Learn about net metering
If you are considering solar, we want to make sure you have well-rounded, accurate information before making a big decision. Below are some common questions and misleading claims by some third-party installers that have been made about solar. If you have additional questions, please contact us at solar@avistacorp.com or call (800) 227-9187.
Frequently Asked Questions
Net metering is specifically for customers with system sizes of 100 kW or less.
Net metering allows the customer to use the electricity that they generate to offset some or all of their energy usage, while remaining connected to the Avista grid to deliver backup power or any additional electric needs. A "net meter" measures the difference between the amount of electricity supplied by Avista and the amount of electricity generated by the customer over the course of a month.
For systems over 100 kW, please visit Avista's PURPA page.
- Can help lower your electric bills
- Allows you to use your own energy source and have the reliability of the Avista grid
- Reduces carbon footprint
While Avista does not install solar or other renewable generation systems for our customers, we have compiled a list of installers reviewed and approved by the NW HVAC Association located on our Find a Contractor page. We recommend obtaining multiple bids to explore your options and make the best decision for your needs.
Costs can vary and include installation and equipment. The size of your system and the efficiency of your panels create the largest variables in price. Avista’s Solar Estimator can help you compare your options and calculate estimates for varied system sizes and financial models.
Avista currently offers net metering benefits for systems under 100 kW. You may also be eligible for state and / or federal incentives. Customers can use Avista’s Solar Estimator which includes any known incentives, along with your current electric rate to help you estimate the financials.
In 2024, Washington enacted the Solar Consumer Protection Act, establishing rules to safeguard consumers from unethical sales practices. This legislation mandates transparent and fair business conduct from solar installers. If you believe your installer has violated this act, you can file a claim with the Washington Attorney General’s Office at: Consumer Protection | Washington State.
In most cases, no. If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of an outage. This is a safety precaution to prevent emergency responders and Avista personnel from being injured by back-feed from your generation system. If system reliability is important, you might consider installing battery backup for a few critical circuits within your home.
No, even if you are able to cover 100% of your usage with solar it's important to understand that net metering does not replace your utility bill; it simply offsets your electricity usage. It cannot cover minimum monthly fees for grid connection or other utility charges, such as natural gas.
Net metering is available to customers on a first-come, first-served basis at a retail rate up to a specific cap set by each state legislature. As we reach those caps, we'll be evaluating what rate structure makes sense for all customers.
Customers with interconnected solar systems that were approved under the terms of our existing net metering rate schedule will be allowed to stay in this program until and unless the utility commissions in our governing states require changes.
No. Social media has become a common venue for ads promoting no or low cost solar programs. While the idea of spending little to no money on a solar install may sound great, these ads may make misleading claims about government or utility programs that don’t exist. For a list of current solar state incentives, please visit Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® - DSIRE. For information on the federal incentives, please visit Federal Solar Tax Credit Resources | Department of Energy.
No. While you receive credits for any excess energy you generate (in kilowatt-hours), you won’t receive a check for that surplus. The extra kWh stays on your account until you use it, but it resets every year on March 31st. Any remaining credits at that time will be zeroed out, and the cycle begins anew. This is why it's advisable to size your system to match, but not exceed, your annual electricity consumption.
If you consume more energy than you generate during a billing period, you'll need to pay Avista for your net usage. However, if you produce more energy than you use, your net metering agreement allows you to "bank" those excess kilowatt-hour (kWh) credits for future use. These credits are stored and automatically applied to your bills in months where your usage is greater than your generation.
Keep in mind that this credit bank resets each year on March 31st due to state regulations, so it's essential to size your system appropriately to maximize your benefits.
Meter aggregation is available in Washington to one additional meter on the same or adjacent parcel, subject to the following conditions:
- Only one meter can be a net meter; the meter being aggregated to must be a regular meter.
- Both meters must be on the same Avista account.
- If you are aggregating, there will be an additional basic charge added to the monthly bill. The additional basic charge is the same amount as the basic charge for the meter we are aggregating to.
Meter aggregation is not currently permitted in Idaho.
The design of your solar installation will depend on several factors, such as your budget, available roof space, and energy consumption. Solar systems are usually measured in kilowatts (kW), which indicates their power capacity. A qualified installer should provide a detailed proposal that includes the total project cost, the cost per kW, and the anticipated annual energy output based on an assessment of your site. Visit our Solar Estimator to evaluate your solar potential and see a cost breakdown.
Yes, your installer should work with local jurisdictions to obtain proper permitting. If you are doing a self-install you will be responsible for obtaining the proper permitting.
If you're not sure if you're ready to install your own solar, but are still interested in supporting renewable energy, we have our My Clean Energy and Renewable Natural Gas programs which allow you to offset your carbon footprint without having to install any equipment on your home.
If you are interested in reducing your electric bill; you may find some other options Ways to conserve energy (and save!) or Energy Saving Tools and Services For Your Home.