Solar Power
Solar Power
The Grand Haven BLP has several customers that have chosen to install solar panels at their home and businesses. For customers who are interested in taking a more active role in managing their power supply, solar panels may be a desirable supplement for homes or businesses situated with good access to the sun. The BLP has a customer-friendly interconnection program in place that offers a simple process for integrating this resource while ensuring safety and reliability for the distribution system and BLP electrical workers.
Key Rules
BLP customers with qualifying renewable energy systems can join the program and generate electricity for their own private use. There are just a couple important rules to consider:
- Customers need a safe qualifying renewable energy system installed by a licensed contractor.
- Customers need to complete the Generator Interconnection Application and Agreement form based on the size of their system:
- For solar systems 10 kW or less.
- For solar systems greater than 10 kW.
- Customers need to agree to fees and rates as outlined in the net metering service rider.
- Participation lasts for up to 10 years.
Net Metering in Grand Haven
Grand Haven BLP offers solar net metering to all customers with renewable energy systems on a standard BLP rate plan. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is open for five years from the program's effective date.
How it Works
Produce Energy
Customers generate their own electricity using renewable energy systems (e.g., solar panels).
Excess -> Grid
Any excess electricity not used by the customer is sent into the BLP's distribution system.
Receive Bill Credit
Customers receive bill credits for the surplus energy sent into the distribution system.
Reliable Grid Connection
Customers remain connected to the grid for reliable power when needed.
How to Get Started
We recommend getting started by reviewing our net metering service rider for more information about rates and policy.
Then, in coordination with your solar contractor, fill out the appropriate generator interconnection agreement (links below) and contact us for next steps.
Is Solar Right for Me?
Before making a multiyear commitment to renewable energy, it is essential to evaluate whether solar power is the right fit for your property and your finances based on your individual electric usage.
Evaluate Your Energy Needs
Begin by assessing your household's energy needs. Examine your recent electricity bills to find out your total annual electricity consumption.
Is Your Roof South-facing?
A south-facing roof captures the most sunlight, maximizing solar energy production. However, the angle of your roof also matters. According to the Department of Energy, a roof angle between 15 and 40 degrees is ideal for solar panels. The more sunlight your panels receive, the more electricity they generate. This leads to greater savings on your utility bills.
Avoid shading from trees or other structures.
Solar power may not be the best option for your home if it is shaded by trees or nearby buildings. Your home doesn’t need full sun all day, but it should receive sunlight for most of the day to maximize the effectiveness of your solar system.
You Need a New, Reliable Roof
Your roof should be strong enough to handle the increased weight of the solar system, sturdy and not in need of replacement anytime soon. While solar panels can be installed on most roof types, materials like slate and wood can be more challenging and require a specialist for installation support. Roofs made of metal with standing seams, asphalt, clay or Spanish tile, EPDM rubber, TPO, and PVC are easier to work with and more suitable for solar installation.
Battery Storage
Batteries store surplus energy generated during peak sunlight hours, allowing your solar system to provide power when sunlight is low or unavailable. This ensures a reliable energy supply, even on cloudy days or at night.
Beware of Scam Language or ‘Solar Lessors’
While there are many reputable solar companies out there, there have also been solar companies that make false or misleading offers. Protect yourself from solar scams and be cautious of offers that:
- Promise free or no-cost solar panels and installations.
- Offer large rebates, tax credits or utility incentives to cover the cost of panels.
- Ask to "see if you qualify."
Remember that the federal government doesn’t offer free solar installations. To determine if solar is right for you, check out the Department of Energy’s guide for homeowners.
Is there a Financial Return on Your Solar Installation?
The Grand Haven Board of Light and Power is a locally-owned electric utility that has significantly lower electric rates than investor-owned utilities in the State of Michigan. Because our rates are so low, it may take a long time to realize any meaningful financial return on your solar installation.
The solar payback period is the time it takes to recover your cost of installation, maintenance, and other expenses in a solar system through savings on your energy bills. It depends on factors like how much energy you use, the time of day you use that energy, the amount of sunlight your home receives, the size of your solar system, and any state or federal incentives.
A commonly used formula to calculate this is:
Beware of any contractor that promises a rapid solar payback period or touts a significant financial return. Short daylight hours, cloud cover, snow cover and maintenance or damage costs are all realistic considerations in Michigan.
The BLP Green Energy Program, a Lower-cost Alternative
If the cost of a solar system is prohibitive, the BLP Green Energy Program offers an alternative cost-effective way to support renewable energy without requiring solar installation. Customers can enroll to have the BLP purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from wind and solar sources, ensuring that your utility payments contribute to generating renewable energy on the grid.