Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
PERMITTING & Applications
PERMITTING
NET METERING
NET METERING
From project plans to solar permitting applications, our team will manage all requirements needed to permit your project, including energy storage incentives and net metering applications.
NET METERING
NET METERING
NET METERING
We collaborate with your local power provider to efficiently complete net metering applications and navigate solar permitting, all while helping you take advantage of available energy storage incentives.
INCENTIVES
NET METERING
INCENTIVES
Solar permitting and energy storage incentives provide customers with opportunities to save money on the installation of their systems, including applications for net metering.
Solar Permitting Applications
We are dedicated to making this process as easy as possible for our customers. Once we have validated the site design and scope of work, our team will develop project plans and begin the solar permitting process alongside net metering applications. We work with your local AHJ and HOAs to make sure all projects are permitted and approved before beginning installation.
During this process, we also verify the building's structural integrity to ensure we can safely install the system. In cases where structural engineering is needed, we collaborate with a local licensed engineer to provide the necessary structural calculations and modifications to support the structure. Prior to solar installation, we will complete structural upgrades to ensure the building is ready for a smooth install, while also considering any energy storage incentives that may be available.
NET METERING
WHAT IS NET METERING & HOW DOES IT WORK?
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they contribute to the grid. For homeowners and businesses in Oregon and SW Washington utilizing solar power, net metering applications enable you to offset the cost of energy drawn from the utility. With the addition of energy storage incentives, these benefits are even greater, allowing for efficient use of your generated electricity. When your solar panels produce more electricity than your household or business needs, the excess feeds back into the grid. Through net metering, your utility meter tracks this surplus energy by running backward, providing a credit against the electricity you consume during nighttime or other periods when solar production may not suffice. In essence, you only pay for the net amount of electricity you use from the utility over the billing period, making solar permitting a worthwhile consideration for those looking to invest in renewable energy.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for net metering applications, you must:
1. Have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at your home or business, ideally taking advantage of available energy storage incentives.
2. Be a customer of Portland General Electric (PGE), Pacific Power, Clark Public Utilities, or any other utility company that offers net metering. Most electric utilities in Oregon and Washington are required to provide net metering programs, which complement the solar permitting process.
HOW TO GET STARTED
1. CONSULTATION - Contact Pinnacle Solar NW, and we’ll provide a detailed analysis based on your energy needs to determine the best system size for your property, while considering available energy storage incentives.
2. INSTALLATION - We’ll work with you to equip your home or business with a solar PV system, ensuring all necessary solar permitting is completed.
3. UTILITY AGREEMENT - We’ll arrange for you to sign a net metering agreement, including net metering applications, with PGE, Pacific Power, Clark Public Utilities, or your other utility company. They will perform an inspection before replacing your existing meter with a ‘net’ meter and granting final approval.
4. ENJOY THE BENEFITS - Once approved, your system will be connected to the grid, enabling you to start generating solar energy and receiving credits.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
System Cap: Unless you expect your annual electricity usage to increase, it does not make financial sense to have a system installed that will produce more electricity than you use each year, especially when considering energy storage incentives that enhance the overall efficiency of your solar system.
Rollover Credits: When your PV system generates more electricity than you use in a given billing period, you can carry forward (rollover) those surplus production credits to the following month. However, the credits expire annually. The default 12-month cycle for PGE, Pacific Power, and Clark Public Utilities runs from April 1st through March 31st. If you have any unused surplus solar production credits left over from the previous summer when April 1st comes around, those credits are donated to low-income utility customers, thereby highlighting the importance of net metering applications in optimizing solar energy usage.
Connection Fees and Charges: Pinnacle Solar will cover the cost of interconnection application and net metering fees as part of the solar permitting process. This does not include any fees related to service or transformer upgrades.
INCENTIVES
Incentives are a fantastic way to lower the cost of your solar and energy storage system. Available at both state and federal levels, we handle the applications for energy storage incentives and net metering applications on behalf of our customers to ensure they maximize their benefits. These savings are applied directly to the total system cost, providing our customers with upfront discounts.
For more details on available incentives and additional information on solar permitting and other ways to save on your solar and energy storage installations, please visit our WAYS TO SAVE page.