Net-Metering

0% Solar Loan

SELCO offers 0% loans to residential customers seeking solar panel installation at their homes, in addition to net-metering. Click the link below to learn more.

FAQs

What is Net Metering?

Net metering is an agreement by which a customer with eligible and approved distributed generation (DG) technology is allowed to transfer excess power onto SELCO’s grid, which is accounted for when billing the customer.

How are Net-Metered customers billed?

The customer is billed on Net kWh usage, which is the balance of consumption (the kWhs SELCO delivers) and production (the kWhs the customer sends back to SELCO). A net meter is bidirectional, meaning it registers electricity in both directions: from SELCO to the customer and from the customer to SELCO. During a given billing period, if a net-metered customer has a negative Net reading, meaning they’ve produced more than they’ve consumed, the customer will be credited for the electricity provided to the SELCO system at an amount equal to the designated retail rate (per kWh). These credits for excess generation are based on the customer’s class of service. Please see rate details on our current electric rates page.

What technology is eligible for Net-Metering?

Eligible technology includes solar with or without battery storage, and stand-alone battery storage, which may take the form of bidirectional EV charging where power is drawn from an EV’s battery to supply a customer’s home and send excess power back to SELCO’s grid. Customers with battery storage and bidirectional EV chargers are encouraged to enroll in the Connected Homes program to receive a regular bill credit for helping reduce peak load. Details here: https://nextzero.org/shrewsbury/connected-homes/

What other incentives exist for SELCO Customers?

We encourage all customers to take advantage of any local, state or federal solar tax credits that might be available.

Can SELCO recommend any installers?

No. SELCO does not recommend installers. Be sure whomever you hire is a licensed contractor/electrician and that they pull all required building and electrical permits from the Town of Shrewsbury.

Do I have to own the solar panels?

Yes. Residential SELCO customers wishing to install solar must:

Own the home where the panels will be installed.
Own the panels.
Own all power produced.

You cannot enter into panel leasing arrangements or third-party power purchase agreements within the SELCO service territory. This means that you may not lease solar panels from any company that will retain ownership of the panels or the power generated.

Is there a system size limit?

No, SELCO does not have a stated system capacity limitation, but each application undergoes an engineering review that evaluates proposed size, customer usage and transformer loading.