Xcel net meter

[2milehi]

I live in Colorado and I am looking to do a solar install. Does anyone know that if you request Xcel (the electric company) to install a net meter, will they honor that request and install a net meter before I install the solar?

Thanks

[J.P.M.]

I'd simply call Xcel and ask them. Seems a straightforward question that could even be done anonymously.

[JSchnee21]

Usually the bi-directional meter is installed as part of grid-tied, net metering, interconnect agreement between you (prepped by your installer) and your power company. Generally (though not always) it is installed after your solar system is installed and has passed all inspections (AHJ, PoCo if they choose to, though many opt out). Sometimes there is a nominal fee (for the truck roll) to pull your existing meter and replace it with the bi-directional one.

But, I'm not sure what you're really asking. Better questions might be:

1) Does my state / PoCo still offer net metering? Some states have phased this out
2) Will they honor a self install (if that's what your thinking)?
3) How can I get a copy of my PoCo's interconnect agreement (call them) to see what hoops I have to jump through
4) Which version of the electrical code (NEC 2014, 2017?) does my install need to be compliant with?

[ButchDeal]

I live in Colorado and I am looking to do a solar install. Does anyone know that if you request Xcel (the electric company) to install a net meter, will they honor that request and install a net meter before I install the solar?

Thanks

Meters required for net metering are never installed BEFORE the solar is installed and inspected.

[2milehi]

Thanks for the responses. I have called Xcel and they have directed me to email my question to a specific department. I am looking for "customer" answers and that is why I posted on here.

[J.P.M.]

Thanks for the responses. I have called Xcel and they have directed me to email my question to a specific department. I am looking for "customer" answers and that is why I posted on here.

Better answers come from those writing and enforcing the rules.

[ButchDeal]

Thanks for the responses. I have called Xcel and they have directed me to email my question to a specific department. I am looking for "customer" answers and that is why I posted on here.

Not sure what "Customer" answers are but power companies have requirements for grid interconnection.
They test those requirements before putting the meter in place, thus my answer that they don't put the meter in place before solar is installed.
You put in the application for interconnect before solar is installed, they give you the go ahead, then you install, inspect and send them notice that it passed all county inspections and the utility has so many days to grant PTO. During that time they (and they often are late), they will send someone out to check their requirements (labels, AC disconnect, site lines, shut down, etc) and install the bi-directional meter.
So the solar or other generation plant must be fully installed and functional before they will install the net meter.