Net Metering/Forms
Net metering enables consumer/member investment in renewable energy generation to offset their consumption over a billing period, helps promote small-scale renewable energy systems, enabling members to receive credit for the electricity they generate.
When a Net Metering renewable generator produces more electricity than is being consumed the electric meter captures the reverse flow, which in turn generates credits. When more electricity is being used than being produced, the meter is reading in the forward direction as normal. Net Metering members are charged only for the “NET” power consumed from BARC over a designated period.
Please Note: BARC does not allow any meter collars or devices that are not BARC-approved to be installed on or within our meter base. Solar installers and other vendors are not authorized to install devices on BARC meters or tamper with metering equipment. BARC issued meter bases shall be used, members may not provide their own meter base.
For more detailed information on Net Metering see BARC Electric Cooperative Distributed Resource Integration Requirements Document
Before purchasing any system please review the Homeowner’s Guide to Solar by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Steps to Participate
#1 – APPLY
#1 – APPLY
To get started at BARC Electric Cooperative, simply fill out and submit our NET METERING INTERCONNECTION NOTIFICATION FORM. The form should be filled out and returned before the PURCHASE or INSTALLATION of the renewable energy generation system. Once completed and returned,, an employee from BARC Electric Cooperative will contact you for a follow-up and approval of the proposed system.
#2 – Install System
BARC will send the member and/or solar vendor approval to install the net metered system as stated on the application. Please note that the system shall be approved by BARC via the application process before any equipment can be installed. The solar vendor or member is responsible for installing the system per all applicable state, county, and most recent revision of the National Electric Code or revision of the code required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
#3 – Electrician Certification
The Net Metered system shall be certified by a licensed Virginia electrician and/or approved by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction. Provide proof to BARC the system has passed inspection by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Contractors in the state of Virginia are required to be state-licensed to do electrical work. To determine if a contractor holds a valid and current license, go to: http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup
The Commonwealth of Virginia does not require contractors who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to become NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified. However, a NABCEP certification is one way for installers to distinguish themselves from their competition. To determine if a particular installer is NABCEP certified, go to http://www.nabcep.org.
#4 – Signatures & Fees
• Receive signed NMIN Form
• Receive signed PPA (Power Purchase Agreement)
• Receive payment for any Fees due
#5 – Net Meter Install
An inspection appointment will be set to verify the system complies with the requirements for net metering. These requirements are, but are not limited to, an accessible lockable and visible disconnect (not a breaker) within 10 feet of BARCs meter, sizing, and the inverters used on the renewable energy system are approved per IEEE 1547 (on loss of Utility Voltage, the renewable energy system stops delivering generated electricity to the Utility Distribution System).
#6 – Permission to Operate (PTO)
Once the required metering and billing work is complete, a Permission To Operate (PTO) letter will be sent to the Member and Solar Vendor/Contractor. The project status will change to “Permission To Operate,” and the system may be turned on at this point.
If you should have additional questions you may contact Doug Webb at (800) 846-2272.
BARC Electric Cooperative System Net Energy Metering Capacity
Cooperative System Peak Calculation
| Base System Peak (kW) | 55,092 |
| Less any CSP or MBR Service (kW) | 0 |
| Total System Peak Available for NEM | 55,092 |
| Total Residential Cap (4%, kW) | 55,092 * 0.04 = 2,754.6 kW |
| Total Nonresidential Cap (1%, kW) | 55,092 * 0.01 = 550.92 kW |
| Total Nonprofit & Nonjurisdictional Cap (2%, kW) | 55,092 * 0.02 = 1,101.84 kW |
NEM Systems Installed Capacity
| Total Residential Capacity Installed (kW) | 2,235.554 kW |
| Total Nonresidential Capacity Installed (kW) | 0 |
| Total Nonprofit & Nonjurisdictional Installed (kW) | 1053.56 kW |
NEM Capacity Available for Installation (Caps minus Installed Capacity)
| Total Residential Capacity Available (kW) | 519.046 kW |
| Total Nonresidential Capacity Available (kW) | 550.92 |
| Total Nonprofit & Nonjurisdictional Capacity Available (kW) | 48.28 kW |
Last Updated May 18, 2026
For Additional Information, Contact: Doug Webb at the BARC Electric Cooperative office, 800-846-2272.
Notes:
“System Peak” is the highest peak (based on the noncoincident peak of the Cooperative or the coincident peak of all of the Cooperative’s customers) of the past three years listed in part O, Line 20 of Form 7 (Financial and Operating Report – Electric Distribution) Filed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Service (RUS) or an equivalent form if the Cooperative is not an RUS borrower, less any portion of the Cooperative’s total load that is serviced by a competitive service provider or by a market-based rate.
The Cooperative shall abide by 20 VAC 5-315-40(B) in regard to its administration of and calculation of its caps.