solar panels

Solar

Is Solar Right For You?

Renewable energy, or green energy, is a hot topic in today’s environment, and an increasing number of homeowners are inquiring about installing a solar panel system on their roof. As a result, the number of companies selling and installing systems is also increasing. There are plenty of advantages as well as disadvantages to installing solar panels on your roof, and every household has different goals and needs. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly consider the many aspects of installing a system before purchasing one.

The Energy Education Council has an informative Renewables Checklist that can be a valuable resource for homeowners as you research renewable systems like solar. It includes questions to research and answer about finances and incentives, energy use, site assessments, hiring contractors, permits and more.

As a public power utility, Lowell Light & Power exists to serve the best interests of our customers. We will work with you throughout the process of installing solar if you find it is a great fit for your home. However, LL&P does not make recommendations on particular systems or companies. Each homeowner is responsible for doing their due diligence to make an informed decision.

Key Questions About Solar Installations

Guide to Solar Installation

Roadmap to Solar Installation
  1. CONTACT THE LL&P OFFICE
    Contact the LL&P office to express your interest in installing solar and be assigned a Project Manager.
    Call 616-897-8402 or email [email protected]
  2. DO YOUR RESEARCH
    Review the information available at LL&P’s website and research potential installers.
  3. SELECT AN INSTALLER
    Give the installer your LL&P Project Manager’s contact information and let LL&P know what company you will be working with.
  4. REVIEW THE CHECKLIST
    Review the Customer Checklist for Utility Interconnection available under Important Documents.
  5. SUBMIT THE LL&P AGREEMENT WITH APPLICATION FEE
    Complete and submit the Interconnection Agreement with application fee to LL&P.
  6. SOLAR IS INSTALLED
    Have your solar panels installed!
  7. STATE INSPECTION
    Have a state inspection of the system and submit it to Lowell Light & Power.
  8. LL&P REVIEW
    LL&P will review the system and authorize you to start generating power.

Important Documents

Interconnection Policy and Agreement

The Interconnection Policy explains the rules and steps for connecting small generation projects (20 kW or less) to the Lowell Light & Power electrical system. It aims to protect LL&P’s equipment, employees, customers, and the public. The technical requirements depend on the type of generator, its location, and how it operates. The goal is to ensure a quick, safe, and reliable connection to LL&P’s electric system.

The Interconnection Agreement explains the rules and steps for connecting small generation projects (20 kW or less) to the Lowell Light & Power electrical system. It aims to protect LL&P’s equipment, employees, customers, and the public. The technical requirements depend on the type of generator, its location, and how it operates. The goal is to ensure a quick, safe, and reliable connection to LL&P’s electric system.

If you have questions about the Interconnection Policy or Agreement, please contact us. Our staff is available to guide you through the process.

Customer Checklist

The Customer Checklist for Utility Interconnection is included in the Interconnection Policy. However, we have it separated as well, for easy reference as part of step 4.

Net Billing Rate

When you are working with an installer, they will likely ask about the net billing rate. The Solar/Net Billing Rate can be found under our Rate Schedules Policy 4-15.