Hi Wrenches, Here is the only info I've seen regarding NEM with batteries in California. It's a May 15 news post from CALSEIA, which Brad allowed me to post here.
One problem clearly is defining the categories, because what is a storage system "larger than 10 kW"? Seems like there's an "h" factor missing. Even for category 1, "internal metering devices" could be a Mate3 for instance, but how can a Mate report directly to the utility? This whole thing is a mess, IMO. I'm still curious, are any other California Wrenches dealing with utility NEM departments for systems with storage in the last few months, and what has been your experience? >> >> Official CALSEIA Membership Announcement Email not displaying correctly? >> View it in your browser. >> >> News Alert >> >> Dear CALSEIA Members, >> >> >> Earlier today, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to finalize >> the decision on the interconnection of solar systems paired with energy >> storage systems under net metering. >> >> First, and most importantly, the decision restores the ability of solar >> systems paired with storage to qualify under the standard net metering >> tariff. For the past year, utilities had refused to connect systems with >> batteries under NEM. >> >> However, the decision includes new requirements. It effectively creates >> three categories of systems. >> >> 1. Storage systems smaller than 10 kW maximum output power can be paired >> with any size solar system and do not have to install a second meter. The >> associated solar systems will have to report system production to the >> utility using internal metering devices to make sure NEM credits are only >> going to solar output and not battery output. >> >> 2. Storage systems larger than 10 kW with maximum power output less than >> 150% of solar system capacity will have to install a second meter at a cost >> of up to $600 to make sure NEM credits are only going to solar output and >> not battery output. >> >> 3. Storage systems larger than 10 kW with maximum power output more than >> 150% of solar system capacity will be on the NEM-MT tariff rather than the >> standard NEM tariff. In addition to the $600 meter, they will have to pay an >> application fee of $800 and could potentially be subject to standby charges >> and distribution system studies and upgrades. They will still get net >> metering credits for electricity they put on the grid from the solar system. >> >> These limits are an improvement over the limits that were in the proposed >> decision. The Commission did not include all of CALSEIA's recommendations, >> but it included some significant movement in the right direction. >> The threshold between the categories above was changed from 100% to 150% of >> the paired generator’s output power. >> A kWh storage limit of the storage system was eliminated (how many hours >> worth of electricity can be stored). >> A de-rate formula that would have potentially reduced the value of NEM >> credits was abandoned. >> Utilities must refund application fees that were illegally collected over >> the past year. >> I would be happy to answer any questions you have with regard to how the >> conditions in the decision would apply to specific system configurations. >> >> Thank you for your help in achieving this decision. >> >> >> Brad Heavner >> Policy Director, CALSEIA >> www.calseia.org >> Copyright © 2014 CALSEIA, All rights reserved. Bruce Erickson Mendocino Solar Service PO Box 1252 Mendocino, CA 95460 707-937-1701 707-937-1741 fax [email protected] Celebrating 20 Years in Solar! 1994-2014
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