Thinking of going solar?

Does having solar on my roof mean I am "off the grid" and not connected to electricity from SMUD? 

No. Having solar on your roof does not mean you are "off the grid". While it is possible to design a system to produce all your power and enable your home to be "off the grid," we do not recommend that you install a system that large. 

What happens at night when the sun is down? Do I still get electricity?

At night, or on very stormy days, a conventional solar electric system goes dormant. During these dormant times, you will get power from the electricity grid. When the sun comes back out, the system resumes producing energy. If you don't use all the electricity that you are producing at that moment, you can sell the excess electricity generated back to SMUD. 

What happens at the end of my contract if I'm in a lease or PPA?

Contact your solar provider to discuss the terms and conditions of your lease or PPA.

How do I dispose of my old solar panels?

Contact your installer to check if they have a recycling program. You can also search the Department of Toxic Substances Control's List of Universal Waste Handlers that Accept PV Modules (Solar Panels) to find a universal waste recycling facility near you.

How can I tell if my house will be a good fit for solar?
The typical home will need to have a southern-facing roof with little or no shade. East and west facing roofs also are viable, but their output is decreased by 12%-15% or more over the course of a year. A perfect slope for your roof would be 25% to 30%. While a solar electric system will produce power at a wide variety of slopes and orientations, it is important to try to maximize your output in relation to the size of the system. The best orientation is usually south, then west, then east. Of course, shading can impact all of those decisions.

How can I calculate the size of the solar electricity system I would need?
The size of your system should be based upon your electricity usage patterns, not the size of your roof. There are many variables that determine your system’s production, for example slope, orientation and shading. SMUD will allow your system to be sized up to 110% of the last 12-month kWh consumption or up to 120% for customers on the Solar and Storage Rate (SSR) if battery storage is added at the premises. For more information, contact the solar interconnection team. Visit battery storage for homeowners to see if battery storage is right for you.

Can I increase the size of my solar electricity system?

For customers on the Solar and Storage Rate (SSR), SMUD will allow your system to be sized up to 110% of the last 12-month kWh consumption or up to 120% if battery storage is added on the premises. For existing NEM1 legacy customers, if the system size is increased by more than 10% of generating capacity originally approved, or 1 kW, whichever is greater, or exceeds 110% of generating capacity originally approved, you must move to the SSR rate schedule and submit a new Interconnection application.

Does SMUD require a building permit if I install my own system?
Yes. SMUD requires a building permit for all installations, whether installed by a homeowner or contractor.

Does SMUD offer Net Energy Metering Aggregation?
No. Net Energy Metering Aggregation was a pilot rate that closed to all new applications on December 31, 2016.

Is there a cost to connect to SMUD? 
Yes, there is a one-time fee to connect new solar systems to SMUD’s grid to recover the cost of providing interconnection service. The interconnection fee will be applied to all new systems starting March 1, 2022. The interconnection fee applies when adding a new solar system, a solar system with battery storage or a battery storage system only.

Do I get credit if I make more electricity than I use?
Effective March 1, 2022, excess electricity generated on the Solar and Storage Rate for power you don’t use or store in your battery can be sold back to SMUD at a rate of 7.4¢/kWh, no matter the time of day or season. 

Are there any tax credits available?
Tax incentives may vary over time. Consult with your tax consultant before making a purchase decision or check here. They'll let you know the latest federal tax incentives and their possible benefit to you. 

Does SMUD sell solar electric systems?
No. SMUD does not sell solar electric systems. SMUD offers clean energy programs for your home. 

Does SMUD offer solar or battery storage incentives or rebates?
SMUD does not offer rebates for solar installations but battery storage incentives are available. 

How do I apply?
If you are buying a system from a contractor, the contractor will take care of the paperwork. If you are installing the system yourself, you can submit the application here for through SMUD’s PowerClerk online portal.

How do I find a contractor?
Use web resources like Angie’s List and the BBB to find and talk to as many contractors as possible. The contractor you select will place an interconnection application with SMUD through the PowerClerk portal. This will start the SMUD interconnection procedure. 

Do contractors need to be certified or licensed to install solar?
A contractor should have a C-10 electrician's license or a C-46 solar installer license. We also recommend you use a NABCEP certified installer.

What if I need to replace my contractor or if my contractor goes out of business in the middle of a project?

If you need to find a new contractor, you can reach out to the SMUD Interconnection team to assist with transferring your application. Once the application is transferred, we can give directions on next steps. For assistance, email Solar.PV@smud.org or call 916-732-6420.

Additional resources include:

• California Solar Consumer Protection Guide
  
• Getting Started with Solar - Contractor Tips
  
• Contractors State License Board to confirm contractor's license

When can I use SMUD’s online interconnection application system?

SMUD’s online interconnection application system can be used for any on-site generating facility (renewable or non-renewable) operated by or for a customer and/or facility owner to supplement or serve the customer's electric service requirements that would otherwise be served by SMUD. The application may not be used for interconnection to SMUD’s Transmission System.

What are the steps in the interconnection process?

1. Visit SMUD's online interconnection application system to apply. Submit system details including single line diagram, site plans, diagrams or layout drawings and copy of your SMUD Bill. An interconnection fee is collected at the time of application.
2. SMUD conducts initial review of the application and contacts applicant if needed.
3. SMUD approves application and applicant receives email notification. Email includes SMUD prescribed inverter settings (if applicable) and any Designer or Engineer comments.
4. System is installed. Installer obtains local agency permits and inspections and configures Advanced Inverter Functions (AIF) settings if applicable.
5. If applicable, proof of AIF settings are required to be submitted
6. Meter install is scheduled and performed; PTO (permission to operate) issued. 
   Important meter installation video: 3 common mistakes that solar installers make.
7. Billing is set up and project completed.

Why do I have charges each month on my SMUD bill when I produce more electricity than I use?
Those charges are SMUD service charges which include the System Infrastructure Fixed charge, any fees for programs you might be enrolled in, surcharges and taxes, all of which must be paid monthly.

Why do I receive a monthly bill from SMUD when I have solar?
At night, or on very stormy days, a conventional solar electric system goes dormant.  During those dormant times, you will get power from the electricity grid.

What happens if I produce more electricity than I use?
Effective March 1, 2022, excess electricity generated on the Solar and Storage Rate for power you don’t use or store in your battery can be sold back to SMUD at a rate of 7.4¢/kWh, no matter the time of day or season.

I am enrolled in Budget Billing. Can I remain on this program as a solar customer?
Yes, as a Solar and Storage Rate customer, you can remain on SMUD’s Budget Billing program.