City of Salem

Virginia Utility Interconnection & net metering rules

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Net Metering AllowedYes
NEM TypeAnnual
Line Taps AllowedNo
Load Taps AllowedNo
AC Disconnect RequiredYes

Net metering & export

Net Metering Allowed
Yes
NEM Type
Annual
TOU Utility
No
Post Solar Billing Method
Net Metering
Net Excess Generation Notes

All monthly charges shall be in accordance with the standard billing schedule under which the customer takes service. Such charges shall be based on the customer’s net energy for the billing period, to the extent that the net energy exceeds zero. If the customer’s net energy for the billing period is zero or negative, the customer shall pay only the charges from the standard rate schedule not based on energy consumption (kWh). The customer shall receive no compensation from the City for excess generation (“negative net energy”) during the billing period. The negative net energy will be carried forward and credited against positive energy usage in subsequent billing periods. 

Negative net energy is not transferable, and the customer shall receive no compensation from the City for any negative net energy upon termination of service from the City.  

Rebates Offered
Yes
Deregulated
No
Allows Standby
Yes

Interconnection & taps

Approval Req To Install
No
Line Taps Allowed
No
Load Taps Allowed
No
Automatic Transformer Upgrade Size
0
Meter Aggregation Allowed
Yes

System size & offset

System Size Restrictions
10
System Size Restriction Type
AC kW
System Size Battery Included
No
System Size Includes Existing Systems
No
Offset Type
Combination
Offset Value
100
Offset Calculation Basis
Historical
Offset Calculation Period
12
Industry Standard Watts Sqft
2
System Offset Notes

Max System 10 kW AC

Offset Calc Tool
Historical Usage

Metering & disconnect

Production Meter Required
No
AC Disconnect Required
Yes
AC Disconnect Labeling
Utility Disconnect Switch

Plans & docs

Site Plan Reqs
  • Rapid shut down initiation device installed and located per approved plans. This device shall be mounted outside (labeled) at a readily accessible location.
SLD Reqs
  • An electrical diagram will be required with location of components on structure.
  • All wiring and components shall be labeled accordingly with proper signage.
  • An electrical engineer must stamp this diagram.
Install Reqs
  • Racking systems are bonded and grounded in accordance with the manufacture’s installation instructions, that are listed and approved, using the supplied hardware or listed equipment specified in the instructions and identified for the environment
  • Conductors shall not to be in contact with the roof surface
  • PV wiring and premises wiring shall be separated
  • Batteries are not installed in living areas
Electrical Stamp Required
Yes
Meter Num Req SLD 3LD
No
ESID Num Req SLD 3LD
No
Website
link
Phone
(540) 375-3032

Other details

Revision Required
No
Mod Swap Requires Planset
Yes
Compiled from public records, 2026. Tariffs and interconnection rules change; verify with City of Salem before you rely on this. The useful move: if an installer says you need a main panel upgrade, ask how these tap and interconnection policies were considered first.