Kankakee Valley REMC is collaborating with nine additional Wabash Valley Power Association member co-ops to launch Co-op Solar, a new community solar program.

Starting in October, Kankakee Valley REMC members will be able to purchase “shares” of the solar energy generated by Co-op Solar. Co-op Solar will replace the current Community Solar program offered at Kankakee Valley REMC. Wabash Valley Power will own and maintain the solar arrays.

As part of this collaboration, we have sold our present array to Wabash Valley Power, that serves all participating Co-op Solar cooperatives. The solar array at Kankakee Valley REMC will be joining additional arrays in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri to create up to 1.7 megawatts (MW) of electricity for Co-op Solar. The program includes three newly created solar arrays in separate locations to maximize the potential to create electricity.

“Community solar programs have been gaining interest across the United States as a great way to take advantage of solar energy without requiring homeowners to spend a lot of money to install and maintain hardware themselves,” said Dennis Weiss, CEO of Kankakee Valley REMC. “Often, people are interested in solar power, but are turned off by the complexity of properly installing and maintaining solar panels, which also can be incredibly expensive. We handle the difficulties so they can participate.”

The Co-op Solar program at Kankakee Valley REMC will allow members to purchase shares at the current rate of 20 cents per share each month for up to one half of a member’s average annual electricity use. This program may not create a rebate on a participating member’s bill.

This program offers members a unique opportunity to support renewable energy. Through this collaboration, we can create more renewable energy at a more affordable price that allows more members to participate.

“We are excited to offer this voluntary renewable energy option because it is the easiest and fastest way to get into solar,” Weiss said. “Because it is more affordable than rooftop, we believe more members will be able to participate.”

If you are interested in participating, call our office or visit our website at
www.kvremc.com.

Members can sign up now, with the first month billing to take place on bills received in October.