SolarGenerations

2012-2013 Program Handbook

2012-2013 SolarGenerations Program Handbook

Table of Contents
Please ensure you are reading the most recent version of this handbook by visiting the NV Energy website, NVEnergy.com/renewablegenerations What is SolarGenerations ..............................................................................................................................................2 Whats New ...................................................................................................................................................................3 Before You Apply ...........................................................................................................................................................3 Who May Apply .............................................................................................................................................................4 What You Need to Apply ...............................................................................................................................................4 Siting and Equipment Requirements .............................................................................................................................6 Net Metering .................................................................................................................................................................6 How To Apply.................................................................................................................................................................7 The Step Process ............................................................................................................................................................7 How Much is the Incentive ............................................................................................................................................8 Schools Reservations .....................................................................................................................................................9 How Do You Know if You Have a Reservation ...............................................................................................................9 After You Receive a Reservation..................................................................................................................................10 Receiving the Check .....................................................................................................................................................10 Expiration and Cancellation of Reservations ...............................................................................................................11 For More Information ..................................................................................................................................................12 Definitions and Terms..................................................................................................................................................12

What is SolarGenerations

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2012-2013 SolarGenerations Program Handbook

SolarGenerations is a photovoltaic incentive program available to customers of NV Energy. SolarGenerations offers one-time cash incentives for solar photovoltaic systems installed by residential, small business, school, and public building customers. The program was created by the Nevada State Legislature and is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. The program is defined in Nevada Revised Statutes and Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 701B. The program is funded by NV Energy ratepayers and is administered by NV Energy. The program is subject to changes made by the Nevada State Legislature, the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, and NV Energy. Incentive reservations are only made for complete applications. Customers who receive an incentive payment for a system must assign ownership of the portfolio energy credits generated by the system to NV Energy. NV Energy will pay incentives as available per NRS 701B.260.
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Whats New

The terms of expiration and cancellation of reservations have changed. Post inspections will be conducted on all installations to verify information contained in the incentive claim package. Public Displays must be completed prior to submittal of incentive claim package. Solar panels must not face more than 70 degrees from true South. Applicants will be required to provide additional documents if final project details are different from the original application. Contractor Attestation will be required for all customer categories. Residential and Small Business applicants will submit the form at time of application. Public and Schools applicants will submit the form at the 180 day timeline requirement.
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Before You Apply

There are many factors to consider when deciding if solar energy is right for you. Photovoltaic systems are relatively expensive compared to other methods available to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint and it isnt cost effective to install a renewable energy system on a building that isnt energy efficient. Many no-and lowcost measures that can help reduce your energy use have a return on investment of fewer than three to five years. NV Energys website has information on many of these efficiency measures. In addition, you may want to consider an energy audit for a detailed investigation of what you can do to save energy and money in your home. If you have already taken steps to make your home or building more energy efficient and are ready to install solar power, heres are important things to consider for participating in the SolarGenerations program: Visit the Resources and Links section of the NV Energy SolarGenerations website for solar calculators and information on solar energy.

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Sign up on the NV Energy website for MyAccount which will give you access to your billing information and history. The installation must be completed by a Nevada licensed electrical contractor with a C-2 or C-2(g) classification. Call or visit several contractors to talk about your electric needs and what it would take to produce your own energy. The NV Energy SolarGenerations website includes information for the Nevada State Contractors Board and recommendations from the Board for selecting a contractor. The use of a battery backup system on a grid connected system requires advanced review and approval by NV Energy in order to ensure that all energy produced by the system is recorded on the generation meter. An applicant must receive a Reservation Notice before beginning construction of the system. Consult a tax advisor for information on federal tax credits.
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Who May Apply

NV Energy customers may apply in the following categories. The NV Energy Host Customer must qualify for the category. Residential/Small Business School Public and Other Property (Please see Terms and Definitions for Public and Other Property) Applicants may not change categories on an application after submittal. NV Energy may change the category of an application at its discretion. The system owner may be the NV Energy Host Customer or a designated third party. The Host Customer may change the Designated Applicant, System Owner, contractor, or rebate assignee at any time with prior written notice to NV Energy. If the Host Customer is not the System Owner, then the System Owner must be a party to any agreement or contract with NV Energy.
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What You Need to Apply

An applicant may only submit one application per meter per application period. The documents you need to apply depend on the category you are applying for, who will be handling the application for the project, and who will own the system. All forms for the application process are on the NV Energy website. Here is what you will need, organized by customer category: Residential/Small Business 1. One of the following:

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A signed contract to purchase and install a solar energy system with a Nevada licensed C-2 or C-2(g) electrical contractor; or A signed contract to purchase and install a solar energy system with clear indication that a fully licensed C2 or C-2(g) electrical contractor will complete the connection to the service panel.

A contract should include: Signature of the NV Energy Host Customer The physical address of the installation The AC wattage of the system The manufacturer, model, and number of proposed panels The manufacturer, model, and number of proposed inverter(s)

2. Contractor Attestation Form indicating the contractor in the contract attests that the proposed system will meet siting requirements (see Program Rules for siting requirements). 3. Designated Applicant Form if the Host Customer chooses to designate someone to apply on their behalf. 4. Third Party Ownership Form if the System Owner is not the Host Customer. This must be signed by both the Host Customer and the Third Party Owner. 5. Copy of State or Local Business License for Small Business applicants. 6. Copy of recent electric bill. School, Public and Other Property 1. One of the following: A copy of a Request for Proposal (to be released or already released); or Other solicitation* for the installation of the project; or A document showing the project has advanced beyond the solicitation stage. 2. Designated Applicant Form if the Host Customer chooses to designate someone to apply on their behalf. 3. Third Party Ownership Form if the System Owner is not the Host Customer. This must be signed by both the Host Customer and the Third Party Owner. 4. Non Profit Status Evidence of 501 (c)(3) status. Only 501 (c)(3) entities are eligible as a non-profit entity (See Non Profit requirements in Definitions and Terms for Public and Other Property.) 5. Copy of recent electric bill. *Other Solicitation - NV Energy customers who are not required by law to issue an RFP may satisfy the application requirement by submitting a solicitation for the purchase and installation of a solar energy system. The solicitation does not need to be made in conjunction with a specific installer. At a minimum, the solicitation must include:

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Language indicating that the host customer has made a financial decision to begin negotiations for the purchase and installation of solar energy system. For example, language could indicate that a board of directors has allotted funds or committed resources for the purchase of a solar energy system. The signature of a representative of the host customer who is authorized to make, or represent, financial and facility management decisions for the Host Customer. The solicitation must be signed by all parties no more than 90 days prior to submission of the application to the SolarGenerations program.
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Siting and Equipment Requirements

The installation must adhere to the following siting requirements: The solar panels must not face more than 70 degrees from true south. The array may not have more than 25 percent shading.

If during the post inspection, siting requirements cannot be verified, NV Energy may require the customer to provide documentation by a professional engineer attesting to siting requirement compliance. The installation must be on the premises of an NV Energy customer in Nevada. In the case of new construction (for example, building a new home), the customer at that location must become a grid connected customer before receiving an incentive. The solar modules and inverters in the system must be included on the California Energy Commission (CEC) list of eligible photovoltaic equipment. The solar system must have the following warranties: Solar panels 20 years Inverters 7 years Labor (Labor and Workmanship as defined by the Nevada State Contractors Board) 2 years

The proposed system must not have been previously used.

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Net Metering
As a SolarGenerations participant, you will be a net metered customer. Net metering is one of the most important benefits of having a renewable energy system. If your renewable energy system is net metered, the energy the system produces will power your appliances and whatever other electric loads you have tied to your meter. However, when your system isnt producing energy, such as at night, your electricity will come from NV Energy. You may also need electricity from NV Energy when your system is not producing all the energy you need, such as when you have the air conditioning and other appliances running. The NV Energy meter records the difference between what your system produces and the total amount of energy you consume.

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Another benefit occurs if your system produces more than you need. In this case, you will earn credits that are recorded on your bill as kilowatthours, the same measure by which your bill is calculated. You will use these credits whenever your electric needs are more than your system can produce. In Nevada, your credits are good for the life of your account. As long as your bill is active, you may use the credits. The credits are automatically used to offset any electric power you draw from NV Energys system until they are fully consumed. A renewable energy system also generates portfolio energy credits. This is a unit of measure established by Nevadas renewable energy laws and, in some cases, used as a market commodity. The renewable energy systems in NV Energys incentive programs are assigned portfolio energy credits for use in the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard created by the Nevada Legislature. A net metered customer who receives an incentive from the NV Energy is required to assign the portfolio energy credits generated by their system to NV Energy. This is accomplished in the Net Metering Agreement. For program participants, NV Energy is required to install a generation meter in an approved meter socket. A generation meter is required for each renewable energy system (one generation meter for the solar system and another generation meter for a wind turbine if they feed into the same revenue meter). The meter(s) will be furnished and installed by NV Energy after project completion, execution of the Net Metering Agreement, and a satisfactory verification by NV Energy. The customer and/or his contractor is responsible for purchasing and installing a meter socket in compliance with NV Energy standards. All standards are available on the NV energy website.
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How To Apply
Go to NVEnergy.com/renewablegenerations and look for SolarGenerations Electric and How to Apply link. Follow the onscreen instructions for entering the application in the PowerClerk software. An online tutorial for the application process is available on the NV Energy website. When prompted, upload the required documents. Only complete applications with all required documents will be eligible for reservations. Applicants with incomplete applications will have 20 days after being notified of the deficiency to submit any missing information. Applications that are not corrected within 20 days will be cancelled.
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The Step Process

Reservations for incentives are made from Steps created by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. Each Step has a kilowatt capacity and an incentive value. Please visit NV Energys website for information on the latest Step and incentive values.
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2012-2013 SolarGenerations Program Handbook

How Much is the Incentive

A Reservation Notice issued to participants will indicate the maximum capacity available for an incentive and the maximum incentive payment for a project as calculated with the incentive rate of the Step from which the reservation is made and the system information contained in the application. The capacity issued for a reservation will be limited to the lesser of: the category cap the net metering size limitation for the meter to which the system will be connected the AC wattage of the system as applied for in the application When the project is completed, the incentive payment is recalculated based on the project information contained in the incentive claim package. The final incentive payment will be adjusted lower if the project information shows the AC wattage of the system is less than in the original application. The final incentive will not be greater than the amount listed in the original Reservation Notice. The final incentive payment will be limited to the lesser of: the category cap the net metering size limitation for the meter to which the system will be connected the original reservation dollar amount the incentive as calculated by the system installation information in the incentive claim package and the incentive value in effect at the time of submittal of the incentive claim package Customers may install a system larger than the size indicated on the reservation notice, provided that the system complies with state net metering laws. Customers will not receive an incentive payment for any capacity greater than the capacity listed on the reservation notice. Any capacity from a reservation that is not included in the incentive payment is forfeited and returned to the program.

The incentive amount paid for any project will not be greater than the installed cost of the system as verified by itemized invoices for total system costs. Incentive Calculation The incentive payment is calculated with the following formula:
Incentive Payment = incentive rate per watt x AC wattage

The AC wattage of the project is calculated by the following formula:

AC wattage = CEC rating of the panels x the number of panels x CEC efficiency rating of the inverter

Category Caps All participants are limited to the following maximum wattage per meter, per Step. RESIDENTIAL - 10 kW SMALL BUSINESS - 50 kW PUBLIC AND OTHER PROPERTY - 100 kW SCHOOL - 50 kW*

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2012-2013 SolarGenerations Program Handbook

Net Metering Size Limits There is no minimum size of installation. 1,000 kW is the maximum wattage eligible for net metering. Applicants will be limited to reservation capacities in accordance with Nevada net metering rules which state that a net metering system cannot have a generating capacity that exceeds the greater of: the maximum demand of the rate class that the customer is in twelve previous months of the customers electric bills If a customers annual requirements for electricity cannot be fully determined from previous usage, the reservation capacity will be limited to: Sierra Pacific customers 2 watts per square foot of the building Nevada Power customers 2.8 watts per square foot of the building

If a net metered system is larger than 25 kW, NV Energy may require the customer to install at the customers cost any NV Energy system upgrades to make the renewable energy system compatible with the grid and the customer shall be responsible for the incremental costs of the metering equipment that is over and above the costs of a standard meter. Projects that require any upgrades to NV Energys system must be coordinated in accordance with utility procedures and standards.

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Schools Reservations
NV Energy will initially cap all schools reservations at 50 kW. Nevada Revised Statutes allows the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) to make exceptions to the 50 kW school cap if it deems a larger project is more practicable for the school. If a school applicant would like to build more than 50 kW, the applicant must file a petition with the PUCN asking the PUCN to determine if the larger system is more practicable. If the Commission grants the petition, NV Energy will then determine whether the additional capacity is available and whether additional incentive funds are available. If NV Energy determines that the additional capacity and funds are available, it will issue the applicant a revised Reservation Notice for the additional capacity.
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How Do You Know if You Have a Reservation

NV Energy will select participants using a lottery process if a category is oversubscribed. No customer shall be awarded more than one reservation until all other applicants are awarded a reservation. Additional reservations may be awarded to a customer if additional capacity is available. Applicants who submit complete applications and are selected as participants in the program will receive a Reservation Notice by email and a copy by mail. The notice will indicate the incentive amount, the approved kilowatt capacity of the project, and the expiration date of the reservation. Applicants may begin constructing their system after receiving a Reservation Notice.

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2012-2013 SolarGenerations Program Handbook [Return to Table of Contents]

After You Receive a Reservation

Applicants may change the installation address of a reservation to another address with the same Host Customer with prior permission from NV Energy. Additional documentation may be necessary. Residential/Small Business Residential and Small Business Applicants have no further requirements until the project is completed. School, Public and other Property Within 90 days of the date of the notice of reservation, a School, Public and Other Property applicant must submit a 90 Day Proof of Progress Checklist Form, similar to a Progress Report, with a project work schedule. Within 180 days of the date of the Reservation Notice, the applicant must submit a copy of the executed agreement to purchase and install the solar energy system. If the system owner is not the Host Customer, a copy of the executed agreement between the Host Customer and system owner must be submitted. NV Energy will send a confirmation of the original Reservation Notice once the applicant has submitted a copy of the executed agreement. Applicants who do not comply with the 90 or 180 day submission requirements will forfeit their reservations. If the utility notifies an applicant that the submitted data for the application still is not complete at 180 days, applicants will be given 20 days to submit any missing information. If the applicant corrects the errors within 20 days of their receipt of notification, they will be sent a notice of confirmation of the original Reservation Notice. Applications will be cancelled if their errors are not fixed within 20 days. Applicants with cancelled applications may submit a new application that will be reviewed as a new application at the time of submittal. Public Display All School and Public and Other Property participants are required by law to provide a public display of their project that includes a hands-on experience. The public display must be completed before submitting the incentive claim package.
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Receiving the Check

Upon completion of installation and before the expiration date on the Reservation Notice, the applicant must submit a complete incentive claim package through the PowerClerk application software to receive an incentive payment. Submitting the incentive claim package is similar to submitting the original application. Sign in to PowerClerk and follow the instructions for completing each section. When prompted, upload the required documents. The incentive claim package must include the following documents: Incentive Claim Form

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A copy of itemized final invoices for materials, equipment, and labor. Invoices must show the number of panels and inverters and the sum costs associated with these items. A copy of the final invoice from the C2 or C-2g electrical contractor. All submitted invoices should correspond to the total system cost as indicated on the Incentive Claim Form. A copy of a satisfied building permit from a local jurisdiction showing permission to build a system and clearly indicating successful final inspection or a verification by a Nevada registered engineer noting compliance with all applicable state, county, and federal codes and ordinances. A Voltage Verification Form filled out and signed by a C-2 or C-2g electrical contractor. A Public Display Form (Required for School and Public and Other Property applicants).

If any part of an incentive claim package is incomplete or not acceptable, NV Energy will request the necessary corrections. The applicant must submit this information within 20 days after receipt of the request to remain qualified for the incentive. Post Inspections Upon receipt of a complete incentive claim package, NV Energy will conduct a post inspection to verify the information contained in the incentive claim package and compliance with net metering standards. The post inspection will include verification of: Installation location Verification of main system equipment Satisfaction of net metering standards Public display (public and schools projects only) If a post inspection is successful, NV Energy will send the Host Customer a Net Metering Agreement to sign and return. If the system does not pass a post inspection, NV Energy will contact the Host Customer and installer to resolve the issue. A re-inspection will be necessary after the correction is made. When NV Energy receives the signed net metering agreement, the meter set will be scheduled. Once the meter work is complete, NV Energy will issue the incentive check within 30 days. Systems may not be energized until the system passes final verification by NV Energy. The customer will not receive kWh credit for energy put back into the grid until the NV Energy revenue meter is set. Applicants may check their status of their claim anytime in PowerClerk. To ensure public safety and the distribution systems reliability, NV Energy may have to disconnect the customerowned generation from the distribution system in order to work on NV Energy-owned equipment at any time and without notice. Therefore, as a matter of public safety, NV Energy will require unimpeded and unescorted 24 hour access to the AC disconnect switch.
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Expiration and Cancellation of Reservations

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2012-2013 SolarGenerations Program Handbook

An applicant may withdraw from the program for any reason by submitting a Project Intent form available on the NV Energy website, NVEnergy.com/renewablegenerations. The applicant may reactivate the application within 30 days of NV Energys receipt of the withdrawal. In order to be eligible for your original incentive level, you must complete your project and submit a complete incentive claim package by the expiration date listed on your reservation notice. If you have not finished your project by the expiration date, your reservation will be eligible for payment for an additional six months after the expiration date listed on your reservation notice. During those six months, your incentive level will be the lesser of 75% of the original incentive level on your reservation notice or the incentive level in effect when you submit your incentive claim package. After the six months, your reservation will be forfeited and no longer eligible for payment.

For More Information

Toll Free: 866-786-3823
NVEnergy.com/renewablegenerations renewablegenerations@nvenergy.com The NV Energy website contains all forms needed to complete the application and incentive claim process. You will also find useful links for solar energy, finance planning, and more. Please call or email us with any questions.
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Definitions and Terms

Alternating Current (AC): The form in which electricity is delivered to residences and businesses. This is the type of electricity produced by the inverter and delivered to the home and the utility grid through the service panel. Applicant: Either the NV Energy Host Customer or the individual designated by the Host Customer. Confirmation Notice: The notice sent by NV Energy to School and Public and Other Property applicants confirming the original Reservation Notice if the applicant meets the 90 and 180 timeline requirements. Host Customer: The name of the customer on the NV Energy electric bill. Designated Applicant: An individual or entity who is designated by the NV Energy Host Customer to apply to the SolarGenerations incentive program on the Host Customers behalf. Direct Current (DC): The electrical current produced by the generating system. Similar to the energy from a battery, this type of energy is not typically used in the home but must be converted to AC electricity by the inverter before being used in the home or returned to the grid. Disconnects (AC or DC): A breaker in a distribution panel or a fusible switch. Both may be required. NV Energy personnel must have access to the disconnect. Generation Meter: A meter that measures the solar energy systems production of kWh over time. This meter is provided by NV Energy. Grid: the distribution network of NV Energy.

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2012-2013 SolarGenerations Program Handbook Host Customer: The NV Energy customer of record at the location where the solar energy system will be located, or the person who has been designated by the customer of record in a letter that explains the relationship between that person and the customer of record. Incentive: Money paid for completing a qualifying renewable energy system in the SolarGenerations program. Incentive Claim Package: The collection of final documents submitted by an applicant in order to claim an incentive. Inverter: A device that converts DC current from a generating system into AC current for use at the property where the system is located. Only grid-interactive inverters are eligible for participation in the SolarGenerations program. This type of inverter operates in parallel with the grid only when the NV Energy grid is available. In event of a power outage, the system is designed to disconnect from the grid until NV Energy has restored power. This function is to provide protection for field personnel. Meter Set: The placement of a meter in the meter socket. This takes place after satisfactory post inspection. Net Metering: The difference between the electricity produced by a generating system and the electricity purchased from NV Energy. The meter measures this difference for the electric bill. Non-Profit Entity: See Public and Other Property. Owned, leased or occupied: Any real property, building or facilities which are owned, leased or occupied under a deed, lease, contract, license, permit, grant, patent or any other type of legal authorization. Participant: A person who has been selected to participate in the SolarGenerations program. Portfolio Energy Credit (PEC): A measured unit that represents one kilowatt hour (kWh) of renewable energy. Program year: July 1 to June 30. Public and Other Property: Any real property, building or facilities which are owned, leased or occupied by: a. A public entity; b. A nonprofit organization that is recognized as exempt from taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), as amended; or c. A corporation for public benefit as defined in NRS 82.021. The term includes, without limitation, any real property, building or facilities which are owned, leased or occupied by: a. A church; or b. A benevolent, fraternal or charitable lodge, society or association. The term does not include school property. Public Entity: A department, agency or instrumentality of the State or any of its political subdivisions. Public Property: Any real property, building or facilities owned, leased or occupied by: 1. A department, agency or instrumentality of the State or any of its political subdivisions which is used for the transaction of public or quasi-public business; or 2. A nonprofit organization that is recognized as exempt from taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3), as amended, or a corporation for public benefit as defined in NRS 82.021. Request for Proposal (RFP): A formal written statement which sets forth the requirements and specifications of a contract to be awarded by competitive selection Reservation Notice: The notice sent to applicants for whom NV Energy has made an incentive reservation. Revenue Meter: The meter installed by NV Energy that measures the electricity used by the customer from the grid and the amount of electricity that the customers renewable energy system sends back to the grid. School Property: Any real property, building or facilities owned, leased or occupied by: 1. A public school as defined in NRS 385.007; Revised 9-17-2012

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2. 3.

A private school as defined in NRS 394.103; or An institution of higher education.

Small Business: A business conducted for profit which employs 500 or fewer full-time or part-time employees. Step: The capacity and incentive value corresponding to a program year. System Owner: The owner of the generating system at the time the incentive is paid. Third Party System Owner: An owner of a generating system who is not the NV Energy Host Customer. Utility: NV Energy Utility Interconnection: The physical connection between the NV Energy grid and the customer generation. An Interconnection Agreement (or a Net Metering Agreement) is needed for a customer to have on-site electric generation connected to the NV Energy grid. Watt: The basic unit of measure of electric power. One-thousand Watts is equal to one kilowatt (kW). One million Watts is equal to one megawatt (MW). A kilowatt hour (kWh) is the unit by which residential and most business customers are billed for monthly electric usage. One kWh represents the use of one kilowatt of electricity for one hour. [Return to Table of Contents]

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