The Easy Connection Act passed by the Missouri Legislature in 2007 requires all Missouri utilities to offer true net metering and provide for a simplified interconnection process for consumers wanting to install renewable energy fueled generators with a capacity of 100 kW or less behind their retail meter. Net metering under this Act is applicable only to the retail meter that the renewable generator is located directly behind. One generator cannot offset usage on multiple retail meters, even though these retail meters may be owned by the same consumer or are in the same location.

During any given month, energy from the generator is given full retail credit by SWEC up to the member's monthly usage. If the energy in excess of the member's monthly usage is generated during the month, a credit will be applied to the excess at SWEC's avoided cost (wholesale rate) for the month. All credits expire if not used twelve months after they are received.

Members should consider multiple factors and ask the right questions when completing their research. To help our members make the right decisions, some informational tools are provided below.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy has created the PVWatts® Calculator which estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world. It allows you to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations.

PVWatts® Calculator website.

Can you save money by installing a solar energy system? Maybe. Depending on many factors and how fast you want to see a return on your investment. Our power supplier, Associated Electric Cooperative put together some helpful information including resources from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy produced a very helpful map that shows real solar installations and their estimated payback, click the link below.

Can I save money by installing a solar energy system?