Are you interested in having solar panels installed at your home? Customer-members who want to generate their own electricity can participate in SMECO’s net metering (generator interconnection) program.
Regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), net metering programs encourage investment in renewable distributed generation and provide a uniform interconnection application process for all electric utilities in Maryland.
To participate, a customer-member must submit an application to SMECO detailing the proposed interconnection. Applications must be submitted electronically through our PowerClerk program.
Most customers have a solar system that generates less than 10 kilowatts; however, the net metering program is currently available for solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, or closed-conduit hydro installations that generate less than two megawatts, and for micro-combined heat and power installations that generate less than 30 kilowatts. Other distributed generation technologies may be eligible to interconnect to SMECO’s system as well, but may not be eligible for net metering.
Is Solar Right for You?
Enter an address on our WattPlan page and WattPlan will estimate your potential for a rooftop solar array. You will get an estimate of the electricity you can generate and how much you might save each year on your electric bill.The figures shown are estimates only and do not constitute a guarantee of savings on your electric bill.
Interconnection Applications
- You can complete the application process online using PowerClerk.
- This Step-by-Step Guide (PDF) outlines the procedures that SMECO, the customer, and the installer must follow to complete the process.
- Interconnection Queue for projects greater than 500 kW (XLSX) – Updated December 31, 2019.
- Limited Export Policy
Denied Level 2 or Level 4 interconnection application customers may request that SMECO consider including interconnection agreement limited export control scheme operating and reporting requirements if doing so will allow the previously denied interconnection system to pass safety and reliability screening criteria. Customers wishing to pursue this option must submit a written request to SMECO asking for the denied application to be re-considered under a limited export consideration. The customer is responsible for initially providing the proposed limited export control and reporting scheme for SMECO review and consideration. Approved control and reporting schemes will be incorporated into the operating requirements section of an executed interconnection agreement and executed by the customer and SMECO. Field validation and recurring administrative fees may be required as a term within the interconnection agreement to cover the costs of implementing any approved limited export interconnection control, monitoring, and reporting scheme.
Interconnection Standards
- SMECO tariff – Net Metering Rider (PDF)
- SMECO tariff – Net Metering Aggregation Rider (PDF)
- SMECO tariff – Generator Interconnection Standards (PDF)
- A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Electric Systems (PDF) (NRECA)
- SMECO Connection Requirements (PDF)
- Electric System Planning Criteria (PDF)
- Interactive Solar Hosting Capacity Map
- SMECO—Default Utility Required Inverter Settings Profile (PDF)
- SMECO Default Utility Required Inverter Settings in EPRI Format (CSV)
- EPRI Inverter Setting Descriptions (PDF)
- What is IEEE 1547-2018 and UL-1741 (PDF)
- SMECO Meter Collar Requirements (PDF)
SMECO’s Solar Power Seminar Video
Below are topics covered in the video.
- 8:57 – SMECO’s Requirements for Renewables
- 13:34 – Net Metering and Billing
- 16:26 – SMECO Forms and Technical Requirements
- 39:58 – Questions
Glossary of Terms
- Net metering – A method of crediting customers for excess electricity that they generate.
- Distributed generation – Small, modular, grid-connected or off-grid energy systems located in or near the place where energy is used.
- Renewable energy – Electricity supplied from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, and various forms of biomass. These energy sources are considered renewable because they are continuously replenished.
Safety Around Solar Panels
Like any other source of electricity, solar panels can pose a hazard. Be aware of the risks and learn how to respond in case of an emergency. Visit our Solar Panel Safety page for more information.
Emergency Backup Generators
Residential customers who own and operate small emergency generators do not generally need to register with SMECO as long as the generator remains isolated from SMECO’s distribution system. Commercial customers who own similar generators should contact the Cooperative for assistance if SMECO electric service modifications are necessary to accommodate the generator installation. Any generator installed after 1999 that produces more than 1,500 kilowatts may need to apply to the PSC for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) exemption. Contact SMECO for more information.
Your SMECO Bill
If you have solar panels or other means of generating your own electricity, or if you have a smart meter, your SMECO bill will list the amount of energy supplied by SMECO and the energy produced by the panels in excess of what you used.
SMECO Contact Information
Email SMECO Interconnections Support with requests, inquiries, or documents related to interconnections.