About Solar Power 

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, also known as solar panels, solar energy or solar power systems, convert sunlight into electricity. You can use this electricity to power your home, business or any other building. Carroll EMC is participating in 35.1MW of solar energy generating 77,384MWH of energy–enough to power nearly 5,300 homes for a year! The energy generated by our solar facilities is used as a part of our overall generation mix that supplies electricity to all our members. The renewable energy credits (RECs) generated by these facilities are used to support renewable energy programs offered by Carroll EMC.

About Distributed Generation

The Georgia Cogeneration and Distributed Generation Act outlines expectations that utilities and private solar providers compete fairly for rooftop solar business. To read the full text of the bill, click here.

Distributed generation, also known as Net Metering, refers to electricity-generating equipment located at your home, owned and operated by you, the Member. This includes (but is not limited to) solar, wind, fuel cell and hydro generators. Carroll EMC will furnish, install, own and maintain a meter that will measure the cooperative’s supplied usage in addition to the Member’s generated usage to Carroll EMC.

Plugging your solar system into Carroll EMC’s grid ensures your electricity needs are always met. We suggest you contact Carroll EMC for assistance and to learn more about our Distributed Generation Interconnection Policy. For example, ask about the interconnection requirements or agreements needed to ensure a safe and reliable connection to the grid.

Connecting Your Solar System to the Grid

1. Distributed Generation Interconnection Application: The solar installer should fill out the Distributed Generation Interconnection Application. Please have a one-line diagram of the proposed generating facility and the interconnection to Carroll EMC’s system ready to submit with the application. Devices such as the service panel, disconnect switch, inverters, generators, circuit breakers, etc. must contain the electrical rating and operating voltages.
2. Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement: Once the Distributed Generation Interconnection Application has been submitted, a Carroll EMC representative will contact the member for approval and to review and sign the Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement. 
3. Approve Installation: Carroll EMC will contact the solar installer to approve installation once the application and agreement have been approved. 
4. Meter Changeout: Once the solar installation is complete, the solar installer must contact Carroll EMC to move forward with changing the member’s meter to the bi-directional meter. 
5. Net Metering Rate: When the bi-directional meter has been installed, the member has permission to operate their solar system and their account will be set up on the Net Metering Rate. 

Is Rooftop Solar Right For You?

As your trusted energy advisor, Carroll EMC can help you make smart energy investments, including right-sizing a rooftop solar installation to best meet your needs, goals and financial objectives. We can help you understand your current electricity use, the many important factors to consider with a rooftop solar installation and what you can expect to gain from your investment.

Review the resources on this page and call us at 770-832-3552 to speak with one of our experienced energy advisors. You can also answer a few short questions to generate an estimate of your solar generation potential, ongoing utility costs and estimated payback period for a rooftop solar system using the assessment tool below.

Questions To Ask Solar Installer

From expected electricity generation to financing arrangement, be sure to ask a solar installer these important questions.