Install My Own Solar
IMPORTANT NOTE: BWL’s net metering program is closed to new customers. Starting on December 5th, customers seeking interconnection must pass our ten-question quiz to be able to receive inspection from a BWL representative. Local code inspection is still and always will be required before arrays can be energized.
BWL offers customers the ability to generate their own electricity and support renewable energy. The company’s distributed generation program enables customers to install a renewable energy system, connect to the electric utility grid and send electricity back to the grid at times when their generation exceeds their own use and receive compensation associated with the electricity sent back to the grid.
For questions regarding solar electricity for your home or business, or to receive more information on BWL’s new distributed generation program, email distributedgeneration@lbwl.com or call 800-573-3503.
Step One: Find out if solar is right for you
First, contact BWL to discuss the size of the system you are considering, prior to purchasing any equipment or beginning the installation process. Email distributedgeneration@lbwl.com or call 800-573-3503 for more information.
Prior to interconnecting your solar array, you will need to pass our ten-question quiz. The purpose of the quiz is to help ensure you get what you want out of purchasing a solar array. The educational material for the quiz is available below. When you have reviewed the material, please take the quiz below. We recommend passing the quiz before signing an agreement with a solar contractor.
Step Two: Make your home or business energy-efficient
Your best savings will always be the energy you don’t use. To maximize the benefits of your own solar power system, make sure the electricity it generates is not lost to energy-inefficiency in your home or business. Learn more about saving energy and money in your home, as well as rebates and incentives available through BWL’s Energy Savers program.
Step Three: Making the purchase
You’ve passed our informational quiz, analyzed the savings potential of installing a solar power system and taken steps to make your home more energy efficient. Now it’s time to begin.
Selecting a contractor
To install a solar electricity system on your home or business, you will need to work with a solar contractor to submit your electrical permits and interconnection application. Find out How to Select a Contractor here.
Assessing costs
With solar power becoming more available, equipment costs are declining. Installed system costs can be as little as $3 per watt or perhaps even less. Financing through Michigan Saves is available for qualifying solar PV systems. Beware of zero money down solar financing agreements, as they will often leave you paying more for your monthly electrical bills, especially in the winter when there are fewer hours of daylight (see Selecting a Solar Contractor for more information on properly assessing costs of a solar power system).
Incentives
BWL offers a solar PV rebate of $500 per installed kilowatt, up to $2,000 (4 kW). The Solar Rebate Application must be submitted to receive this incentive.
Distributed Generation Outflow Credit
BWL will purchase excess solar energy produced by customers who are enrolled in the Distributed Generation Program. Below is a chart that shows how the rate is calculated:
| Source of Distributed Generation Credit | Credit Per-kWh Outflowed |
| Average On-Peak Cost of Energy (2021-2023) | $0.050 |
| Capacity Credit Average (2021-2023) | $0.012 |
| Renewable Energy Credit Value | $0.013 |
| Total Outflow Credit | $0.075 |
Average Cost of Energy: This value was calculated based on the peak average cost of energy between 2021-2023 when customer’s solar panels are most likely to be generating electricity and exporting to the grid.
Capacity Credit Average: This value is calculated by importing the per-kWh value for a capacity credit from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) for 2021-2023
Renewable Energy Credit Value: This value comes from enrolling in BWL’s voluntary green price program.
Step Four: Submit application
Before the contractor starts work on your new solar power system, you must submit an Interconnection Application and review the rules & regulations.