Where MVEA fits on the map
MVEA is the co-op for a large stretch of the plains east of the Front Range, including areas just beyond Colorado Springs Utilities’ service. That edge matters right now: Colorado Springs Utilities changed its net-metering rules on September 22, 2026, and none of those changes apply to an MVEA home — MVEA runs its own tariff. Check the name on your bill before you read anything about Springs solar.
MVEA buys its wholesale power from Tri-State, and its year-end solar payout is tied to Tri-State’s energy charge.
Annual true-up or indefinite rollover
By default, MVEA pays out your leftover credits once a year, within 60 days after December 31, at its avoided wholesale energy cost — far below what you pay per kWh. The alternative is to sign an election to carry credits forward indefinitely. That’s useful if your production and usage swing year to year, but credits vanish if you move or close the account.
If you pick rollover and later switch back, you can only do it in January, and the payout for the banked balance is capped at 3,000 kWh. For most homes, sizing close to your annual usage makes the choice mostly moot.
The 10 kW AC line and the new rate plans
MVEA net-meters residential systems only up to 10 kW AC. You can install more, but the whole system then falls outside net metering. We design MVEA homes to the inverter’s AC output so they stay eligible.
MVEA is moving residential members to a choice of Demand, Time-of-Day or Flat rate plans. Its current net-metering tariff says net-metered accounts aren’t eligible for its Time-of-Day rates, so solar homes should expect to choose between the demand and flat options — confirm with MVEA how the new plans apply before you decide.
Wind, hail and open-country installs
Plains homes in MVEA territory usually have unshaded roofs and room for a ground mount, which makes production estimates reliable. Wind and hail are the design constraints; we choose racking and modules accordingly and confirm your insurer covers the array.
Rebates & programs
Programs change often. Status shown is what we could confirm on the date listed — always check with the program before you count on it.
Power of Choice residential rate plans
Status unconfirmedThree residential options — Demand (default), Time-of-Day and Flat — beginning with October usage on November bills.
EV charging equipment rebate
Status unconfirmedMVEA lists an EV charging equipment rebate; confirm current amounts with MVEA.
FAQ
Questions we hear
Does the Colorado Springs Utilities net-metering change affect MVEA members?
No. It applies only to Colorado Springs Utilities customers. MVEA sets its own net-metering tariff.
What’s the largest solar system MVEA will net-meter for a home?
10 kW AC. Larger systems can interconnect but aren’t eligible for net metering.
When does MVEA pay for leftover solar credits?
On the default option, within 60 days after December 31, at MVEA’s avoided wholesale energy charge from Tri-State.
Should I choose MVEA’s indefinite rollover?
It can suit a home that sometimes over-produces and sometimes under-produces. The trade-off is that you forfeit banked credits when you leave, and switching back is limited to January with a 3,000 kWh payout cap.
Can a net-metered MVEA home use the Time-of-Day rate?
MVEA’s net-metering tariff says net-metered accounts aren’t eligible for its Time-of-Day rates. With the new rate plans rolling out, confirm current eligibility with MVEA.