Question 1

What is Co-Gen/Interconnection?

Accepted Answer

Co-Gen Interconnection is the the installation of a generating facility (solar, wind, or other) after Inland Power’s meter with the intention of offsetting some of the member’s reliance on grid-power.

Question 2

What should my first steps be?

Accepted Answer

Before starting the process of powering your home with solar energy, homeowners should investigate their energy use and consider potential efficiency upgrades. Homeowners should be aware of their total electricity usage and consider low-cost and easy-to-implement efficiency measures before choosing solar. Explore the following resources to reduce your electricity consumption:
 
• Home energy audits: A home energy audit can help you understand where your home is losing energy and what steps to take to improve the efficiency of your home.
 
• Appliances and electronics: Use your appliances and electronics more efficiently or consider investing in highly efficient products.
 
• Lighting: Switch to energy efficient lighting, such as LED light bulbs.
 
• Heating and cooling: If you use electricity to heat and cool your home, your heating and cooling needs will significantly affect the amount of solar energy you need. Weatherizing your home and heating and cooling efficiently will reduce the amount of electricity you need to produce with solar.

Question 3

Will solar provide during a power outage?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is NO. Inland Power’s linemen must have access to an AC disconnect switch to disconnect your solar PV system during an outage. This prevents the system from back-feeding, or sending energy onto the grid, which would endanger the Inland Power crews working to restore power. Additionally, Inland Power requires inverters to have an automatic voltage-sensing disconnect switch built into them to prevent back-feeding. This redundancy is for the safety of Inland Power’s linemen and other personnel. If you’d like a backup power source during outages, an efficient generator will likely serve you better than a battery bank. Most of our power outages occur during winter storms when days are short and solar PV systems are producing little power to recharge a battery bank. Battery power is short lived and extremely limited. Please see Inland Power’s web page on Generator Safety for more information.

Question 4

Once I make the decision to install my own generation, what are my next steps?"

Accepted Answer

Complete Inland’s Residential Application and submit to Inland Power along with $250 fee and a one-line diagram detailing your potential system’s design.

Question 5

What happens after I submit my application, $250 and the one-line diagram?"

Accepted Answer

Inland’s Engineering department reviews your application and will contact you with any questions or issues. If all looks good, we will notify you to proceed with your installation.

Question 6

What happens after my co-gen / interconnection system is installed?

Accepted Answer

Once your co-gen / interconnection system has been installed and passed the State L&I inspection please contact Inland Power. Once you notify Inland, we will schedule to have a new net meter and production meter installed within two weeks.

Question 7

Are there any other fees from Inland associated with my co-gen / interconnection account?

Accepted Answer

Once your system has been installed, we will bill you for the cost of the site visit and installation of your new net and production meters. This charge typically runs $350 and is added to your next electric bill. Additionally, should it be required to have Inland Power revisit the site for additional inspection, a $300 revisit fee will be required before work can be completed.

Question 8

What rate is my excess generation credited at?

Accepted Answer

Most co-gen systems are designed to provide energy first to your home. If at any point your home does not demand the amount of energy being produced by your system, then the energy is feed back onto the grid.

Question 9

What if I produce more than I use?

Accepted Answer

Over production is credited to your energy bank and carried forward to next month’s billing. The energy bank is reset to -0- March 31st of each year – according to the state RCW 80.90

Question 10

Will my bill ever be zero?

Accepted Answer

No, your kWh generation will only be credited against kWh usage. You will continue to be required, at minimum, to pay the monthly service availability charge associated with your bill.

Question 11

Should I invest in battery backup/storage for my solar photo-voltaic (PV) system?

Accepted Answer

Adding a battery backup/storage option to your solar PV system will greatly increase the cost and return on investment. You’ll need to consider the initial cost of the batteries and the maximum projected life (measured in “cycles” – charge and discharge). The high cost and short life of the batteries, when compared to your solar PV system may affect your decision. If you’d like a backup power source during outages, an efficient generator will likely serve you better than a battery bank. Most of our power outages occur during winter storms when days are short and solar PV systems are producing little power to recharge a battery bank. Battery power is short lived and extremely limited. Please see Inland Power’s web page on Generator Safety for more information.

Question 12

Do solar PV systems need maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Since a solar PV system is made up of panels that have a sturdy tempered glass surface (naturally sheds water and dust) mounted 4” -8” above the roof to prevent debris from building up underneath, they’re generally maintenance free. However, for maximum efficiency, it is recommended to wash the face of the PV panels at least once a year. A solar PV system that tilts the panels to track the sun in order to optimize energy has motors that will require regular maintenance.

Question 13

Where can I learn about Solar Power from a National Source?

Accepted Answer

Check out Let’s Go Solar. Their page on Solar Power in Washington State is interesting as well.

Question 14

Does Inland Power sell and install solar generation systems?

Accepted Answer

No. Inland Power does not sell or install solar generation systems or equipment.

Question 15

What permits are required?

Accepted Answer

Electrical and building permits. Check with your local building authority for assistance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS