Third Sun Solar Advocates Net Metering in Ohio

Third Sun Solar, the largest solar panel installation company in Ohio, is actively fighting to protect the rights of Ohio businesses and property owners who want to increase the state's energy independence. On Oct. 3, Third Sun Solar representative Michael Smucker testified before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio staff, advocating for the protection and strengthening of Ohio's net metering rules. Smucker said PUCO never finalized the last set of rules from the 2012; Ohio law now requires a review of those standards. Ohio's net metering rule (O.A.C. 4901:1-10-28) is one of the rules under review.

Third Sun Solar Advocates Net Metering in Ohio


(Columbus, Ohio)— Third Sun Solar, the largest solar panel installation company in Ohio, is actively fighting to protect the rights of Ohio businesses and property owners who want to increase the states energy independence.

Geoff Greenfield, President, Third Sun Solar, said the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is currently reviewing rules surrounding net metering.

"Net metering is a critical utility policy," Greenfield said. He added that net metering allows utility customers to use solar systems to produce their own power, send excess energy to the utility grid during the peak sunshine periods, and then use grid power to make up what is not produced on site.

"While there are many public advantages to having this distributed generation spread throughout the utility grid, such policies are being attacked and weakened nationwide as solar continues to grow in popularity," Greenfield said. Most recently the state of Indiana weakened net metering rules, to the detriment of residents and businesses that seek to produce their own power."

Increasingly, cost-benefit analysis conducted by PUCs, national labs, and academics have shown that net metering is, in most cases, a net benefit for the utility and for non-solar ratepayers. Greenfield said weakening or eliminating net metering reduces incentives for customers to consider solar, subsequently reducing the benefit that distributed generation would have on the grid.

On Oct. 3, Third Sun Solar representative Michael Smucker testified before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio staff, advocating for the protection and strengthening of Ohios net metering rules. Smucker said PUCO never finalized the last set of rules from the 2012; Ohio law now requires a review of those standards. Ohio's net metering rule (O.A.C. 4901:1-10-28) is one of the rules under review.

"Clear and stable net metering rules are critical to solar energy customers and providers," Smucker said. "Everyone at Third Sun Solar requests PUCO to provide certain and stable net metering rules to fuel energy independence and economic development in Ohio."

About Third Sun Solar:
Third Sun Solar is a full-service clean energy company serving homeowners, businesses, institutions and government entities across the Midwest. It is a licensed electrical and general contractor that has installed more than 800 projects and 12,000 kWs of solar energy systems in 14 states since our start in 2000. Additionally, Third Sun Solar is a woman-owned, certified B-Corporation with the mission to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Its team of solar consultants, designers, financing experts and NABCEP-certified installers work to make solar easy by delivering high performance and long lasting solar solutions using its optimized design process. 

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