The following was submitted by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative.
OPALCO has an extraordinary group of co-op members who generate renewable energy – mostly through solar – at their own homes and use our co-op grid to store and share excess power. However, not everyone has the right location for solar at home; not everyone can afford to install an entire system. The Community Solar project will give ALL members an opportunity to participate in and benefit from a local solar generator, which will be owned by OPALCO, with the production shared among members who invest in a small piece of the big project.
Community Solar, also known as a Solar Garden or Virtual Net Metering, is a power-generating solar array located in one area for the benefit of members with homes or businesses elsewhere. Community Solar projects give more members access to the benefits of solar energy, removing the expense and complexities of installing their own panels.
How does it work? Check out these frequently asked questions – and see the full list online at: http://energysavings.opalco.com/energy-savings/renewable-generation/community-solar/
Where will this first community array be located? Decatur Island at OPALCO’s substation.
When will OPALCO build it? 2018
How will this project be funded? OPALCO will build it and wants to hear from members about how to fund it. Take the survey to let us know how you think the funding should be handled: 1) covered 100% by member-investors in Community Solar through sales; 2) funded 100% by all members through rates; or 3) somewhere in between.
How do members invest and how much does it cost? We are still in the planning stages for OPALCO’s project but, typically, Community Solar arrays are offered to investors in units that represent a portion of a single panel. Members can purchase one or more units. OPALCO’s project costs are to be determined, but other Co-op Community Solar projects typically offer one unit for a range of $100 – $300. The total power produced will be calculated monthly, proportionately allocated to each Solar Unit, and applied as an energy credit on your bill either monthly, quarterly or annually (let us know which you prefer in the survey).
Who can participate? Any active OPALCO member in good standing can participate.
Please take a survey at http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3527717/OPALCO-Solar-Survey to let us know about your interests and preferences for this first big Community Solar project. The survey closes at midnight on June 2, 2017.
