Is your proposed project 40 kW or larger?
- If yes: Contact MVEC at 952-492-2313 or email to speak with a Team Member about the details of your project.
- If not: Read on for pertinent information to get your project started
We are here to support you with your solar questions, projects, and planning. Our member-focused programs provide options to help you align a solar system with the products and energy goals you want for your home or business.
Please note: MVEC does not sell solar equipment, and no solar vendor is officially affiliated with MVEC. If a vendor claims to represent MVEC, this is false. Before moving forward, make sure to research the economic benefits, legal considerations, zoning rules, maintenance, and operating costs of any solar project. Solar involves more than just installing panels, so always check vendor references and perform due diligence before making a purchase.
The State Board of Electricity requires renewable energy sources to be installed by a qualified licensed electrician, and MVEC requires members to apply to connect to its electric lines. The installation must meet the State of Minnesota Distributed Generation Interconnection Standards through a witness test.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Q: What do I need to do to connect to MVEC’s power grid?
A. Follow the steps through the NOVA Power Portal. If you have any questions after reviewing the attached documentation, please get in touch with us.
Q: What is the NOVA Power Portal?
A. The NOVA Power Portal is a tool that many cooperatives, including MVEC, use to store Documents, Track Application Progress, and communicate with Solar Vendors. MVEC uses the NOVA portal to manage everything from application submission, reviewing of the application, contract signing, and more.
Q: I’m not familiar with some of the language used by the utility or the Solar Agent. Where can I learn more?
A. For a detailed breakdown of several terms used, see the glossary in section 13 of the “Process Overview” document via the NOVA Portal. Looking through this document is an excellent way to gain an understanding of what is involved in installing a new solar system. A glossary of terms is listed at the end of the Process Overview document, in section 13.
Q: Will installing Solar affect my Energy Wise Programs?
A. MVEC allows the installation of Solar combined with the use of our Energy Wise Programs, however if Energy Storage is installed with the system, the member will no longer qualify for Energy Wise Programs offered through MVEC.
Q: If the utility’s power is out, will my power stay on?
A. No, since the system is interconnected to the MVEC grid, it will automatically shut down in the absence of utility power. This can be avoided by using a battery to store power on the system separate from the panels. (NOTE: Use of a battery system will discontinue off-peak programs. The decision of which system to use will ultimately be up to the member.)
Q: Is there a limit to how much solar I can install on my system?
A. 39.9 kW is the limit of production to keep the net meter rate. If you plan to install 40 kW or more, please review the documentation in the Nova Power Portal and Contact MVEC for more information.
Q: What are the current rates for the energy I produce with my solar system?
A. For current rate schedule information, please see the “Cogeneration Rate Schedule” document in the Nova Power Portal.
Q: Why does the average rate change from source to source?
A. The rate that a solar installer gets on their solar is heavily influenced by where the Solar System is installed. For instance, Minnesota will have a lower average rate than a state like California with more plentiful sun and higher electric costs.
Q: Are there any fees that MVEC collects?
A. Yes, there are. MVEC collects an Application Fee as well as Interconnection Fees, both of which can be found in the Nova Power Portal.
- For Application Fees, please review the Process Overview document in the NOVA Portal.
- For Interconnection Fees, please refer to the “Cogeneration Rate Schedule” document in the NOVA Portal.
Q: Is there any other entity I should check with?
A. Yes, you need to make sure your HOA or other neighborhood association allows for solar installations. Your solar installation vendor should receive all required permits before beginning the installation process.
Choosing a Solar Contractor
Before Buying Solar:
Before purchasing solar, there are several questions you’ll want to ask yourself:
- Do you want a system that provides all your power needs or do you want supplemental energy generation to reduce the amount of power you buy from the grid?
- How long do you plan to live in this house? What happens between you and the contractor if you sell your house and you have signed a long-term contract with the solar contractor?
- Decide how much are you willing to spend.
Choosing a Contractor:
Once you’ve decided to move forward with solar, deciding on a contractor is the next step. Solar contractors are keys to the system as they locate, procure, construct, and warranty the system. Below are some things to keep in mind when seeking out the right solar system for you.
- Find out how much each contractor charges, and if any state or federal tax credits will help reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
- Remember that the output of a renewable energy system is highly dependent on the weather and therefore will not generate its full potential all the time.
- How long will the system take to pay for itself and are you comfortable with that time frame?
- Your payback estimates should include local weather data as well as regional electricity prices.
- Ask your contractor about system upkeep and warranty issues.
- Check out the manufacturer and contractor’s references. Ask about and visit other local installations and talk to the owners. See what lessons they learned and what they have to say about system performance.
- Do not sign anything or pay any money until you are completely comfortable with the contract and contractor – just as you would if you were purchasing a home, a car, or hiring for a different home project.
Example Wiring Scenarios
Option One:
Option Two:
Option Three:
