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Requirements for Connecting Your Solar System

◄ Going Solar Solar & My Bill Hiring A Contractor

Renewable Energy & Battery Storage Agreement

Through an interconnection agreement, United Power members can connect their independently owned renewable energy generating or battery storage systems directly to the utility distribution system. At this time, United Power does not offer a rebate for new system installations.

To interconnect to the distribution system a member must complete the corresponding application and follow all requirements associated with that system. In addition, members will be required to sign the United Power Interconnection Terms and Conditions.

Introduction to Net Metering

Net Metering Interconnection

Net-metering allows a member to offset their electric usage through on-site generation of electricity through solar, wind, biomass, etc. In essence, net-metering allows a meter to spin forward when the member is a net user of energy or backwards when the member is a net generator of electricity. At the end of the month, a net-zero home would have spun the meter backwards as much as it was spun forward, essentially metering zero energy usage.

Net Metering Policy Summary

  • System generation can not exceed 120% of the annual usage at that location.
  • On a monthly basis, excess kwh’s will be rolled over to the next month for future use at the member’s applicable rate. A member’s minimum bill will be the associated fixed service & facility charge for that member’s rate.
  • On an annual basis (expressed in an Apr – Mar period), a member that continues to have excess generation will be cashed out at the wholesale energy rate.

Important: Any projected value of the electricity produced by these systems is not guaranteed by the utility. Changes in rates, rate structures or net-metering policy could affect this value and existing practices will not be grandfathered

Estimating Your System Capacity

State law allows you to generate up to 120% of your annual home usage with solar. You can use the resources available below to estimate the amount of solar you can install.

Power Portal

The Power Portal gives members the power to view in-depth energy use data to analyze consumption patterns, mark changes in behavior to monitor effectiveness and export usage data for further analysis. 

Learn More Power Portal Login

NREL's PVWatts calculator

The PVWatts calculator may be used to estimate the energy production and cost of energy for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems. It allows homeowners, small building owners, installers and manufacturers to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations. This calculator can be used to identify how many kilowatt hours your solar installation will generate during the year.

Calculator

Installation Criteria

The following criteria are required for the installation of solar on the United Power grid:

  • A one-line engineering drawing, typically provided by your solar installer, is required with each solar application. 
  • The contractor installing your solar panels will be required to place a disconnect switch and production meter housing on the side of your home. These are required for safety and billing purposes.
  • Your solar contractor will also need to arrange for an inspection with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure the solar installation meets local building codes.
  • United Power engineers will review solar installations connecting to the grid to ensure the grid can accommodate them.
Interconnection Agreement and Terms & Conditions

Here are some final steps you need to complete before connecting your system:

Please review United Power's Solar Interconnection Terms & Conditions before signing a contract with a solar installer. 

Terms & Conditions

If you are ready to install, review and submit our online application with your solar contractor. 

Interconnection Application

Are You A DIY Power Generator?

Systems connected without proper notification to United Power will be immediately disabled, and can result in service being terminated to the member until all requirements are met. Read more about the importance of meeting safety requirements for interconnected systems here:

DIY Power Generator

Battery Storage

Although batteries are used for back-up, they can run parallel to the grid and United Power must be aware of the equipment. There are many battery products and services available for you to discuss with your solar installer. These are handled in similar fashion to a new solar installation by reviewing our interconnection Terms & Conditions and submitting an online application.

Terms & Conditions Application

As a best practice, we recommend reviewing the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 855 for stationary energy storage with your installation contractor.

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United Power
500 Cooperative Way
Brighton, CO 80603

Member Services: 303-637-1300
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Report an Outage: 303-637-1350

©2023 United Power. Your Local Electric Cooperative.

  • My Cooperative
    • Your Cooperative
      • About Your Cooperative
      • Innovating Energy
      • Board Of Directors
      • Cooperative Leadership
      • From Your President & CEO
      • Our Cooperative Roadmap
      • Bylaws, Rates & Tariffs
    • Member Benefits
      • Annual Meeting & Director Election
      • Capital Credits
      • Member Discount Program
      • Member Choice Grants
  • My Account
    • Payments & Billing
      • Online Account Login
      • Payment & Billing Options
      • Update Your Account
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Understanding Demand
      • Power Portal
      • Billing Assistance
    • Start, Stop or Transfer
      • Start or Transfer Service
      • Deposits & Fees
      • Member Handbook
      • Stop Service
  • New Construction
    • Construction Projects
    • New Construction Application
    • Contact A Project Coordinator
  • Outage & Safety
    • Outages
      • Outage Center
      • Report An Outage
      • Outage Map
      • Report Streetlight Problem
    • Safety
      • Public Safety Demonstrations
      • Fire Mitigation
      • Vegetation Management
      • Dig Safe, Plant Safe
      • Portable Generators
      • Safety Tips & Resources
  • Energy Programs
    • Programs
      • Managing My Energy
      • Rebates & Programs
      • Power Portal
      • Commercial Programs & Services
    • Energy Options
      • Residential Rates
      • Going Solar
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Smart Rewards
      • Green Power Partners
  • News & Community
    • Co-op News
      • Recent News
      • United Newsline
      • United Power Pride
      • Reader Rewards
      • Annual Reports
      • Media Contacts
    • My Community
      • Get Involved
      • Scholarships
      • Youth Trips
      • Operation Round Up
      • Member Choice Grants
      • Sponsorships