Changing NEM Rates Across the US

Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies are shifting rapidly across the United States, impacting solar savings for homeowners and businesses.

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West Coast Changes (CA, NV, AZ)

The West Coast's solar landscape is changing fast. Let's dive into the big shifts happening in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

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California's NEM 3.0: Shaking Things Up

On April 15, 2023, California rolled out NEM 3.0. These changes are forcing everyone to rethink solar.

Cory O'Brien from a solar company puts it this way:

"NEM 3.0 aims for an approximate payback period of nine years with or without a battery."

This sums up the new reality in California and shows why energy storage is becoming a big deal.

The West Coast's solar policy changes are like a crystal ball for the rest of the U.S. As other states try to balance grid needs, utility concerns, and clean energy goals, both homeowners and solar companies will need to adapt to this new solar era.

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Northeast Updates

The Northeast is shaking things up with its Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies. Let's dive into what's happening in key states.

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New York: Keeping Net Metering... For Now

New York's still playing nice with solar owners. In NYC, Con Edison values solar at the same rate as grid electricity. But heads up - changes might be coming:

Philip DeCicco from National Grid New York says:

"Prioritizing the energy needs of our customers is vital, and nothing is more important than the safe operation of our networks as we look for new ways of delivering energy for all our customers."

These changes don't directly hit net metering rates, but they show the energy landscape is shifting. Some solar fans worry New York might follow California's lead with less solar-friendly policies down the road.

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Massachusetts: Opening the Net Metering Gates

Massachusetts is taking a different path. They're making net metering more accessible:

Michael Judge, Massachusetts Undersecretary of Energy, is pumped:

"We are very optimistic for the impact on behind-the-meter generation in Massachusetts."

These changes could save ratepayers $10 million and get more people on board with solar.

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Connecticut: Solar Incentives Still Going Strong

Connecticut's not slacking on solar incentives:

For net metering, you've got two choices:

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New Hampshire: NEM 2.0 and What's Next

New Hampshire's running NEM 2.0:

They're reviewing NEM 2.0 now, which will shape NEM 3.0. If you're thinking about solar in New Hampshire, you might want to get moving before things change.

The Northeast's solar scene is always changing. Whether you're a homeowner or in the solar biz, keep your eyes peeled for these policy shifts to make the most of your clean energy investment.

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South Region Status

The South is shaking up its Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies. States are trying to balance utility concerns with solar growth, leading to some interesting changes.

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Florida: Solar's Wild Ride

Florida's solar scene is getting a makeover. In 2023, the Sunshine State flipped the script on net metering, giving utilities the upper hand.

Here's the deal:

An industry insider warns:

"The fight is not over. The utilities will try to build on their success this year."

The takeaway? If you're thinking about solar in Florida, don't wait. Install before 2024 to lock in better rates.

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Texas: Choose Your Own Solar Adventure

Texas does things differently. Instead of a statewide net metering rule, they've got a mix of solar buyback programs through different providers.

Check out these examples:

Mary Pressler, an industry analyst, explains:

"Texas does not mandate net metering by law, but many Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) and municipal power companies offer the benefit."

In Texas, it pays to shop around for the best solar deal.

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South Carolina: Keeping the Solar Dream Alive

South Carolina's taking a different route. They're sticking with net metering but moving to time-of-use rates. This came after Dominion Energy tried to push for a fixed monthly rate that solar fans weren't happy about.

Tyson Grinstead from Sunrun is pumped about the decision:

"This unanimous decision will accomplish what the Energy Freedom Act set out to do: support the growth and economic viability of rooftop solar."

The new plan? Solar customers will pay a minimum monthly bill of about $13.50. That's way less than the $50 Dominion wanted.

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The Rest of the South: It's Complicated

The South's solar scene is changing fast. If you're thinking about going solar, don't wait too long. The trend seems to be moving towards less solar-friendly policies.

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Midwest Changes

The Midwest is shaking up its Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies, with Illinois taking the lead. These changes are turning the solar world upside down for homeowners and businesses.

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Illinois: Solar's New Playbook

Come January 1, 2025, Illinois is flipping the switch on its NEM policy. Here's the scoop:

It's like California's NEM 3.0 all over again. Let's break it down: ComEd's rate was about $0.143/kWh. Under the new rules? Your credits might only be worth $0.068/kWh. Ouch.

Andrew Blok, a writer and editor, puts it simply:

"The way solar panels earn you credits on your electricity bill is changing."

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Smart Solar Billing: The New Kid on the Block

Illinois is rolling out Smart Solar Billing to replace old-school net metering. It's supposed to better reflect what rooftop solar and battery storage bring to the table. Here's what you get:

These perks aim to soften the blow of lower NEM benefits and get more people on board with battery storage.

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Time's Ticking

If you're in Illinois and thinking about solar, don't drag your feet. Get your system installed and approved by December 31, 2024, and you'll lock in the current 1:1 Net Metering deal for 30 years from your Permission to Operate (PTO) date.

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What's Cooking in the Rest of the Midwest?

Illinois isn't the only state stirring the pot:

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What This Means for You

1. Move It or Lose It: In Illinois? Installing solar before 2025 could save you big bucks in the long run.

2. Battery Power: With the new incentives, adding a battery to your solar setup might be a smart move.

3. Keep Your Ears Open: Stay on top of policy changes in your state. The trend of shrinking NEM benefits is spreading like wildfire across the Midwest.

The Midwest's solar scene is changing fast. It's not all smooth sailing, but there are still opportunities to come out on top if you play your cards right.

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How Currents Helps

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Currents isn't your average solar monitoring app. It's a game-changer for homeowners with solar panels, especially given the shifting Net Energy Metering (NEM) rates across the US.

Here's how Currents is shaking things up:

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Real-Time Optimization

Currents shows you exactly how your solar system is performing, right now. It looks at when your panels are pumping out the most power and when your local NEM rates are at their best. Then, it tells you when to run your energy-hungry appliances. This is huge for places like California, where NEM 3.0 has slashed export rates.

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Maximizing Solar Credits

NEM rates are all over the place these days. Currents does the heavy lifting for you, making sure you're squeezing every penny out of your excess solar energy. Take Illinois, for example. They're rolling out this new Smart Solar Billing thing. Currents helps you navigate that and make the most of the $300 per kW solar system rebate.

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Plays Nice with Other Energy Devices

Currents doesn't stop at solar panels. It talks to your battery storage and EV charger too. This is super helpful in places like Florida, where recent changes have made battery storage more appealing. Currents can tell you when to store energy and when to use it, saving you more cash.

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Personalized Savings Strategies

Every home is different, and so is every state's energy policy. Currents gets that. It looks at your specific situation and gives you tailored advice. If you're in New York, where Con Edison still values solar at the same rate as grid electricity, Currents helps you milk that policy for all it's worth.

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Stays on Top of Policy Changes

The solar world is always changing. Massachusetts is opening up net metering to bigger facilities. California is shaking things up entirely. Currents keeps you in the loop and helps you roll with the punches. It's like having a solar policy expert in your pocket.

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Troy Fox from Evergreen Electrical puts it this way:

"With a solar monitoring app, you can keep on top of your energy consumption, switching off appliances you are not currently using in order to save energy."

Currents takes this idea and runs with it. It doesn't just show you what's happening - it tells you what to do about it.

Key Takeaways

The Net Energy Metering (NEM) scene is shifting fast across the US, shaking things up for solar users. Here's what you need to know:

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1. Battery Storage is Your Friend

In many states, adding batteries to your solar setup can help you squeeze more savings out of the new NEM rules.

2. Don't Snooze, You Lose

If your state's about to change its policy, getting solar installed ASAP could lock in better rates.

3. Keep Your Ear to the Ground

Stay in the loop on local policy changes. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to solar investments.

4. Time-of-Use Rates: Your Secret Weapon

Get savvy about when you use energy. Time-of-use rates can be a game-changer for your savings.

5. Tech it Up

Tools like Currents can help you squeeze every last drop of performance out of your solar system, even as NEM rules change.

Troy Fox from Evergreen Electrical drops some wisdom:

"With a solar monitoring app, you can keep on top of your energy consumption, switching off appliances you are not using in order to save energy."

The solar game is changing, but with the right moves and tools, you can still come out on top.

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FAQs

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What's the deal with NEM 1, 2, and 3?

Net Energy Metering (NEM) policies have changed a lot. Here's the scoop on how they differ:

NEM 1.0 and 2.0 were pretty similar. NEM 3.0? It's a whole new ballgame.

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Let's talk numbers:

Under NEM 2.0, if electricity cost $0.30/kWh, you'd get $0.30 for each extra kWh you sent out. With NEM 3.0? Maybe $0.08. Ouch.

This changes everything for solar payback. EnergySage puts it well:

"NEM 3.0 has increased the savings potential of pairing your solar panel system with a battery."

Translation? Batteries are your new best friend.

If you're thinking about solar, here's what you need to know:

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1. Timing is everything

In states switching to NEM 3.0 (looking at you, California), getting solar before the cutoff date could save you big time.

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2. Batteries are no longer optional

With NEM 3.0, storing your extra energy makes way more sense than sending it to the grid.

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3. Payback takes longer

NEM 3.0 stretches the average payback period from 5-6 years to 14-15 years. That's a big jump.