PERMITTING & Applications
PERMITTING
NET METERING
NET METERING
From project plans to permitting applications, our team will handle all requirements needed to permit your project.
NET METERING
NET METERING
NET METERING
We work with your local power provider to complete net metering applications.
INCENTIVES
NET METERING
INCENTIVES
Solar and energy storage incentives are a way for customers to save money on your system installation.
Project Plans & Permitting
We are dedicated to making this process as easy as possible for our customer. Once we have validated the site deign and scope of work our team will develop project plans and begin the permit application process. We work with your local AHJ & HOAs to make sure all projects are permitted and approved before beginning installation.
During this process we also verify the building's structure integrity to ensure we can safely install the system. In cases where structural engineering is needed, we work with a local licensed engineer to provide structural calculations and modifications needed to support the structure. Prior to solar installation we will complete structural upgrades to ensure the structure is ready for a smooth install.
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 add to the grid. For homeowners and businesses in Oregon and SW Washington who generate their own electricity using solar power, net metering allows you to offset the cost of power drawn from the utility.
When your solar panels produce more electricity than you need, the excess goes back to the grid. With net metering, your utility meter tracks this excess power by running backward, providing a credit against what electricity you consume at night or other periods when your system isn't producing enough to meet your needs. Essentially, you only pay for the net amount of electricity you use from the utility over the billing period.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for net metering, you must:
1. Have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at your home or business.
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.
HOW TO GET STARTED
1. CONSULTATION - Contact Pinnacle Solar NW and we’ll provide a detailed analysis based on your energy needs and determine the best system size for your property.
2. INSTALLATION - We’ll work with you to equip your home or business with a solar PV system.
3.UTILITY AGREEMENT - We’ll arrange for you to sign a net metering agreement with PGE, Pacific Power, Clark Public Utilities, or your other utility company. They will perform an inspection before swapping your existing meter for a ‘net’ meter and giving final approval.
4. ENJOY THE BENEFITS - Once approved, your system is connected to the grid, and you can 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.
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.
Connection Fees and Charges: Pinnacle Solar will cover the cost of interconnection application and net metering fees. This does not include any fees related to service or transformer upgrades.
INCENTIVES
Incentives are a great way to reduce the price of your solar and energy storage system. Available at the state and federal levels, we submit applications on our customer's behalf to ensure they receive maximum incentive benefits. These savings are taken directly off the total system cost to make sure our customers receive an upfront discounts.
Please see our WAYS TO SAVE page to learn more about available incentives and additional information on other ways to save on your solar and energy storage installations.