QUICK START GUIDE FOR GOING GREEN AND SAVING MONEY WITH CUSTOMER-OWNED GENERATION
Watch this short video to learn the steps to install your customer-owned generation system.
Take these steps for installing your customer-owned generation system
You can do this – and we’re here to help! Just follow these steps and remember: Getting in touch with OPPD early in the process will ensure you avoid unnecessary expenditures and delays, and guide you toward safe choices for energy generation.
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Calculate how much energy you’ll need to generate. How to Read Your Bill shows where to find the kilowatt-hours usage on your OPPD utility bills. Go to OPPD's Solar Calculator to check out how much electricity you’ll need to generate for your household needs. It’s also beneficial to understand regulatory requirements and local or federal tax credits or incentives. Good resources are OPPD’s Customer-Owned Generation Interconnection Manual, rooftop solar information, the Nebraska Energy Office and energy.gov.
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Research solar or other generation equipment options. Part of your decision-making process is choosing a contractor and it can be hard to know where to turn. OPPD's participating COG trade allies is a list of trusted local contractors for these types of projects. Click here for the directory. We recommend checking this resource as well as doing some personal research, like checking with the Better Business Bureau, to ensure the contractors are accredited. We also recommend requesting multiple bids.
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Get approval from OPPD before purchasing any equipment. Your contractor should contact OPPD to discuss requirements and to submit an OPPD Customer-Owned Generation Application. If you are installing the system yourself, use the PowerClerk Installer Guide to request login credentials required to submit the application. You will also need to sign an OPPD Interconnection Agreement prior to installation.
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Purchase equipment and begin construction. Before hooking up the system, your contractor or subcontractor must get an electrical permit. Once the electrical inspection has been approved, OPPD will set up a witness test to ensure your equipment is operational and interconnected to the power grid.
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Install net metering and begin generating power! An OPPD technician will install your new meter when they do the witness test. Remember to contact your insurance company to make sure your solar array or other generation system is covered on your policy.
Contact OPPD anytime! We’re your energy partner and we’re here for you.
If you have questions about how to reduce your carbon footprint and save on utility bills with customer-owned generation, email productsandservices@oppd.com or call 531-226-3510. OPPD provides free consultation to ensure you’re on the right path to a successful generation purchase and installation. For business customers, email businesscustomerservice@oppd.com or contact your Account Executive or Senior Account Executive for more information.