Business solar in Nova Scotia: rate classes, net metering and the 30% credit

How a project runs

1. Find your rateRate 10 (small), 11 (general demand) or 12 (large). It sets which kWh solar replaces.
2. Get interval dataShows how much of your load falls in daylight.
3. Talk to Efficiency Nova Scotia firstLarger projects need pre-approval before you order equipment.
4. Apply for net meteringCommercial net metering runs 27 to 200 kW, and up to 1 MW for farms, fisheries and aquaculture.
5. Build and connectStructural review, install, inspection, meter.
6. Claim the creditITC and CCA on the corporate return.

The money

Sizing to your load

On Rate 10 every kWh is worth 18 to 20¢, one of the strongest small-business solar cases in Canada. On Rate 11, solar cuts the higher-priced first block of energy first; demand needs a battery or load control.

Farms

Farms, fisheries and aquaculture can net-meter up to 1 MW, well above the 200 kW general limit.

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?