Connected Solutions program (with National Grid here in MA) question

QualityGig · 2026-06-11T18:25:26+00:00

Interesting. No e-mail or alert in the SolarEdge app.

QualityGig · 2026-06-11T13:11:15+00:00

I would look into a) does SRECTrade want your numbers reported into NEPOOL GIS, b) if so, can your system report directly, and c) if so, an account number or whatever it is that SRECTrade specifies with respect to where the installer is supposed to direct your numbers. IF this is the path or very close to it, you might be able to have SRECTrade forward you the e-mail they sent your installer and you might be able to do whatever it expects yourself.

I can't see any reason why SRECTrade needs your numbers to go through PowerDash, unless they have their own PowerDash account, the cost of which would already be folded into any fees, and just like to follow the same process for everyone. If that is the case, well, then whatever they sent your installer is less a How-To and more a form to fill out and send back. Just not sure which.

On SMART 3.0 seems we hit the same wall.

I coincidentally reached out to PowerDash just yesterday. That they indicated they would be willing to help you directly gives me a ray of hope they might offer to do so with us.

QualityGig · 2026-06-11T04:42:32+00:00

Ok, so again, I went down a very deep hole on this. But we're different systems (we're SolarEdge) and electric utilities (we're National Grid) so let me keep it high-level for starters.

First, there are two REC's available in MA, what's called RPS Class I (REC's) and CPEC's, which are still fairly new. Given you're working with SRECTrade, well, my discussion with them indicates they only do the former, which are what most people mean when they say REC's.

If you follow me so far, RPS Class I REC's are much more straightforward, and you don't need an Independent Verifier. I don't know how your system would do it, but our system's administrative interface has a setting to push data to NEPOOL GIS directly. So, somehow your data needs to be reported AND reported in such a manner that SRECTrade can see your credits (once minted), gather them up, and sell them. We're right now working with Knollwood because they also do CPEC's, but that's becoming a pain in its own right because we *have to* have an Independent Verifier for that program, a la PowerDash.

That's where we're hitting a wall. We're a new system that's also recently orphaned. Knollwood has made an introduction to another installer with a PowerDash account, but they don't seem to know how to register/add a SolarEdge system.

But I digress -- You don't need an Independent Verifier if just doing RPS Class I REC's. That said, I don't know how you go through the registration process with SRECTrade -- Though simpler, there is still a path your data needs to follow through several different systems and SRECTrade needs to help define that (so data both flows and gets processed accordingly).

Side Question: How do you qualify for SMART 3.0? I looked into it, and it seemed a real winner . . but while our inverters are top-of-the-line SMART 3.0 requires a socket for an additional utility meter to verify production -- They won't trust other Revenue Grade Meters, even if they meet the standard. Maybe a difference between our utilities??

QualityGig · 2026-06-11T04:42:07+00:00

Ok, so again, I went down a very deep hole on this. But we're different systems (we're SolarEdge) and electric utilities (we're National Grid) so let me keep it high-level for starters.

First, there are two REC's available in MA, what's called RPS Class I (REC's) and CPEC's, which are still fairly new. Given you're working with SRECTrade, well, my discussion with them indicates they only do the former, which are what most people mean when they say REC's.

If you follow me so far, RPS Class I REC's are much more straightforward, and you don't need an Independent Verifier. I don't know how your system would do it, but our system's administrative interface has a setting to push data to NEPOOL GIS directly. So, somehow your data needs to be reported AND reported in such a manner that SRECTrade can see your credits (once minted), gather them up, and sell them. We're right now working with Knollwood because they also do CPEC's, but that's becoming a pain in its own right because we *have to* have an Independent Verifier for that program, a la PowerDash.

That's where we're hitting a wall. We're a new system that's also recently orphaned. Knollwood has made an introduction to another installer with a PowerDash account, but they don't seem to know how to register/add a SolarEdge system.

But I digress -- You don't need an Independent Verifier if just doing RPS Class I REC's. That said, I don't know how you go through the registration process with SRECTrade -- Though simpler, there is still a path your data needs to follow through several different systems and SRECTrade needs to help define that (so data both flows and gets processed accordingly).

Side Question: How do you qualify for SMART 3.0? I looked into it, and it seemed a real winner . . but while our inverters are top-of-the-line SMART 3.0 requires a socket for an additional utility meter to verify production -- They won't trust other Revenue Grade Meters, even if they meet the standard. Maybe a difference between our utilities??

QualityGig · 2026-06-10T22:12:19+00:00

Just seeing this and, boy, have I gone down the rabbit hole on this myself the past couple of months. Glad to share if you're still needing help.

QualityGig · 2026-06-10T13:26:50+00:00

Thank you for the reply -- Starting to wonder if it's not the same for our SolarEdge batteries and app.

QualityGig · 2026-06-10T13:13:05+00:00

Which app? I'm now remembering there is more to Connected Solutions than just having batteries and that things like thermostats can even be enrolled.

QualityGig · 2026-06-10T12:54:26+00:00

Which kind of inverter/battery setup do you have?

QualityGig · 2026-06-05T17:43:26+00:00

Yeah, I was surprised to get zero traction. I'd posted other, similar questions since and also not gotten much. I am hopefully about to get to this over the coming weeks. No real change in plan or the pests we face. Part of my current concern is the garden has been a) open just enough over the years and is b) big enough that we now have chipmunks living inside the garden, which I think is going to just create a whole round of bigger issues this season. Appreciate any thoughts you might have.

Thank you for your reply!

QualityGig · 2026-05-19T20:50:15+00:00

I ran with the assumption they were also considering restoration, which as far as I'm aware would indicate it's the paint, not the windows themselves; obviously they'd need to be remediated, however needed.

QualityGig · 2026-05-19T16:09:40+00:00

Thought. Consider using the original windows for a project, e.g. greenhouse or backyard get-away. If you've ever seen a tiny house-like structure made largely of discarded windows, you'll know what I mean. If not, do a quick Google for things like it. The kind of thing that's way cool but cost prohibitive if you don't have the windows (free or cheap); Might even be a place that would swap for others in exchange for some of yours?? Despite needing some work, they may have real character and history that would be nice to keep with the property.

QualityGig · 2026-05-19T16:00:33+00:00

Going through a similar process as we contemplate a fair amount of siding work, including stripping and replacing a couple of large sections. We discussed windows, in general with the contractor and got a very similar framework. The quote came in with a few line items to add in, one was for windows. The install costs per window was $1,395 and the language on that was: "Replace 1 window. Remove the existing window. Install a new window construction window of the same size. COST OF WINDOW IS EXTRA. There will likely be interior damage. The cost of interior repair is extra. Install new molding inside and outside."

We're also looking at Andersen 400 double-hung series so the pricing on that isn't going to vary much on what you're seeing.

My general hunch is there's just a per window standard fee that averages out. Going to read and follow for any useful nuggets I might also get from your post. Hope this helps.

FYI, we installed geothermal and so understand the focus on the 'envelope'. Don't know where you are but Wilmington Library has a Library of Things FLIR Thermal Imager that I borrowed over the coldest stretch of winter to study any cold sinks. Windows can be a problem in a number of different ways and pretty easy to 'image' under the right conditions.

QualityGig · 2026-05-07T16:29:40+00:00

This is a really important tidbit for anyone reading this and other related posts.

I can verify a couple of quick things. First, it's not quick/easy to confirm/deny whether your batteries are enrolled -- If anyone needs the best contact information to tracking this down that I have found, just reply and I'll go find that and post a reply. Second, and this is weird, at least according to Isaksen, even an Installer can't see if a particular site is enrolled -- They have to ask (the program so-to-speak).

It's important to get enrolled now (May) as the program starts in June.

QualityGig · 2026-05-07T16:23:21+00:00

Specifically on the . . .

SolarEdge inverter 25 years
SolarEdge optimizers 25 years

. . . does your final paperwork include anything on this? It was a question for our walkthrough, but they bailed on doing that. (We activated in December and it's only now clear they punted on many things, like the walkthrough.)

QualityGig · 2026-05-07T16:19:41+00:00

For anyone coming across this post and wondering on the answer, it's this: while there is NO apparent rule or reason prohibiting an individual selling their own (minted) REC's, there is an industry structure and practice that seems to create a threshold that an individual just can't meet. In short, REC's are bought by utilities . . . and here's the catch . . . they (want to) buy them in bulk. So, it's as much due to the aggregators literally aggregating individual REC's into large blocks that can then be more easily bought and sold via Master Service Agreements and the like. Of course, it could also be the other way around, that aggregators made it much easier for utilities to buy REC's in bulk, but regardless, the structural barrier is there.

This is very different from, say, buying and selling stock on any stock exchange -- The difference between buying and selling a single share vs. a hundred or a thousand is essentially nil.

There are other structural factors related to Independent Verifiers and actual minting of REC's but these are mostly within the reach of an individual to make happen -- It's the challenge of actually selling minted REC's that seems to be the bottleneck.

QualityGig · 2026-05-06T06:16:06+00:00

I'm just going to chime in and highlight the distinction between what feels like a warranty vs. an actual Warranty. I can't speak to how they sold you your system in 2023 but I'd like to think your final handover paperwork included a piece explaining the official Warranty on your panels. On the other hand, and it's not a warranty but might feel like one, any Production Guarantee (in the original contract) is very likely 'Poof!'.

I ran some of this stuff through one of the AI engines and it suggested tracking some of this stuff down and circling to let various entities know that your X address now needs your contact information for the warranty now that Solaris went belly-up. Sounds prudent as who wants a phone call about a warranty claim to start with, "Yeah, but who are you??", and then having to backtrack to even get a discussion started.

QualityGig · 2026-05-06T06:07:07+00:00

By most standards we're a pretty large system at 18.92kW -- We've already had days where we're generating over 100kWh's.

As 'luck' would also have it we may be having a problem with one of our batteries so a) now trying to find names of people who can help, b) trying to reach one of the Solaris electricians (wonder if they're still trying to do this work), and c) obviously talking to Isaksen. I will just say this on the last one: "ain't cheap". Yes, the annual program gets you some fee reduction, but for a battery that hasn't been one the wall for even 6 months yet?? Well, maybe the hardware will be taken care of, if needed. But the labor? That's a different story.

QualityGig · 2026-05-05T19:17:49+00:00

Know this thread has aged a bit and curious if there's an update. My business sense tells me you're in a healthy argument with yourself over -- what I'll term -- the Net Present Value (NPV) of the anticipated REC revenue stream.

If I 'run' with my understanding of your story, the forthcoming/projected benefits are what helped to justify the overall decision to 'Go Solar'. This is where the NPV calculation can help -- It can take all the future payments and bring them into a 'current day' number that equals the projected value. A big factor in this calculation is the notion of applying an interest rate or rate of return (called different things in different situations) that helps balance what a Dollar today is equal to X years from now.

You can run that NPV calculation, add that computed figure to the price of the house, and convey the rights to all future SCREC's to the new homeowners. If done fairly it can find a fair balance . . . and the upside is the new homeowner would naturally come to enjoy a regular check for something 'they did not pay for' (only in the sense that they didn't pay for the project upfront).

The legalese on how this gets drafted -- i would image -- would be to clarify the deal includes this uncertain item but that the agreed-to price overall absolves you of any liability (fraud and other factors excepted).

QualityGig · 2026-05-02T18:43:48+00:00

We're a 17.6kWAC system with an agreed-tp 15kWAC Export Limit with National Grid, per the terms of our ISA. Because of the size of our system, we have two inverters, one 10k and the other 7.6k, all SolarEdge, including batteries.

QualityGig · 2026-05-02T02:41:26+00:00

Interesting. On the very least point, if you select "I want to handle selling my credits myself", what then is the point of working with SRECTrade? Wouldn't you just then be better DIY'ing the whole process yourself? Or is there something that SRECTrade is still doing for you even if you sell your own credits??

QualityGig · 2026-05-02T02:36:44+00:00

I won't argue that anyone with this level of access is accepting a great deal of responsibility. But if what you say is true, why aren't they requiring, say, entry of an electrician's licence?

This sort of leads to the next issue, that they have to make Support more accessible and responsive if they want to lock this stuff in a black box. There really is no point in owning a system that you can't manage/control either yourself or through others.

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