Green+ Solar Photovoltaics
BTU is not offering a Photovoltaic (PV) rebate at this time. BTU does allow net metering and allows Distributed Generation to be interconnected.
Credit for Excess Solar Power
BTU customers with solar energy systems continue to receive electricity as needed from the BTU electric grid. BTU will provide "net billing" for customers on solar energy systems. Should a solar energy system produce more power at any given moment than the property consumes, the extra power will flow into the BTU electric grid. If in any month a solar energy system sends more power into the BTU grid than the homes takes from the grid, the difference or net will result in a credit on the customer's electric bill. The credit will be determined by multiplying the net kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity fed into the grid by their current fuel rate.
Installation
All work must be performed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local, manufacturer’s codes and standards as well as BTU Interconnection Guidelines.
Licensed electrical contractors must obtain appropriate permits and perform all electrical interconnections.
All inverters and solar modules must be new.
All PV systems must be interconnected, at customer’s expense, to BTU’s electrical grid. The PV system will comply with current BTU guidelines governing interconnection with BTU electric system, and any subsequent revisions to these guidelines.
Customer must have an active BTU electric account number.
If you decide that you would like to purchase and install a solar PV system, BTU will require a copy of the wiring diagram as well as a document detailing the basic system design including its major components and layout on the property before any of the actual installation process begins. This allows us to properly prepare for any conflicts which may arise, gives us the details necessary to ensure a system is installed which meets all of the design requirements, and will speed up the certification process at the completion of the installation. These technical specifications will likely be obtained from your contractor, and by familiarizing yourself with the technical aspects of the system, you will become more aware and informed of the process of converting sunlight to electricity and of the PV system itself.
You can refer to the document Titled "Bryan Texas Utilities’ Technical Requirements for Distributed Generation Interconnection for Facilities Under 100 kW" (Appendix A) located in this packet to become familiar with all of the technical and electrical specifications needed for these solar PV systems to be eligible for the rebate incentives. An Example of a generic, completed Wiring diagram is included as well. (Appendix B) Any questions regarding these specifications can be directed to the Solar PV Rebate Program at BTU.
Installation and Inspection
The following information will give you a general idea on the order of processes which will likely occur during the installation process. It is important to make sure these steps are followed to ensure the quickest turnaround time possible, minimizing hassle for you, the contractor performing the installation, and BTU.
- Contractor must submit all diagrams and wiring specs per to any work being done.
- Contractor pulls required permit(s).
- Contractor installs PV system and receives approved City inspection(s).
- Contractor contacts BTU field inspector to schedule final inspection.
- Electrical permit is reviewed.
- Field inspector verifies:
- Panel and inverter model numbers.
- Orientation and tilt of panels.
- DC side connections.
- Performs acceptance test per Inspection Guidelines.
- Electrical permit is reviewed.
- Checks to insure system trips off when power to building is lost.
- PV module and inverter specification sheets
- Interconnection Agreement – Signed
- REC Agreement – Signed by appropriate parties