Your Renewable Energy Center & More
from Green Mountain Power
SolarGMP
Got Panels? Get Credit. With SolarGMP.
With a commitment to make energy from the sun a more
important part of our renewable power mix in Vermont,
Green Mountain Power created SolarGMP, an innovative
program that provides the financial incentive for
Vermonters to install solar panels. Available for both residential
and corporate customers, SolarGMP helps keep fossil
fuels off the grid and adds to Green Mountain Power's
already clean mix of renewable energy!
Customer and Contractor's Checklist
Find out what you need to ask and what you should know before you get started with SolarGMP
SolarGMP sign up and metering reimbursement (metering reimbursement available through 12/31/2010
Electric Service Requirements for Solar Metering
Renewable Energy Vermont
Renewable Energy Vermont (REV)
is working to bring about an intelligent transformation from a foreign
fossil fuel based economy to an economy increasingly based on our own renewable
energy. You can search their member database for renewable energy professionals
in all parts of Vermont as well as a few members that are out of state. www.revermont.org
Solar Rate Q&A
Q: What is SolarGMP?
A: SolarGMP is an offering designed to pay customers with solar installations according to the value of the energy they generate. Currently, a net metered customer offsets his or her consumption from the grid with the solar generation, which gives it a value of around 13 cents per kWh. With SolarGMP, we will pay an additional 6 cents for every kWh generated by the solar array. This is in addition to the 13 cent net metering benefit already received.
Q: Why is Green Mountain Power paying more for solar generation?
A: There are really two reasons: first, it compensates customers appropriately for the economic value of the solar generation onto the grid. Because the bulk of solar generation is during summer high peak periods, it helps “shave” peak demand and it helps reduce the need for us to purchase expensive market power. Secondly, it is our hope that this will encourage additional installations to increase the amount of renewable generation on Vermont’s power grid. In short, the solar rate should accelerate the market for solar energy by offering an attractive rate to customers while being economical for Green Mountain Power and its customers.
Q: Who is eligible to take advantage of SolarGMP?
A: All Green Mountain Power customers with metered service.
Q: I already have solar panels installed, what do I need to do to take advantage of SolarGMP.
A: In order to measure the amount of solar generation, an additional meter needs to be installed, separate from your existing meter. This meter will need to be installed on the outside of your building in addition to the required disconnect switch. Green Mountain Power will reimburse customers up to $300 of their metering expenses (available through 12/31/2010).
Q: What do I need to do to take advantage of SolarGMP if I don’t yet have solar?
A: Once you have decided to install solar generation, you must first apply for a Net Metering Certificate of Public Good. As mentioned above, an additional meter will need to be installed to directly measure the output of the solar generation. See question above regarding meter expenses.
Q: How do I go about finding approved Solar installers and providers? Also, where can I find out if there are any grants or tax credits available?
A: You can find the answers to these questions, and many more, at GMP’s solar website, www.choose2gosolar.com or Renewable Energy Vermont’s website, which is http://www.revermont.org/.
Q: How do I get paid for the solar generation?
A: Each month, you will see a separate line item showing the dollars you earned for the solar generation that month. Your normal usage line will also be reduced by the amount you generated.
Q: Do I need to follow the State of Vermont Net Metering Rules and Laws?
A: Yes, you will still be responsible to receive a Certificate of Public Good for Net Metering from the State of Vermont Public Service Board.
Q: What if I generate more than I use?
A: As the graphic shows above, you will be paid 6 cents for every kWh generated by the solar array. In addition, you will get an additional 13.05 cents per kWh that you pushed back onto the grid.
Q: What exactly does the 6 cents apply to?
A: The 6 cent payment applies to every kWh generated by the solar array.
Q: When will SolarGMP go into effect?
A: The Vermont Public Service Board has approved SolarGMP, effective July 1, 2008. All customers must have the necessary net metering permit, meter installation and inspection before SolarGMP is effective for them.
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