Considering Solar?

Whether you’re just getting started or have thoroughly researched solar energy, give our Energy Specialists a call (704-289-3145) for a free home energy assessment and to review your energy-savings goals before committing to a solar contract.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen instances in our community where members have been misled and misinformed because of inaccurate information. We’re here to be your energy partner throughout the process, helping you to arrive at a decision right for your home and personal goals.

Another thing we always recommend is to improve the energy efficiency of your home. A more efficient home stretches your energy dollar further, and you’ll recover the expense of your solar investment more quickly.

No, we do not sell, install, service, or maintain solar systems.  As a member you have the option to consult with multiple independent solar/renewable energy companies to determine who you prefer to do business with.

1. Read our interconnection documents
   • Interconnection Standard: the technical details which spell out how the renewable generator will be connected to our system.
   • Interconnection Agreement: this document is completed after both parties agree to the terms and conditions spelled out in the Interconnection Standard, the Interconnection Application has been received, and our engineering group has completed any analysis necessary for interconnection.
   • Interconnection Application: similar to an application which indicates interest in connecting a renewable resource; this provides the technical details for our engineering group, and “gets the ball rolling.”
   • Rate Rider SQF: this is the rate that we will pay for energy delivered to our system from a renewable resource.
2. Complete the Interconnection Application and Agreement and send to Union Power.
3. Once an inspection has been completed, Union Power will change out the meter, and you will be ready to connect your renewable generator to UPC’s system.

Maybe. Depending on the nature, size, and configuration of the existing facility and the renewable generator, a second meter may be required. Also, the intended use of the generator by the owner may dictate the metering configuration.

Depending upon the size and efficiency of your system and home, most homeowners see savings on their electric bill. Some solar companies make claims that you’ll never have to pay an electric bill again, and we caution this is simply not true. Your home requires electricity even if the sun is shining, including at night and on cloudy days, which means you will continue to draw electricity from the grid and be billed monthly based on your home energy use and any basic facilities charges.

Union Power Cooperative members with home solar are still connected to the grid. Because we are an at-cost, not-for-profit cooperative energy provider, standard charges that all members pay to ensure the reliability and safety of the electric grid for all will stay on your bill, no matter how much energy your home may produce. Without this structure, grid costs would unintentionally be shifted to members for whom home solar is out of reach for financial, geographic or other reasons.

No. Union Power has always strived to help its member manage their energy consumption. However, providing consulting services such as engineering advice or financial modeling of a renewable resource is not a service that we will provide.

This is a common question and a concept often clouded by misinformation. The best thing you can do is contact us, and one of our Energy Specialists will help you determine if solar is the right fit for meeting your financial goals.

Each of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives is independent and governed locally by an elected board of directors, which is responsible for setting and reviewing policies. This means our policies may differ from our neighboring co-ops because of our local circumstances and needs.

At Union Power, we do not offer net metering.  We compensate our members for their contributions at what is called “avoided cost” – or a price in line with what we pay for wholesale power before infrastructure and operational costs. Compensating our members for excess solar energy at “avoided cost” ensures they earn a fair price for what they produce while also paying for the infrastructure still utilized by the home.

Bottom line – Because policies vary, we encourage you to please contact us to make sure you have all the facts before purchasing solar installation. Solar installation companies may not be familiar with our co-op’s policies, and we don’t want anyone to enter into an agreement with misinformation.

This is governed by our SQF rate schedule. Currently, Union Power pays 4.25¢ per kWh for energy delivered into our system, and we assess a facilities charge of $42.00.

No. Union Power will pay an “avoided cost” rate under rate Rider SQF for kWh delivered into its system.

Costs may vary significantly. All applications will require a minimum $250.00 non‐refundable
application fee. After that, it depends on a number of factors such as location, generator size and
voltage, and existing power line and transformer facilities. The generator owner is responsible for all interconnection costs, including additional metering or system upgrades necessary to accommodate the interconnection.

Yes! The U.S. Department of Energy has a great tool for providing cost estimates on home solar installations. Please keep in mind this is an estimate only; you will have a more accurate financial picture by working with us and a professional solar installation company.

Ground-mounted and rooftop solar are both home solar solutions, and their differences are highlighted below for your consideration.

Yes! We support all energy solutions that are a fit for our members, uphold the safety and reliability of our grid and improve the diversity of our resources while also ensuring that costs are not shifted to members without home solar panels. Our nation’s electric grid is shifting from a model where large, centrally located generating plants produce power and push it to the far corners of the grid to a model that incorporates more distributed energy resources and technologies, like home solar. This is an exciting time in our industry, and we want our members to make a choice that is right for them. If your choice leads you to solar installation, we ask that you please let us know and work with us so you can make informed decisions and incorporate your new installation into our plans for managing electric traffic across our grid.

No. These materials are copyrighted and are available for purchase from the appropriate organization. Please refer to Union Power’s Interconnection Standards.

Yes, there is a federal solar tax credit that allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing solar from your federal taxes. For the exact amount that you may qualify for, please consult with a tax professional or visit energysage.com.

We recommend that those interested in renewable generation visit the following websites:

• NC Green Power: www.ncgreenpower.org
• NC Solar Center: nccleantech.ncsu.edu