Fill out the Paperwork (NetMetering)

NetMetering is the term that describes the agreement your local utility makes with you to buy back the extra power you generate. To do that, they must replace your existing electric meter with a bi-directional meter. To make this happen you must apply for it. That means filling out a bunch of paperwork. Yea, Exciting. Tell me about it.

The following steps are specific to Ameren Illinois. You will need to do your own research to determine the requirements for your own utility.
  1. Read Ameren's NetMetering webpage
  2. Fill out the NetMetering Application
  3. Visit Ameren's Distributed Generator web page.
  4. Fill out the Distributed Generator Level 1 application and obtain all the requested documentation
  5. According to the Distributed Generator Checklist it is recommended you create and include a one-line diagram representing how you plan to wire your system. This is what my one-line diagram looks like.
  6. Mail all documentation to the address given on the Distributed Generator web page. You will be contacted by phone by an Ameren representative shortly.
  7. Contact your local authority and apply for an electrical permit.
  8. After the system has been installed and inspected, you will need to fill out Ameren's Certificate of Completion and include the inspection approval from your local authority.
Are all the forms making your head spin? It seems to me the government is trying to discourage us from installing a solar electric system by making the application process as confusing as possible.