Distributed generation is a form of renewable energy that allows you to produce some or all of the electricity that you need. You can start producing your own energy by installing solar panels, utilizing wind, biomass energy, and more.

• Identify and implement energy efficiency efforts in your home
• Contact Barron Electric Cooperative for information on requirements and program details
• Research solar and solar contractors thoroughly before investing in a system
  • Most contractors provide free estimates
  • Obtain more than one estimate and references before selecting a contractor
• Submit application, agreement, checklist and other necessary documents to Barron Electric for approval prior to starting your project
• Once project is completed, contact Barron Electric for scheduling of inspection, safety island test, and meter exchange

There are many vendors out there, research vendors that are NABCEP Certified, licensed, insured, have experience and references.

Energy generated will either be consumed by your home or put back on the distribution system (grid).

At the end of each billing cycle, there will be a bill statement generated. The net meter will record how much electricity you use and how much you are putting on the grid. Anything you use in your home is offset at the retail rate. If you use more than you produce, you will be billed for your usage. If you produce more than you use, you will be credited for any excess generation at avoided cost on a monthly basis.

The incremental cost of alternative electric energy is commonly referred to as the avoided cost and is generally defined as the “cost to an electric utility of electric energy or capacity or both which, but for the purchase from a qualifying renewable facility, such utility would generate itself or purchase from another non-renewable source.”