Ron Raypole
I am pleased to announce that Noble REMC will launch Co-op Solar this upcoming January! Co-op Solar is a new program that will provide you with the opportunity to purchase solar energy — without having to buy or maintain solar panels!
Co-op Solar is ideal for those who are interested in solar energy but cannot afford or are unable to install panels where they live. With community solar programs such as Co-op Solar, a single organization owns and maintains the solar arrays (which are collections of solar panels), and offers members with the opportunity to purchase shares of solar energy.
Co-op Solar features solar arrays in Peru, Indiana; Paris, Illinois; and Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, to create up to 1.7 megawatts of electricity. We are partnering with Wabash Valley Power, our not-for-profit wholesale energy provider, which will own and maintain the arrays. Through this collaboration, we can create more electricity at a more efficient cost than we could by ourselves. By featuring arrays in varied locations, Co-op Solar will be able to more consistently produce energy. It could be thunderstorming in Indiana while the solar array in Missouri could be basking under the sun!
As one of our member-owners, you have the option to purchase shares of solar electricity at a fixed price. Members may purchase one share or a number of shares that equal up to 100 percent of their normal, average energy use. Each share is estimated to produce 43 kilowatt-hours each month — sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the hours of sunshine and weather conditions.
The program mimics rooftop solar as much as possible. Co-op Solar requires members to sign an agreement and pay upfront for the number of shares they select. Participating members will receive credit on their electric bill for the actual output of the solar for the time they own the shares.
If a member decides to sell his/her home, he/she can either sell the shares with the home, take them to another location on Noble REMC lines or donate them to another eligible member within REMC service territory.
Call Noble REMC Energy Advisor Brian Hawk for pricing and details. It’s easy to sign up, try it out and start investing in the creation of solar energy.
You can also learn more by visiting PowerMoves.com and get the latest information at nobleremc.com. We look forward to speaking with you about solar power for Noble REMC!
RON RAYPOLE
President/CEO
