Solar Energy Benefits for Business

Solar energy can save you money through net metering.

Important Update: Solar Tax Credit Ending Soon

The 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) is set to expire on December 31, 2025. To qualify, homeowners must have their solar systems fully installed by that date—not just purchased or scheduled.

As the deadline approaches, demand for solar installations is surging, leading to a rush in bookings and potential delays. Unfortunately, this high demand has also attracted malicious or untrustworthy solar installers looking to take advantage of the urgency.

What You Should Do:

Start early by connecting with an OPPD-approved Solar Trade Ally to ensure a smooth installation process.
Choose wisely by verifying credentials and reading reviews—OPPD Trade Allies meet specific quality and service standards.
Stay informed and avoid high-pressure sales tactics or offers that seem too good to be true—working with a trusted Trade Ally helps protect your investment.

Net metering is a program for OPPD customers who generate their own electricity through renewable energy with equipment like rooftop solar panels. When you produce more energy than you use, you can sell the excess to the OPPD grid. When you use more than you produce, you’ll buy power like normal.

Note: Excess energy can be sold at the rate specified in Rate 483 - Net Metering Service Rider. If you are enrolled in the Level Payment Plan, you will be removed from that program since it is not available with Net Metering.

Here’s how it works

OPPD measures how many kilowatt/hours (kWh) of energy you send to the grid versus how much you consume during a specified period and bills appropriately. Your energy bill is then adjusted to credit or charge the difference, which results in the net amount. See How to Read Your Net Meter Bill for more information.

Graphic showing how net metering works

How Net Metering Works

Customer-Owned Generation

Energy created by your generation system is directed for your facility use or sent back to the grid.
The bidirectional meter measures energy production vs. usage. When production exceeds usage, you sell energy to the OPPD electrical grid.
When your usage exceeds production, you buy energy from the grid. The difference between what you sell and what you buy is the net amount on your utility bill.

Solar Energy FAQs

For more information about solar energy, find the answer in our Solar Energy Frequently Asked Questions.

If customer-owned generation isn’t right for your business but you’re still interested in supporting renewable energy, check out our Renewable Energy Certificates and Electric Fleet Vehicle programs.