Net-Metering Limits in Net-Zero Energy Community

Becky Alexander

Architect and Researcher

LHB

LEEDuser Basic Member

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October 21, 2021

I am working on a new community development in St. Paul that is striving to achieve net-zero energy. We are able to get there mathematically by using the extra generation on light industrial rooftops to offset medium-density housing energy use (all buildings are anticipated to have different, private owners). However, this puts us over Minnesota's 120% net metering limit (which requires the utility to pay the building owner retail rates for electricity produced up to 120% of their consumption). Going outside of net metering will not enable us to reach the paybacks required to meet the other project goals of reducing social and economic disparities in St. Paul, improving the marketability of the development for provate investment, and not pricing the site out of the market.

Any ideas for creative solutions?

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Conor McGuire

Director of Sustainability

Columbia

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Fri, 10/22/2021 - 13:18

If I understand correctly, you are producing too much renewable energy? (more that 120%) if you are not already, are you able to install EV charging capabilities for the community development project so that electrical usage is not limited to the buildings but also anticipates electricification of transportation? maybe even partnering with shared EVs and Ebikes, scooters etc. for better reduce social and economic disparities? good luck with the project!

Joshua Radoff

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Specialization Lead, MENV

University of Colorado Boulder

LEEDuser Expert

33 thumbs up

Fri, 10/22/2021 - 15:43

Becky, I work on Xcel projects in CO where the same rules exist (although we just bumped our max to 200%). That said, after 100%, you usually get dinged anyway, because you have to sell the next excess annual production at wholesale (aroun 3 cents / kwh here) as opposed to retail (11 cents residential). However, there is also a rule that that may exist there as well, which Xcel doesn't really like to talk about or advertise, and that is aggregate net metering. That allows contiguous parcels of the same owner and same rate structure to effectively pool meters together to do just what you're talking about. This same rule existed in a proejct in CA I did as well, so it may very well exist there. See if you can get a hold of a solar rep for Xcel and have them walk you through it? Josh

Sarah Gudeman

Principal | Practice Lead

BranchPattern

LEEDuser Premium Member

6 thumbs up

Mon, 10/25/2021 - 15:35

Agree with the previous comments. Battery storage might also be something to explore - depending on other economic factors. Leveraging differentials in the community should be to your benefit, overall. Maybe a good application for CSG's dirt road project? https://www.carbonsolutionsgroup.com/dirtroad/