Solar production can create more than electricity.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates, or SRECs, recognize the renewable value of the electricity your system produces. Learn the fundamentals, watch the original explainer, and see why a guided path makes the process more approachable.
PJM SERVICE-AREA ELIGIBILITY
Could your solar system be a fit?
If your solar system is located in the blue PJM service area shown on this map, you may be eligible to work with Buckeye Solar Credits on your SRECs. The PJM region extends across all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
Important: Being within the PJM region is a helpful starting point, but it is not a guarantee. Final eligibility can depend on the applicable state program, utility territory, system details, interconnection, generation data, and registration requirements.
I live in a different state or a rural area. Would I qualify for SRECs?
Possibly. A rural address is not automatically excluded, and PJM covers parts of several states. The key question is whether your solar system meets the relevant state-program and tracking requirements for its exact location. Send us your system details and we can help review the next step.
Who is PJM, and how do they play a part in the SREC process?
PJM Interconnection coordinates the movement of electricity across its multi-state region. PJM Environmental Information Services operates GATS, a system used for renewable-energy certificate tracking and trading. State rules still determine program eligibility, while GATS helps record and manage the environmental attributes associated with eligible generation.
START WITH THE BASICS
An SREC is a record of the renewable value your solar system produces.
A solar renewable energy certificate is a digital certificate tied to the amount of renewable electricity your system generates. SRECs are separate from the electricity itself, and participation can require generation reporting, registration, and documentation.
ORIGINAL EXPLAINER VIDEO
What is an SREC? A quick breakdown.
This original video walks through the core concept behind SRECs. It is a helpful first look before you decide whether to start the registration process for your own system.
- Understand what an SREC represents
- See why production tracking matters
- Learn where Buckeye Solar Credits can help with the workflow
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions solar owners ask most often.
These answers preserve the key educational content from the original Learn page. For questions about your specific system or eligibility, contact the Buckeye Solar Credits team.
Understanding SRECs
What are SRECs?
SRECs are tradable certificates that represent the environmental benefits of generating one megawatt-hour of solar electricity. When solar panels produce energy, the related SRECs can be sold separately from the electricity itself.
Am I selling my electricity when I sell SRECs?
No. Selling SRECs transfers the environmental attributes tied to solar production, not the electricity itself. Your electricity use and utility or net-metering arrangement continue separately.
Why do SRECs exist?
SRECs support renewable-energy goals by creating a market for the renewable attributes of solar generation. They help encourage continued solar development and participation.
Are SRECs created from excess power only?
SRECs are tied to total eligible solar production, not only excess generation. One SREC is created after one MWh, or 1,000 kWh, of eligible solar electricity is produced.
Tracking and enrollment
How is an SREC created or “minted”?
SRECs are created through a tracking process that records solar production. Once the required generation threshold is reached and the applicable program requirements are met, the credit can be created in the relevant account.
How will you get my energy data?
During onboarding, customers can grant the necessary access to supported solar monitoring platforms. Production data is then used to support the ongoing SREC workflow.
Can I participate in net metering and SRECs?
Net metering and SRECs address different aspects of solar generation. Net metering concerns electricity-bill credits, while SRECs represent renewable attributes; customers should review their own utility and program rules.
What does sign-up involve?
Sign-up typically includes system information, production access where appropriate, documentation, and the agreements required for the program. Buckeye Solar Credits provides a guided path through these steps.
Timing and payments
How far back can SRECs be created?
Eligibility and timing can depend on system installation, interconnection, production history, and applicable program rules. Contact us about your specific system to understand the available path.
How long until the first payment?
Timing depends on registration, production collection, credit creation, and processing steps. The team can explain the current workflow and expected timing for your application.
Are SREC payments taxable?
Tax treatment can depend on your individual circumstances. Buckeye Solar Credits does not provide tax advice; consult a qualified tax professional about how SREC-related income may apply to you.
Need help with your system?
Can Buckeye Solar Credits handle the complicated pieces?
That is the purpose of the guided experience. We help organize the application, documentation, production tracking, and program steps so solar owners do not have to navigate the process alone.
Do installers have a path too?
Yes. Existing installers can use the Partnering page to learn how Buckeye Solar Credits supports customer handoffs and SREC workflow coordination while their teams remain focused on installation work.
What should I do next?
Watch the video above, read the FAQs, and start a customer application when you are ready. If you have a casual question first, the About page includes a contact form.
Ready for a clearer SREC path?
Start your application when you are ready, or explore how Buckeye Solar Credits works with solar installers.