliation process conducted by the utility. At the end of a billing cycle or year, the utility compares the total amount of electricity consumed by the customer from the grid against the total amount of electricity exported by their solar system. Any net difference is then settled according to the specific tariff structure. This might involve rolling over credits to the next billing period, paying out any remaining credits, or charging for any net consumption.

What you can check yourself, and what you cannot

As a homeowner, you can monitor your solar system's generation and your household's electricity consumption using your inverter's monitoring app or a dedicated energy monitor. You can also review your utility bills to see your net electricity usage and any credits applied.

However, any modifications to your electrical system, including the installation of a bidirectional meter or changes to grid interconnection equipment, must be performed by certified, licensed personnel. High-voltage DC, AC grid interconnection, and switchgear modifications require professional expertise to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical codes and utility regulations. Attempting these modifications yourself can be dangerous and may void warranties or connection agreements.

What the published sources do not tell you

The provided sources do not contain specific parallel generation tariff rules, excess generation buyback credit rates, or detailed True-Up procedures for We Energies or Alliant Energy (WPL) in Wisconsin. They also lack specific bidirectional meter installation standards for these utilities. Information regarding specific program names, thresholds, or dates related to net metering in Wisconsin is not available in the provided materials.

The available information pertains to general tax credit eligibility criteria, such as:

• "The property must be placed in service during the tax year."
• "Expenditures for clean energy property must meet specific equipment certification standards."
• "The credit amount is determined based on the total qualifying expenditure incurred by the taxpayer."

These statements relate to federal tax incentives and do not provide details on utility-specific net metering policies. For precise and current information on net metering, buyback rates, and interconnection rules, customers should consult the official websites or customer service departments of We Energies and Alliant Energy directly.