Do you have questions about the interconnection process? How does net metering work and what are renewable energy credits? How will having solar impact my bill? Search our FAQs to get answers to common questions about going solar and more.
What is an “Interconnection?”
Do I need to submit an interconnection application in order to connect my solar (and/or wind turbine, co-generators, batteries, etc.) to the grid?
Yes, an Interconnection Application is required for all private generation systems that can send energy to the smart grid. An Interconnection Application is needed to determine if:
If my energy is not supplied by BGE, do I still need to submit an Interconnection Application to BGE?
Yes. If BGE is not your energy supplier, BGE will still connect you to the smart grid and deliver energy to you when your private generation system does not produce all the energy you need. You will still need to submit an Interconnection Application to BGE.
How do I start the Interconnection Application process?
Visit My Green Power Connection on BGE.com to access information about the Interconnection Application process and get help choosing the right application.
Is there an application fee and how is it determined?
Application fees are required for all Level 2 - 4 Interconnection Applications. For more information, please visit BGE’s Applying for Interconnection page.
Can application fees be mailed to BGE?
Yes. Please send payment via check or money order payable to "BGE" to the following address (do not send cash):
BGEGPC Team1068 N Front St3rd FloorBaltimore, MD 21202
Why could my Interconnection Application be delayed or denied?
An Interconnection Application could be delayed or denied if required information is incomplete or missing, documents are unsigned, or any required payments are not included.
Can I operate my generation system prior to receiving the final written Permission to Operate?
No. As a final step, BGE will send you a Certificate of Completion. It contains information about the interconnection equipment to be used, its installation, and should include proof, such as a copy of a certificate of inspection, that the installation has been inspected and approved by the local inspection authority. You must complete and return the certificate to BGE after the installation is completed and final electrical inspector approval has been obtained.
Does my private generation system need to be inspected by my municipality?
Yes. BGE requires proof of passed inspection by your municipality.
What is "net metering?"
When you participate in net metering, you can lower your energy bill by producing some of the energy you use with an eligible solar energy system installed at your home or business. Your energy bills will reflect the net amount of energy you use (i.e., the amount of energy delivered to you minus the excess energy sent to the smart grid). Net metering allows you to receive kilowatt hour credits on your energy bill when you generate more electricity than you use in a month.
What are net metering credits?
If your electric rates qualify, you may receive net metering credits. These credits that appear on your energy bill will reflect the value of the excess energy (in kilowatt hours) produced by your solar energy system and sent to the smart grid.
ALL BGE rates are eligible for net metering with the exception of 48RD, 49EV, and unmetered Private Area Lighting accounts. 49EV is a rate for customers with an electric vehicle. Unmetered Private Area lighting accounts are billed a fixed dollar amount and do not have a meter.
How do I qualify to participate in net metering?
What type of meter is required for net metering?
To participate in net metering, the BGE meter at your location must be capable of measuring the amount of energy we deliver to you and the excess amount you sent to the smart grid. BGE will verify the type of meter currently installed at your location. If you have a smart meter, you will receive a Smart Net Meter. If you do not have a smart meter, you will receive an ERT (non-smart) Net Meter.
Are there any charges for the meter needed to participate in net metering?
No. There are no current charges for net metering.
Where do I obtain BGE's net metering application?
Visit: http://bge.com/MyGPC
What rate does BGE pay for customer-generated electricity?
BGE pays customer-generators at the Standard-Offer-of Service (SOS) rate. The dollar value of net excess generation shall be equal to the generation or commodity portion of the rate that the eligible customer-generator would have been charged by BGE averaged over the number of months the account was been net negative. For customers served by an electric supplier, the dollar value of the net excess generation shall be, if available, equal to the average generation or the commodity rate the customer would have been charged by the electric supplier of record. BGE will contact the electric supplier and they will provide the rate.
Can I participate in net metering if I change electric suppliers?
Yes. You are eligible for net metering if you change electric suppliers.
How will I be compensated for my energy production?
If you produce more energy than you use each month, this excess will be carried forward to a future month and will be used to help net down a future month's bill.
At the end of the net metering year (April 1), you will receive a credit for any existing kilowatt-hours produced in excess of the kilowatt-hours received from BGE.
Is there a limit to how much excess generation BGE will purchase?
An eligible customer-generator’s proposed electric generating system may not exceed 200 percent of the eligible customer-generator’s baseline annual usage. BGE will purchase up to 200 percent of excess generation.
What if I move into a property that has an existing private generation system installed?
If you move into a home or business with a private generation system already installed, you can participate in Net Metering by submitting an Interconnection Change Notice. You do not need to submit a new Interconnection Application.
What is a Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC)?
A solar renewable energy credit (SREC) represents the environmental benefits of producing 1,000 kWh of energy by a solar energy system. The value of SRECs is measured in $/MWh (1 MWh = 1,000 kWh).
Will BGE purchase my SRECs or offer solar rebates?
No.
Will I still get a bill if I generate more power than I use?
Yes. You will still receive a bill for the BGE monthly customer charge and any minimum distribution charges applicable to your rate schedule.
Will my generation system produce energy during a power outage?
For safety reasons, a private generating system's inverter that is connected to the smart grid is designed to shut down automatically when a power outage occurs.
Can BGE recommend a reputable solar contractor?
BGE cannot recommend a contractor for your solar project. However, information on how to find the best solar contractor for your project can be found here.
Why should I login to My Account to use the Solar Calculator?
By logging in, you’ll receive a more personalized evaluation. The system will automatically pull in your address and previous 12 months of usage information.
If I don’t have a My Account can I still use the solar calculator?
Yes. You can still use the calculator by answering a series of questions and providing estimated billing information, but you won't receive specific account usage calculations.
Is the Solar Calculator accessible via mobile device?
Yes.
What if the Solar Calculator outlines a roof that is not mine?
Click the "No, select a nearby roof" button and the tool will outline available nearby houses in orange for you to select.
How does the Solar Calculator assess my solar potential?
The Solar Calculate uses Mapdwell - Solar System, a rooftop-solar remote assessment platform that allows any community on earth to discover their underlying solar resources.
They map real-time solar opportunities – energy, daylight and shading – to bring efficiency to cities, buildings and homes and to optimize patterns of transportation.
How is the tool different for Residential vs Commercial?
How do I know when the picture of my roof was taken?
The tool provides a date and time stamp, located underneath the address above the map.
How does the calculator know that my roof may be a good candidate for rooftop solar panel installation?
We estimate the solar production potential of your rooftop and determine that your roof has enough area with adequate sunlight to be considered a good candidate for solar deployment.
How does the calculator estimate upfront installation cost?
We provide a range associated with this installation cost, and in the remainder of the solar calculator report, use the mid-point of that range in calculating other costs and benefits. We calculate your installation cost by multiplying your system size by the cost per kilowatt (this is the midpoint). Installation Cost = 10.6kW x $2850/kW.
How did the calculator estimate payback period?
The payback period is the number of years until your cumulative financial benefits exceed your cost of installation (the midpoint of the cost range we provided). We calculate the solar benefits as the sum of incentives, rebates, and avoided electricity costs each year.
What do I do if I only have a set amount of money to spend on solar panels but want to use the calculator to see my results?
On the Solar Report page, in the System Size and Cost section, you can move the sliding bar over to your solar budget and it will adjust the report output.
What do I do if I am not a good candidate for solar?
Please visit BGE’s Ways to Save page to explore other energy management tools.
BGE will accept CSEGS Pilot Program applications from Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved Subscriber Organizations for Community Solar Energy Generating Systems (“CSEGS”).
When will BGE accept applications?
BGE will begin accepting applications at 12 p.m. EDT, on June 28th, 2017.
Applications can be submitted through the BGE Community Solar Web Portal.
Any PSC Approved Subscriber Organization can access the portal after first registering. The web portal registration sign in will be an email address with a user specified password.
Signing on on at www.bge.com with the registered ID and password will take the user to the Community Solar Pilot Program dashboard. From the dashboard, the user will be able to perform the following functions:
What information is necessary when applying?
Please submit the following supporting documents along with application.