Flathead Electric Cooperative members may choose to install their own energy systems, such as solar panels, small wind systems, batteries, or backup generators. These systems are commonly called distributed generation because some electricity is produced at or near the place it is used.
Some systems are designed only to serve your home or business. Others may be connected to the Co-op’s grid and may send excess electricity back to the Co-op through net metering.
Before installing or connecting any generation system, please contact your Co-op. Interconnection requirements help keep your system, our grid, our crews, and your neighbors safe.
Please note: Flathead Electric Cooperative does not endorse, recommend, or have an affiliation with any specific solar installer or contractor. Members are responsible for selecting and working with their own contractor.
Net metering
Net metering allows eligible members with approved generation systems to receive credit for excess electricity sent back to the grid.
When your system produces more electricity than you are using at that moment, the extra energy flows to the grid and is credited to your account. When your system is not producing enough electricity for your needs, such as at night or during cloudy weather, you continue to use electricity from the grid.
Net metering can reduce the energy portion of your bill, but it does not eliminate all charges.
How solar affects your bill
Solar can be a valuable investment, but it is important to understand which parts of your bill it can and cannot reduce. To learn how to read the solar data on your bill, visit our My Bill Explained page.
Energy Charge
This is the part of your bill based on the total amount of electricity you use from the grid. Solar most directly reduces this charge. Every kilowatt-hour your system produces for your home is a kilowatt-hour you do not need to buy from your Co-op.
Basic Charge
This monthly charge applies whether you have solar or not. It helps cover the cost of maintaining your connection to the electric system, including poles, wires, transformers, meters, billing, and member service. Solar does not reduce this charge.
Demand Charge
For applicable rate classes, the demand charge is based on your highest use during peak demand periods. Solar alone may not reduce this charge, but solar paired with a battery may help shift solar energy into peak hours when properly configured.
Solar and power outages
Most grid-connected solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage. This is a required safety feature that helps protect lineworkers and prevents electricity from flowing back onto damaged lines.
Solar panels alone usually will not keep your lights on during an outage. If backup power is important to you, talk with an installer about equipment and system design. Co-op staff can help you understand interconnection requirements and how battery storage may affect your electric bill.
Batteries
Another option for homes or businesses with generation systems is to install battery storage. A battery system can store excess electricity generated on-site for later use.
Depending on your system and settings, a battery may be able to discharge during the Co-op’s peak hours to help reduce your demand charge. It may also provide standby power during unexpected outages.
Please contact your Co-op if you are considering battery storage. Our energy advisors can help you understand rate considerations before you make this energy investment.
Getting more value from your system
A few simple habits can help you make better use of your solar generation:
- Run large appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers, or EV chargers, when your system is producing the most electricity.
- Avoid using several high-energy appliances at the same time during peak demand periods.
- Monitor your net metering credits through your online account or the My-Co-op mobile app.
- Consider battery storage if you want to use more of your solar energy later in the day or need backup power during outages.
Battery and Solar Paired Storage
Watch a 90-second video below to learn about how solar and batteries work together in Northwest Montana:
Common questions
Usually not by itself. Most grid-connected solar systems shut off during outages for safety. Battery storage or a properly installed standby generator is needed for backup power.
Possibly. Try to avoid running several large electric loads at the same time during peak demand periods. For some members, battery storage may also help reduce demand by supplying power when grid demand is highest.
No. Net metering credits apply to eligible energy use. They do not offset all fixed, service-related, or demand-based charges.
Solar reduces the amount of electricity you buy from the grid, but it does not remove all costs of being connected to the electric system. Charges such as the basic service charge and, when applicable, demand charges may still appear on your bill.
Large Interconnection Generation
What is an interconnection generation agreement, and why might I need one?
Larger member-owned generation systems require a more detailed review before they can connect to our distribution grid. This applies to generation facilities, small power producers, and co-generators with either 200 kW or higher nameplate capacity, or 50 kW or higher export capacity.
Because these systems are larger and more complex, they may require additional agreements, verification of site ownership, and/or coordination with Bonneville Power Administration.
For systems above 200 kW nameplate capacity or 50 kW export capacity, please download our Interconnection Generation at least 200 kW Procedure (PDF). Appendix B contains the application.
Ready to install or connect a system?
Your Co-op can help you understand interconnection requirements, rates, billing impacts, and how your system will interact with the electric grid. For system design, equipment selection, installation, and cost estimates, members should work with an installer or contractor.
Please contact us before beginning your project or submitting interconnection documents.
Please note: Flathead Electric Cooperative does not endorse, recommend, or have an affiliation with any specific solar installer or contractor.
Mark Rawson
Distributed Resource Specialist
Emilie Windauer
Power Resources Administrator
Distributed Energy Resources Team
Additional Information on Renewable Energy: