There’s nothing better than a sunny day in Mississippi, no matter the season. Feeling that sunshine on your skin may encourage homeowners to consider converting our state’s abundant sunshine into power. It’s true that installing solar panels on your home may be an option for reducing energy costs and producing your own clean energy. But it is important to take steps to ensure that your money is well spent and you don’t fall victim to solar scams.

Entergy Mississippi customers can offset their electricity costs and even have excess solar energy sent to the power grid for a credit on their bill, a process known as “net metering.” However, several steps must be taken before the solar panels are installed. Following these steps will ensure that the panels can be safely connected to the power grid and that the power they generate can be tracked accurately.

How it works

• Generation: Solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity.
• Consumption: Customers consume the solar power when they use their lights, televisions, computers, appliances, etc.
• Net metering: When customers produce extra solar energy, a meter on their home tracks the amount sent to the power grid.
• Bill credit: Customers who send excess power to the grid receive a credit from Entergy on their monthly bill.

What to know so you avoid scams

• Entergy Mississippi does not partner with third-party solar companies for at-home solar solutions. Although we partner with some energy efficiency companies that also provide solar products, they aren’t allowed to promote their affiliation with Entergy Mississippi
• If a salesperson claims you will never pay an electricity bill again after installing solar, don’t believe it. You would still receive electric bills after installing solar panels, because a net metering facility uses Entergy Mississippi equipment to provide electric service to your location.
• If a salesperson claims you will not pay anything for solar, which pays for itself, you should be concerned. Solar agreements often come with a lengthy financial commitment.
• There’s no law in Mississippi that will require everyone to have solar panels at their home or business. If you hear otherwise, beware.
• If a salesperson pressures you to sign on the spot to get a deal, remember that state law gives you 3 business days to evaluate a solar proposal.

If you think you may be exposed to a solar business scam, report it to Entergy Mississippi, the Mississippi Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau. Keep records of everything presented to you by a solar sales representative.

Apply first

If you decide to go ahead with net metering: Residential customers should apply and be approved for a Level 1 Interconnection Agreement before the metering can be installed for connection to the Entergy grid. The application form is available online. It may be helpful to ask the vendor of the solar panel to assist in completing the application.

Next steps

Once a customer’s Level 1 Interconnection Agreement is approved, Entergy Mississippi will install a two-way meter to track any excess solar energy sent to the power grid. Customers who send excess power to the grid receive a credit from Entergy on their monthly bill. They do not get paid by check for the credit unless the customer closes the account and there is a credit balance on the account at that time.

Get the facts

The Mississippi Public Service Commission has approved net metering for solar users in Mississippi and regulates the net metering programs offered by the utilities in the state. In conjunction with the Mississippi Attorney General’s office, the MPSC has developed a free publication to help consumers understand how solar power and net metering works. Check out A Consumer’s Guide to Net Metering and Solar Power in Mississippi for what to consider before buying or leasing hardware.

The guide includes a wealth of information, including tips for researching the solar company, getting the best deal on solar panels and understanding the agreement from the solar company before signing. The guide also includes a list of key questions to ask the representative of the solar company before signing. As with any large purchase or major home project, it is important to do your homework and determine the best options for you and your family.