Solar energy is a clean, inexpensive, renewable power source gaining popularity as more and more people look for alternative energy. Northeastern REMC can help you connect your solar power equipment with NREMC's electric distribution system. Our staff is available to work with you to ensure equipment is installed in a proper and safe manner and in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, regulations and laws.
There are lots of questions in this stage of considering solar, and it pays to do your research before contacting a contractor. For some very helpful materials to help in the information gathering stage like research, maps and more, check out the National Renewable Energy Laboratory or U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
After you do some research, make sure you understand our solar rates and residential limitations for solar installations by referencing our solar rates page. Your installer will want to know this information to help you build a quote for a solar system.
If you want to know how much you could potentially produce with solar panels installed on your home check out the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator. or click the link below.
Solar FAQs
We currently have two options, member-owned and community solar.
Member-owned solar panels are the property of the member and the panels reside on the member's property and/or home.
Community Solar is a program available to NREMC members who support renewable energy but don’t have a suitable site for solar panels or don’t have the money to invest in a system of their own.
A few years ago, Northeastern REMC installed a large solar array right on the property of our headquarters in Columbia City. We offer our members the ability to purchase the solar energy output from our large solar structure. This helps members avoid the cost of installation and maintenance or any of the other obstacles in a construction project. For full details, click here.
Residential solar installations are limited to 15kW DC.
No, we do not install any member-owned generation facilities including solar panels.
We do not have a preferred company or a list of solar panel installation companies. Similar to choosing any type of contracted work for your home, we advise our members to research companies thoroughly to make the right decision for home and budget.
Northeastern REMC does not require a contracted vendor to install solar panels. We accept all interconnection applications as long as the criteria listed are met. All distributed generation installations will also be subject to an inspection from the county and NREMC along with a signed interconnection agreement before connection to the power grid is approved. However, with any type of electrical work, we recommend using a professional to ensure the safety of our members.
Yes, the distributed generation rate is our net metering rate. You can view the different rate options available here.