Follow these steps to begin net metering or if you are adding to your existing solar system.
Review Rules
Please review and familiarize yourself with the Arkansas Public Service Commission’s Net Metering Rules. (PDF)
Please note that Ozarks follows the same procedures and rules for our Oklahoma members.
Complete Forms
Prior to installation, please fill out and submit the following information below.
All net metering documentation must be under and signed by the primary account holder.
Preliminary Interconnection Application (for first-time submissions)
Preliminary Interconnection Application (For additions to existing solar systems)
Full permit pack / CAD / site plan
Equipment specifications from the manufacturer
8760 report (the projected hourly first year solar generation)
Email to netmetering@ozarksecc.com or mail to Ozarks Electric Cooperative, Attn: Manager of Energy Services, P.O. Box 848, Fayetteville, AR 72702.
If needed, Ozarks Electric will schedule your preliminary site visit.
For installation requirements, see FAQ’s below.
A one-time fee to recover administrative and related interconnection costs will be assessed for all net metering submissions.
Submit Interconnection Agreement
At least 30 days prior to connecting, submit the Standard Interconnection Agreement for Net Metering Facilities.
Please note that the Agreement must be received by Ozarks Electric at least 30 days prior to connecting. Please email the completed application to netmetering@ozarksecc.com or mail to Ozarks Electric Cooperative, Attn: Manager of Energy Services, P.O. Box 848, Fayetteville, AR 72702.
Schedule Inspection
Once installation is completed, contact Ozarks Electric at netmetering@ozarksecc.com or 800-521-6144. We will schedule the site inspection appointment. The net metering equipment can be turned on by the installer for testing and commissioning, but must be turned back off and left out-of-service until the system is approved by Ozarks Electric during the site inspection.
Ozarks Approval
Upon approval, the Standard Interconnection Agreement will be signed by Ozarks Electric, and your account will be set up for net metering.
FAQs
Net metering is the process of measuring the difference between electricity supplied by Ozarks Electric and the electricity generated by a grid-tie facility and fed back to the cooperative over the applicable billing period.
For net metering facilities installed after September 29, 2024, the electricity you use from the cooperative will be billed at our standard retail rate, while any electricity your system produces and sends back to Ozarks Electric will be credited at the avoided cost of energy, based on the prior year's rate filed with the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Unused credits roll over from month to month and never expire. Please note that credits apply only to the energy portion of your bill and cannot be used to reduce the customer charge, demand charge, taxes or fees.
The net metering system is required to meet all local and national electrical codes, including National Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the National Electrical Safety Code and Underwriters Laboratory. Ozarks Electric assumes no liability or responsibility for the installation or operation of the net metering system. Ozarks Electric installation requirements are as follows:
A net-metering facility shall be capable of operating in parallel and safely commencing the delivery of power into the utility system at a single point of interconnection. To prevent a net-metering Facility from back-feeding a de-energized line, a Net-Metering Facility shall have a visibly open, lockable, manual photovoltaic (PV) AC disconnect switch which is located next to the electric utility meter (within 3 feet, with no obstructions) and clearly labeled.
No equipment can be attached to Ozarks Electric poles.
Line/Source/Supply side interconnections are not allowed, all interconnections must be on the load side of the electrical service.
A net-metering facility may include battery backup if it is configured to solely receive power from the net-metering facility and cannot feed power back to the utility.