Solar Power FAQ

Customer-owned renewable generation is a program that allows customers to interconnect approved Renewable Generation Systems (RGS) to the electric grid and provide electricity to their residence or facility, thus avoiding purchasing that energy from their electric utility company. Members who have an interconnection agreement with PRECO will continue to pay the cooperative for any energy delivered instantaneously to them. PRECO will pay the member for any excess energy we receive instantaneously according to the applicable rate schedule.

The answer depends on the size of the system. For systems up to 10 kW, PRECO recommends that members maintain a sufficient level of Liability Insurance. Systems that exceed 10 kW are required to maintain a high level of such insurance. Please refer to the Interconnection Agreement form for more information.

Once your system is approved and installed, a PRECO representative will perform a visual inspection at your location and install a specialized meter in place of our existing utility meter. This will help us track the production of your system as it relates to our grid and credit you effectively for how much excess energy your system produces at any instant on the PRECO distribution system every month. Your current meter may not have this capability and could result in higher monthly bills.

Interconnection with PRECO’s electric distribution grid is a simple 1-2-3 process:

1. Complete the forms found on our Getting Started webpage
2. Submit all required documents along with any applicable fees
3. Upon approval of your application and installation of your system, PRECO will go to your location to perform an onsite inspection and install your new specialized meter

Occasionally, PRECO may be required to perform routine inspections or audits to ensure your system is performing as recorded and inspect for any additions or changes that may have been made.

For Tier 1 systems (less than 10kW), there may be minimal or no additional upfront costs for the interconnect. For Tier 2 or Tier 3 systems (10kw or more), application and other interconnection fees may apply. Please refer to the Interconnection Agreement form or contact our Energy Services department for more information.

The received energy credit does not reduce the budget amount. We will remove your account from Budget Billing in order for the credit to reduce your monthly electric bill.

Yes, currently there are incentives for those systems that apply at both the federal and state levels. For more information, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency run by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.

Visit our Solar Forms and Application web page to get started.