Thinking of Going Solar?
There are many reasons our members consider installing solar, including reducing your carbon footprint to lowering your energy bills. MPE’s Net Metering Program allows our members to offset their electricity usage while maintaining the benefits of staying connected to our grid.
Did you know that MPE already has renewable energy in our power supply?
We are currently 43% renewable, on track to be 80% renewable by 2030.
FAQs
Generators cannot exceed a nameplate capacity of 25 kW.
Yes, MPE has a voluntary member-funded program, the Clean Power Program, that provides $500 rebates for eligible systems. To learn more and apply: https://mpei.com/cpp
We recommend you check here for current federal tax credits: https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits. The state of Colorado does not offer a tax credit for solar.
PV systems shut down to prevent back-feeding electricity into de-energized power lines that may have fallen or that line crew members may be working on. It’s important to have this shut-down feature to prevent injuries — and even death — to those working on the line. Your PV system will not produce energy during a power outage unless you have a battery installed.
The payback period can range from fewer than 10 years to more than 20 years, depending on the system cost, available rebates and incentives, the amount of electricity produced, and the current rate for electricity. Please note that MPE’s rates will change over time. Potential changes may include not just rate increases, but also structure changes that could potentially impact the economic performance or payback of your solar system.
Most people opt for grid-connected systems for reduced cost, maintenance, and high reliability. With this type of system, your cooperative continues to provide energy to you when you need it 24-7. Your PV system will produce energy, and even excess energy, on sunny days. Your system will not collect sunlight at night and on cloudy or snowy days. That means you will continue to draw electricity from your cooperative during these times.Battery-backed or grid-independent systems use on-site energy storage to store excess energy produced during the day for use at night or when the sun is not producing enough power. Choosing this option will add significant cost and maintenance to your system.
Once the installation is complete, the member or installer will contact MPE to let us know the system is ready for inspection. An MPE inspector will inspect the system within 10 business days of receiving notification that the system is ready. We will inspect for AC disconnect location and operation, verify the system matches the one-lines submitted with the application, that system hardware follows UL 1741 and IEEE 1547, and verify adequate signage. For a full list of interconnection requirements please review our interconnection procedures here. Once the system is approved, the meter will be re-programmed to allow for net metering capabilities.