Net metering
Crews installing solar panels on a rooftop

If the photovoltaic system is installed on your side of EWEB's electric meter, the electricity will be used in your home or business first.

If your electric usage is greater than the PV system can produce, the rest is supplied by EWEB.

When your usage is less than your PV system generates, the excess electricity flows through your electric meter into the EWEB electrical grid. EWEB will credit your account for any generation in excess of what you use. You retain the renewable energy credits.

Incentives

Effective January 2012, the incentive rates for the PV net metered program are:

  • Residential systems: $1.70 per AC output watt up to $6,000
  • Commercial systems: $1.00 per AC output watt up to $20,000

All terms are subject to annual review. Incentives are based on the electrical output of the system after equipment and site losses are calculated. Incentive payments for net-metered systems will be made after the system has received final approval from EWEB.

Program requirements

The most important requirement is to contact EWEB early in the process before starting construction of your system. Additional steps before installation include:

  • Review the new application process instructions below.
  • Obtain a building permit for the system, which must be installed within EWEB's service territory.
  • Submit the appropriate program application and receive approval.
  • Complete an EWEB Interconnection Agreement and Program Agreement.

Upon completion of the project, all systems must be inspected first by City or County building officials and then by EWEB.

NEW application process

A new application process was introduced in 2012 that includes a reservation system for net metered incentives. The table below provides a summary of the reservation periods. Please carefully read the bulleted notes about the process to help facilitate a successful application:

UPDATE (Feb. 6): The first reservation period for EWEB's net metered program is now fully subscribed. We will accept applications for the next reservation period beginning April 16, 2012. Please do not apply early, as EWEB cannot hold applications. Read more about the new reservation process, which started in 2012. Any changes to the process will be posted on this page.

Reservation period Project completion deadline Funding limit for incentives
1: Jan. 9 - April 15 May 15 $65,000 (Fully subscribed as of Feb. 6, 2012 - Not accepting applications until Period 2)
2: April 16 - Aug. 15 Sept. 15 $70,000
3: Aug. 16 - Dec. 1 Dec. 15 $70,000

  • Applications will only be accepted through an official mail delivery system such as the U.S. Postal Service, Fed Ex, UPS or similar service (hand delivery or email will not be accepted).
  • Mail applications and supplemental information to:
    EWEB Energy Management Services
    ATTN: Solar Electric Program
    PO Box 10148
    Eugene, OR 97440-2148
  • Reservations are made in the order that applications are postmarked. Priority will not be given to any customer or contractor.
  • Applications must be postmarked on or after the first day of each reservation period.
  • Incomplete applications will be returned to the customer unprocessed.
  • Monies not allocated within a funding period will carry over to the next period.
  • Applications will not be processed if we have reached the funding limit for that reservation period. If this occurs, the applications will be returned to the applicant for future submission.
  • Customers that do not meet the 85% total solar resource fraction are still eligible for net metering and interconnection, but are not be eligible for the incentive funds. These customers may apply at any time, and are not subject to the reservation process.

Check back for updates about available funds.

Questions?

Call (541) 685-7000 to speak with someone in EWEB's Solar Electric Net Metered Program.

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