Solar

Photovoltaics systems (PVs) are solar panels you might see on rooftops, backyards, or in fields. As the sun’s irradiance shines onto a solar panel, photons from the sunlight are absorbed by the cells in the panel, which creates an electric field across the layers and causes electricity to flow. An inverter then converts the energy generated by the solar panels, direct current, into alternating current or utility power which can power your lights and appliances.

Solar panels typically perform best on south-facing roofs and ground-mounted systems with little or no tree cover.

The age and condition of your roof is another consideration. Solar panels can last for 25 years or longer. So, while your roof doesn't need to be brand new, it should be in good shape before installing panels on top of it. The cost for repairs and re-roofing will be substantially greater once solar panels are installed.

Solar panels can also be rack-mounted and installed in your yard. Shade and soiling on even small portions of a solar panel can dramatically reduce its output. Make sure there isn't too much shade on your roof or yard from buildings or trees.

Be sure to consider the overall condition of your home. Overlooking areas like weatherization, (insulation, crawlspace, HVAC systems, and windows) and basic energy efficiency factors will add to the solar array size, costing you more money.

Solar panels can only produce energy with natural sun irradiance. They do not produce energy at night and will be limited to production on cloudy days and when snow is covering panels. Solar systems do not have capability of storing energy without the use of batteries, which come at a high cost to add to your installation.

While installing solar panels may lower your power bill, there are other factors you need to consider. Renewable energy generation systems are large investments, and it may take years to see a return on that investment. Solar panels may not produce enough energy to operate your service, especially on cloudy days and at night, when the sun is not shining.

Unless you install a system enabling you to completely disconnect from the utility grid, you will always receive an electric bill from SEC, as long as you have an active meter and are a member-owner.

You will be billed on a netted value (net metering). This is the difference between energy delivered from your utility and energy produced from your array.

No, not entirely. Without a battery system and a “smart inverter,” most residential systems do not provide power during outages. Battery backup can also provide stored energy at night or even during rainy and cloudy days.

Net metering is one way to measure and value the output of member-owned generation. At SEC, net metering is an arrangement between the Cooperative and a member. Net metering allows members to install renewable fuel generation on the member’s premises and interconnect it with the Cooperative’s distribution system. This arrangement is intended to enable the member to meet all, or part, of their electricity requirements by using renewable fuel generation on their premises. The meter logs kilowatt-hours whenever the member uses more electricity than the renewable fuel generation equipment generates. Conversely, the meter credits kilowatt hours on the same meter when the meter generates electricity. The result is a month-ending meter reading that represents net use.

When considering installing a Net Metering system, members should carefully review and understand the Net Metering Virginia Code.

1. Complete the interconnection form (PDF) and submit it to SEC for approval.
2. Once approval is received the contractor can start the installation process. *Local building permits apply.
3. Once installation is complete, your local county building inspector will need to inspect the system and approve the system. That county will submit the approval documents needed to SEC.
4. A representative of SEC will then reach out to schedule an appointment for a site inspection and signing of the purchase and sale agreement (PDF).
5. SEC will then provide your installer with permission to access and operate your system via email or letter.