LIVEWIRE | APRIL 2017 | PAGE 3
Community Solar Frequently Asked Questions What is community solar?
Community solar is a simple, affordable way for members to participate in renewable energy. It allows many members to share the benefi ts of one local array located at TCEC’s headquarters. Interested members will subscribe to a panel, or more if they choose, and receive a credit on their bill for their share of the energy produced by the array. Members do not install and maintain solar panels on their property.
Where is the solar array located? The solar array is located on about six acres just north and east of TCEC’s headquarters in Hooker.
How large is the solar array? It is a one megawatt array with 3,840 panels that are each 400 watts.
How much does it cost for a subscription? In 2017, subscriptions are $326. This is a one-time fee for a subscription valid through 2041.
Who can subscribe to the array?
Initially, subscriptions were limited to residential members only on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. They are now also available to nonprofi t organizations.
How much will my credit on my bill be? Each month, your electric bill will be credited for the power produced in the previous month by the array based on the number of panels you own. The credit will vary from month-to- month. The credit averages about $2.60 per month or about $30 per year per subscription. It may be more or less, depending on a variety of factors. If a member purchases multiple subscriptions, the total credit is not intended to exceed the amount of the monthly bill.
What is the payback period?
We estimate the payback period for the purchase of a panel subscription is approximately ten years. Subscriptions are valid through 2041.
How many panel subscriptions can I buy? Members can purchase a limited number of panel subscriptions, their credit should not exceed their energy consumption each month. We calculate the number of panels members are eligible to purchase based on 80 percent of the primary account’s average annual energy use. Call TCEC at 580.652.2418 for the number of panels you are eligible to purchase.
We Make Solar Simple TCEC members now have a simple, affordable option for renewable energy. 1 The sun. 3 Members will receive a credit on their bill
for the energy produced by the array. Community solar also benefits our members as a whole because it reduces power costs for peak demand from our wholesale power suppliers.
2
Members subscribe to one or more panels, each sharing the benefits of one local installation without having to install and maintain solar panels on their roof or property.
580.652.2418
www.tcec.coop
For more details, call us today or visit our website.
How did TCEC come to a decision on the development of the solar array? TCEC evaluated several vendors over the course of a year before making a decision that had the most benefi t to all its members. We spoke to several developers and other utilities that have implemented community solar before making a decision to partner with Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) to build the array. TPI is a subsidiary of Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. TPI’s solar offering provides maximum energy density and requires approximately 40 percent less space than traditional systems. This model also does not create a subsidy between those that participate and those that don’t.
Who is responsible for storm damage, such as hail, and regular maintenance on the solar array? As the developer of the project, Today’s Power, Inc. in partnership with TCEC will be responsible for the maintenance and insurance on the solar array.
What happens if I move?
If you move after purchasing a subscription, you have several options to sell or donate your subscription at a depreciated rate, as specifi ed in the purchase agreement, including: • Have your subscription applied to your new TCEC account • Sell your subscription with your home or separately to someone else within TCEC’s service territory
• Donate your subscription within TCEC’s service territory • Gift your subscription within TCEC’s service territory • Sell the subscription back to TCEC
Where can I learn more? Call TCEC at 580.652.2418 or email us at
info@tcec.coop. n
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