Business solar in New Brunswick: General Service I, net metering and the 30% credit

How a project runs

1. Talk to Save Energy NBNB Power asks businesses to do this before any work starts.
2. Pull your usageHow much falls in the 18.21¢ block, and how often you pass 20 kW.
3. Apply for net meteringUp to 1 MW for commercial.
4. BuildStructural review, permit, install, inspection.
5. Switch onAfter NB Power's written approval.
6. Claim the creditITC and CCA on the corporate return.

The money

Sizing to your load

Small shops spend most of their bill in the 18.21¢ block, exactly what solar offsets. Businesses above 20 kW pay $14.20 for every kW of peak, so add a battery or load shifting.

Farms

Incorporated farms can claim the federal credit, and net metering is open to them on the same terms.

What to have ready

• 12 months of bills, and interval (hourly or 15-minute) data from your utility if you can get it.
• Your rate class or rate code.
• Whether the business is incorporated and taxable. That decides the 30% credit.
• Roof age and condition, or the spot you'd use for a ground mount.
• Any expansion plans that will change your load in the next few years.

Questions to ask any installer

• Have you modelled my interval data, or just my monthly totals?
• Is the price shown before or after the federal tax credit, and does it assume the labour election?
• Which line on my bill does the system reduce: energy, demand, or both?
• Who handles the utility connection application, and how long does it take here?
• Has the roof or ground mount been checked by a structural engineer?