You can now go solar without installing panels on your property.
Community Solar lets you share in the benefits of solar power, even if you can’t, or prefer not to, install solar panels on your property.
What is Community Solar?
Solar communities are groups of solar panels installed at one location. They offer you a solar energy option. This means you get a credit on your bill for the solar energy generated without needing to have equipment attached to your home.
How does Community Solar Work?
You subscribe to the output from the co-op’s Community Solar site for a 20 year period. Choose the number of blocks you would like. You can add more units* at any time, as long as they are available. Once energy production begins, each month you will receive credit for a portion of the production from the Community Solar farm, based on the number of units you have chosen. You pay a portion of the cost per unit upfront, and the remainder of the cost is paid in a monthly charge. The output of those blocks is credited back to you on a cents-per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. You pay a one-time fee to cover administrative costs.
Community Solar Process Overview
- Decide how many units of solar you want.
- Complete the subscription agreement and pay the one-time participation fee of $99
- Once you're a participant, you'll be notified when the solar farm is up and running.
- Start receiving solar energy credits on your monthly bill based on the production from the Community Solar farm. Your portion is based on how many units you have selected.
Call us to find out more: 866-OUR-COOP (687-2667).
PARTICIPATION
CHARGE
$99
MONTHLY
CHARGE
$14.75
/Unit
MONTHLY
CREDIT
$0.10
/kWh
Production Estimates
| No. of Units | Approximate kWh | Potential bill credit avg./month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 unit | = 150 kWh | = $15.00 |
| 2 units | = 300 kWh | = $30.00 |
| 3 units | = 450 kWh | = $45.00 |
| 4 units | = 600 kWh | = $60.00 |
Please note:These figures are only averages; solar energy production will fluctuate month to month based on weather and time of year.
Community Solar Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Any residential member may participate in the Community Solar program on a first-come, first-served basis.
Am I buying a portion of the Community Solar Farm or just the energy from it?
You are subscribing to the energy produced by the solar farm in units of kW.
Are there participation term limits?
The overall program term is 20 years.
Is there a limit to how many blocks I can choose?
The minimum subscription is 1 unit. The maximum is 4 units.
What is the average production per year?
Our first Community Solar array will produce approximately 22,500 kWh per month, which is roughly equivalent to the energy used by 20 average homes in our service area. It is important to note that solar production will vary from month to month based on weather and time of year.
How does the cost of Community Solar compare to installing a solar panel system on my home?
While the cost of installing solar panels on your home varies greatly from house to house, the pricing for our Community Solar program is in line with the average cost of putting solar panels on the home — without having equipment installed on your property.
If my solar subscription produces more energy than I use, does the cooperative buy it back?
If your subscription produces more energy than your home consumes in one month, the extra solar energy goes into a “bank” on your account that will be used in the next month or months.
How do solar tax credits work?
Applicable tax credits are figured into the Community Solar program pricing.
What if there is storm damage to the Community Solar farm?
If the Community Solar arrays are damaged during a storm, you will receive a proportionate share of the energy produced by any non-damaged panels while repairs are made.
What happens if I move?
If you move to another home served by the co-op, the solar energy subscription moves with you. If you move out of the co-op’s service area, the subscription can remain at the current location or be re-marketed by the co-op. However, the upfront charge paid when beginning the program is not refundable.