Solar

Considering Solar?

If powering your home or business with renewable energy is a step you’re ready to take, let CREC help you get connected. If you want to learn if installing a renewable generation system is right for you, we’re here to help you.

Questions? We're here to help.

800-392-3709

Is Solar Energy Right for Me?

Learn more about solar installations, how they work and if your home is in an ideal place to install a solar generation system.

Solar panels capture sunlight rays and convert it into direct current (DC) electricity.
An inverter is used to convert the DC power generated by the solar panels into alternating current (AC) power. AC power is what your home uses.
Your home will consume the energy that was generated by your solar panel generation system.
Any energy that is produced and not consumed at the time of production may flow back onto MVEC’s grid or may be stored in a battery for future use if one is installed with your system.

Google takes the location of your home to determine sun exposure. To use Project Sunroof, search for your home to determine if your roof is ideal for a solar generation system. You’ll be given a breakdown of costs, energy savings, finance options and list of solar providers. Visit our FAQs section for more information to help you make an informed decision.

visit project sunroof

You are now leaving CREC's website and are going to a website that is not operated by Cuivre River Electric Cooperative. We are not responsible for the content or availability of linked sites. CREC offers links to other third party websites that may be of interest to our website visitors. The links provided in our website are provided solely for your convenience and may assist you in locating other useful information on the Internet. When you click on these links you will leave CREC’s website and will be redirected to another site. These sites are not under the control of Cuivre River. Cuivre River is not responsible for the content of linked third party websites. We are not an agent for these third parties nor do we endorse or guarantee their products. We make no representation or warranty regarding the accuracy of the information contained in the linked sites. We suggest that you always verify the information obtained from linked websites before acting upon this information.

Once you’ve made the decision to install a solar system, the next step is choosing a reputable solar installer.
Here are some steps that you should follow when selecting a solar company.

Compile a List of Available Solar Providers
The easiest way to compare solar providers is to create a document that includes details of each company, all on one page.
Evaluate the Pros and Cons of Choosing a Local Installer or a National Company
When comparing your provider options, it’s important to be aware of the differences between a local business and a national company. Typically speaking, larger companies are more established and can offer more comprehensive warranties. They may also offer more payment options and maintenance services, such as panel cleaning.
Check Company Credentials
In most cases, experience is more important than company size. Look through company websites to find out how long each has been in business. See if any advertise how many solar panel systems they’ve installed, and consider the types of roofing each company has worked with successfully in the past.
Read Reviews
All the certifications and experience in the world won’t matter as much if the company doesn’t treat its customers well. Search for customer reviews on websites like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. If you don’t find any, or only find a few, contact the company and ask for references.
Review Each Company’s Financing Options
There are a few different ways to finance solar panels, including paying cash, taking out a loan or leasing.You’ll want to find out which options each company on your list offers and make note of it.
Request Multiple Quotes
Based on the information you’ve compiled for each company, narrow down your list to five or so top picks. These will be the companies you call to request a personalized quote. Make sure you are comparing quotes that are for similar sized systems. For example, if you are interested in installing a 5 KW system, you’ll want to make sure that all companies quote you for the same system size.
Most companies will schedule an appointment to see your property so they can accurately calculate prices. During this time, ask any questions still left unanswered, including the following.
- Do you handle the permits my city and state require?
- Based on my monthly energy usage, what size system do I need to meet my energy goals?
- Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what’s included?
- What’s the process like if I wanted to take the next steps with your company?

Missouri Net Metering and Easy Connection Act

On January 1, 2008, a law took effect in Missouri mandating that all electric utilities offer net metering and interconnection to consumers generating 100 kilowatts (kWs) or less of electricity from renewable resources.

Net metering enables the consumer (generator) to "export" power to the utility's grid that is in excess of immediate on-site needs to offset an equal amount of power supplied by the utility at a different time in the billing period. When this situation occurs, the consumer is billed by the utility for the "net" amount of power used in excess of the power the consumer generates on-site.

During the billing period, if the consumer generates more power than the total amount of kilowatt-hours (kWhs) used (a combination of the amount generated on-site and the amount supplied by the utility), the utility provides the consumer a "credit" from the surplus power based on the avoided cost of the utility to generate the kWhs.

The law applies to only generating systems that are powered by renewable resources. These resources may include wind, solar, or any other source of energy certified as renewable by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Consumers with qualifying generating systems are required to complete an application. The application must be accompanied by a plan that includes a wiring diagram and specifications for the generating system and must be approved by the utility. The consumer must also submit certification from a professional engineer or licensed electrician indicating that the installation meets the interconnection requirements of the various safety codes, and other requirements.

The consumer is responsible for all costs and expenses to install, operate, maintain, repair, and periodically test the generating system. The cost of special metering equipment is also the responsibility of the consumer. For safety purposes, the generating system is required to have a lockable, visible disconnect, accessible to utility personnel. The system must also have controls that prevent it from supplying power to the utility's grid when the generating system is not energized or operating normally.

Many other requirements are contained in the application.

For more information or to request an application, please contact Neal Harrell at nharrell@cuivre.com

For more information on renewable energy, see the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website at https://dnr.mo.gov/

Learn about Connecting a System

How net metering works.

CREC members should contact CREC very early in the solar decision-making process. Our team will be glad to take time to answer questions and provide both technical and procedural information regarding your potential solar installation. Before any solar panel generation system is installed, members must submit a completed application and signed agreement for review by CREC. CREC reserves the right to deny an installation if safety measures are not addressed.

Members that elect to install a solar panel generation system on their home will be put on CREC’s net metering policy. A net meter allows energy to flow in both directions. If a member overproduces during the day, any excess production that is not consumed will flow through the meter causing the meter to spin backwards. As a member consumes energy off of CREC’s grid, the meter spins forward. At the end of a member’s billing cycle, CREC will take the net amount, forward spins minus reverse spins, and bill members based on net consumption. If net consumption is positive, then members will be billed for that energy that was consumed off CREC’s grid. If net consumption is zero or negative, members will only be billed the monthly customer charge and any applicable fees or taxes. Please note that CREC does not buy back any excess production nor do we credit forward to the following month.

Yes. Although connected to a privately owned solar generation system, members will still receive a bill from CREC. Members can expect to receive a monthly bill that will consist of the service availability charge plus any energy that was supplied by CREC as well as any applicable fees and taxes. Members that produce 100% of their energy needs, will still receive a monthly statement that will include the service availability charge and any applicable fees and taxes.

The short answer is, No. Although your solar company may not require an upfront payment, the reality is that you may be financing your solar generation system for up to 20 years, or more. Monthly finance payment amount will vary based on the amount you finance, interest rate and cost of the solar panel system. When deciding if solar is right for you, please take into consideration the monthly payment you will incur through financing your solar panel system as well as your monthly CREC energy bill. The reduction in your CREC energy bill may be less than the monthly solar panel monthly payment.

Already Have a Solar Generation System?

Your renewable energy system, whether it is solar, wind or another generation source, will enable you to generate some of your own electricity to offset the power that you receive from CREC.

Every kilowatt hour you generate is a kilowatt hour you do not have to purchase from CREC. When you generate more than you use, any electricity you don’t consume will be exported to CREC’s grid, causing your net meter to spin backwards. As you consume energy off the grid, your net meter will spin forwards. CREC will then bill based on the net reading (forward spins minus reverse spins). Members that produce 100% of their energy needs, will still be required to pay the monthly member charge and any applicable taxes.

CREC members who install a solar generation system will continue to receive a monthly statement. Statement will include the monthly service availability charge, applicable taxes as well as any energy that was provided by CREC. If members produce 100% of their energy consumption, they will still receive a statement for the monthly service availability charge and any applicable taxes.

2025/26 Annual Report is now live.:

Considering Solar?

Questions? We're here to help.

Understanding Solar

Using Google's Project Sunroof

Selecting a Solar Company

Missouri Net Metering and Easy Connection Act

I'm considering solar, where should I start?

What is NET Metering and how does it work?

Does CREC buy back an excess energy that I produce?

Does CREC credit for months with overproduction?

Will I be getting a bill from CREC if I go solar?

Is solar energy free?

What happens with my generation system during a power outage?

Why can't I see how much energy I am generating on my CREC electric bill?

Why am I receiving an electric bill?

My solar company said I would never get an electric bill again.

Who should I contact for questions about my electric account or CREC's Net Metering program?