Page 9 - OffGrid East Coast Special Edition 2016

Because of the net metering arrangement, any surpluses from summer can be used to ofset shorfalls that may happen in winter. This makes net metering an efecive way to average out the variaions in sunshine that we get through the seasons in the Mariimes.
Signing up for net metering is a bit of a process. In Nova Scoia it involves what’s called an “Interconnecion Agreement” with Nova Scoia Power, or with the
smaller municipal electric uiliies if you live in one of their areas. Basically, this is
an applicaion form that has to be sent in and approved. It requires the services of
a qualiied electrician to obtain the electrical permit, produce the necessary line diagram, and arrange for inspecion. Most solar installaion companies can take care of all that.
Start interconnecion agreement applicaion early
One thing to be aware of is that the interconnecion agreement can take some ime. It’s a good idea to start the interconnecion applicaion early, and expect it to take a couple of months. Someimes a project is ready to be switched on, but has to wait for the interconnecion agreement to be inalized. This can be frustraing, but well worth the wait once the solar power starts lowing.
Roger and Joan found that their interconnecion and installaion went fairly smoothly. A local electrician hired by the solar installer did the electrical work, and they were pleased with the results. There were a few hiccups in the irst few months, but the installer ixed those issues and now it’s performing splendidly. They are proud to look at their solar panels and know that whenever the sun is shining, they are making clean, green power.
Arrangements available throughout Mariimes
Net metering arrangements in a variety of forms are available in all the Mariime Provinces – Nova Scoia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. The details and the rules vary slightly from province to province. Ask a solar installer in your province for more informaion, or search online for net metering in your province.
If you are considering installing a net metered solar PV array at your home, a good resource for inding installers is the solar directory published by Solar Nova Scoia: Link: htp://solarns.ca/Atlanic-Canada-Solar-Directory
May the sun shine on your home.
Specs:
About the Author
Wayne Groszko, Ph.D.
Wayne teaches Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology (ESET) at the Nova Scoia Community College, volunteers with the Ecology Acion Centre, and also does renewable energy consuling, research, educaion, and speaking with the Community Energy Cooperaive of
New Brunswick.
Array capacity
5 kilowatts (kW)
Number of panels
13
Type of inverter
Enphase micro-inverters
Output in 12-months of operating
5,100 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
Cost
$20,000
Expected operating life
25 years or more
Installer
Fundy Solar
9 off the grid