Customer-Owned Renewable Energy Systems

Looking to connect solar panels or wind turbines? We can help!

Drone shot of solar panels on residential roofs promoting eco-friendly energy solutions.

Installing Solar Panels or Wind Turbines:

What you should know about Customer-Owned Renewable Energy Systems

Considering solar panels or wind turbines for your home or business? Contact MPW first. Our Energy Services Advisor can walk you through essential requirements and help you understand what’s needed before hiring a contractor or purchasing equipment. Call Paul Burback at 563-262-3423 or email him to get started today.

Renewable systems can supplement your energy use, support sustainability, and may reduce costs over time. Because solar and wind production varies, your system will operate alongside MPW’s electric supply. MPW supports customer‑owned renewables, but proper coordination helps prevent issues such as voltage fluctuations that could damage equipment or MPW infrastructure. Customers who want to generate electricity can do so with a completed Interconnection Agreement for Small Renewable Generation and a paid application fee. Through MPW’s Interconnection & Net Metering Program, your system supplies your energy needs first; MPW automatically provides additional power when needed. Approved systems located within MPW’s service territory qualify for interconnection & net metering.

What is Net Metering and How Does it Work?

MPW installs a meter that records kWh you receive from the utility & any excess kWh your renewable systems sends back to MPW.

If your system produces more energy than you use, the surplus is credited to your account. Residential and Commercial I customers carry unused credits forward monthly. Each February, MPW issues an Energy Credit for any remaining banked kWh based on the previous three‑year rolling average of MPW’s purchased power cost. Credits reset to zero after the annual true‑up. Commercial II customers & above receive a monthly true-up.

What to Know Before Investing in Customer-Owned Renewables

Renewable systems produce electricity only during sunny or windy conditions. Depending on weather and your energy usage—HVAC, lighting, appliances, motors—you will still rely on MPW for backup power. 

Understanding your energy consumption helps you choose the right system size. MPW can provide usage data and suggest efficiency improvements, which may reduce the size and cost of your renewable system. 

Interconnection requirements differ between utilities, and contractors may not be familiar with MPW’s policies. Always contact MPW before signing contracts or installing equipment to review sizing, requirements, and restrictions. 

Buyer Beware

Be cautious of companies that promise quick paybacks, unusually high tax benefits, or claims that you’ll “never have a utility bill again.” Research these statements independently before committing. 

Get help from a qualified energy services advisor at MPW

MPW supports interconnection of qualified solar and wind systems. Contact us before installing any renewable equipment to ensure your project meets MPW’s safety and interconnection requirements. 

Systems up to 50 kWAC—or up to three times your historical or projected demand, not exceeding 1 MWAC—are eligible for Net Metering. Excess energy is credited at the Energy Credit rate. Call 563‑262‑3423 for more information. 

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Energy Services

For more information on customer-owned generation, energy inspections, rebates, and efficiency programs, contact our Energy Services Advisor. Interconnection documentation and program details are available here.

Paul Burback
Energy Services Advisor
3205 Cedar Street
Muscatine, IA 52761
Phone: 563-262-3423
Fax: 563-262-3315
Email