Why Solar is Still Worth it in Utah With Net Metering Policy Changes

Most of Utah has Rocky Mountain Power as their utility. However, there are smaller municipal utilities across Utah.

Some of these utilities have great net metering policies in place. There are, however, some solar policies that don’t make financial sense. If you live in one of these areas and want solar regardless, Go Solar Group can help you out.

Provo Solar  Metering Policy

Provo Power is the municipal utility for Provo, Utah residents. This utility used to have a net metering program that paid generation customers the same rate they were charged. This, however, changed on March 31, 2017.

Current Net Metering Rates in Provo, Utah

All solar generation customers that have installed solar since October 5, 2016, now pay a different rate than they are charged. In 2018 solar customers were charged $0.0797 per kilowatt for the first 500 kilowatt hours (kWh). The rate then increases to $0.1019 for the next 500 kWh.

If you use over 1,000 kWh in a month you are charged $0.1209 per kWh.
If, however, you put solar-generated power onto the grid, you are paid $0.06742 no matter how much you produced. Since most homes use more than 500 kWh of energy in a month it makes solar more expensive for these residents.

Solar Options for Provo Power Customers

Because most people want to save money when they get solar we do not encourage solar to those that live in Provo. However, if you qualify and want solar for environmental reasons Go Solar Group will install a solar array on your Utah home.

Taking a Look at Bountiful City Light & Power Solar Policy

Bountiful City used to have a metering program that paid solar generation at the exact same rate as customer-drawn power. Individuals now considering solar will be given a feed-in-tariff metering program.

Bountiful City Solar Rates in 2018

As of July 1, 2017, Bountiful now has a feed-in-tariff solar policy in place. If you are pulling power off the grid you are charged $0.0925 no matter the time. However, what you are paid changes depending on when it was put on the grid.

The energy put on the grid between 12 am and 12 pm got $0.0400 per kWh. Solar generation between 12 pm and 4 pm received $0.0600 per kWh. And excesses solar generation between 4 pm and 12 am obtained $0.0925 per kWh.

Options for Bountiful City Customers Considering Solar

Solar panels produce energy when the sun is out. Although this does change throughout the year normally panels produce the most between 11 am and 4 pm. The above pay structure is the opposite which makes it not as economical a choice for most.

Solar, however, has more benefits than those of the monetary variety. If you are getting solar so you can have power in an outage or improve air quality it is still a valid option. If you qualify for solar and request a quote Go Solar Group will put together an assessment for your home.

Net Metering for Kaysville Solar

In 2016, Kaysville City started an electric rate study to determine if changing the rate was a good idea. In 2017, it was recommended by the Utah Utilities & Power Board that these rates stay intact until 2033.

Current Metering Rates in Kaysville, Utah

As of 2019, Kaysville’s website shows a two-tier rate structure for energy pulled and a flat solar credit. Those in the first tier have used up to 1,000 kWh and are charged $0.08613 per kWh.  Those that have used over 1,000 kWh in a month are charged $0.09717 per kWh.

Solar customers are then given a credit of $0.06608 per kWh. So, regardless of the time of day you currently get paid the same rate. However, this rate is a bit below what you were charged for power pulled off the grid.

Kaysville Utah Solar Array Cap

The rate difference means you need to produce more energy than you use to cover your utility bill. The problem is that Kaysville residents are limited to 15 kilowatts of direct current.

When direct current is inverted to alternating current the wattage decreases. This means that you are actually allowed a system that produces even less usable energy.

If your inverter is 90 percent efficient this total is decreased to 13.5 kilowatts. If you have an inverter with higher efficiency and use less than 1,125 kWh per month there shouldn’t be an issue.

Options for Kaysville Residents that Want Solar

Again, the financial benefits may not be as tempting for an array in Kaysville. However, if you still would like solar you can get it. If your home qualifies for solar, Go Solar Group can help you.

Metering Policy in Springville

On January 1, 2018, Springville implemented its customer generation program. This program took a step back from the net-metering program that was in place.

Current Solar Metering Policy in Springville

As of 2019, every customer is charged a tiered rate that is determined by the amount of energy you use. However, if you generate any excess power you are paid a flat rate of $0.040 per kWh. The Springville 2018-2019 city budget provides tier rates.

Springville’s utility charges $0.077 per kWh if under 400 Kwh; if you use 401 kilowatts they charged another $1.00. Usage between 402 and 1,000 is $0.094 per kWh; if you use 1,001 kilowatts they charge an extra $3.00. And anything above 1,002 kWh costs $0.116 per kWh.

What This Means for Those Who Want Solar

Because the rate in the first tier is twice as much as the solar generation rate, it makes solar less profitable. Go Solar Group will not suggest solar in Springville for this reason. However, if you still want solar let us know and we will help you design your system.

Why Some Want Solar Regardless of the Lack of Monetary Incentive

There are many people that deeply care about our planet and playing their part in preserving it. Regardless of whether this describes you, it is hard to deny the extreme weather across the globe.

Reducing toxins that have promoted these weather changes is a lifestyle change. It means being a little more conscious of not only where your energy is coming from, but when you are using it. Installing solar panels in Utah is an excellent way to pull your weight in the fight for clean air.

If clean air is important to you, solar is worth the extra cost. People who feel responsible for their planet see solar as a means to an end. If you would like solar despite your Utah city’s municipal’s solar policy, let us know and we will help you.