What is Butler Rural Community Solar?
Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s community solar program offers one of the cleanest and most affordable renewable energy sources available. By grouping solar panels together, costs can be shared, power output can be maximized, and the hassles of rooftop installation can be avoided.
Is there a limit on the number of panels I can subscribe to?
Yes, there will be a limit of five panels during the initial subscription period to give all members who are interested in Butler Rural Community Solar a chance to participate in the program.
Will any equipment be hooked up to my home?
No. The power generated by Butler Rural Community Solar will be utilized on Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s distribution lines.
If I subscribe to a solar panel, will my monthly bill change?
You will continue to receive your monthly bill, but your bill will now show that a portion of your energy is produced by the solar panels you subscribe to and pay for at the community solar rate. The community solar rate is currently higher than energy produced by traditional resources. However, the community solar rate will remain constant for the duration of your agreement while other wholesale energy costs are subject to increase with market fluctuations. The average cost will be approximately $2 per month, per panel with the solar credit applied. This cost will be in addition to participating members’ current electric bills.
How will this help increase sustainability?
Butler Rural Community Solar is a local power source, which allows cooperative members to have more control over a portion of their power supply. Generating energy with solar power creates no pollution or carbon dioxide emissions and is a clean, renewable, and sustainable alternative energy source.
How long is the term of the agreement?
Members can choose a five, 10, or 20 year agreement. The Butler Rural Community Solar rate will be fixed during the agreement but is subject to change after the agreement ends.
How does community solar compare to installing solar at my home?
Butler Rural Community Solar gives members an opportunity to benefit from this clean energy source because it’s built and maintained at a central location. This eliminates common barriers — such as trees, roof size, and house location — that prevent people from installing solar panels on their property. Further, all ongoing costs are included in the subscription rate, so there is no need to worry about unexpected future costs.
Can I take advantage of any tax credits or other incentives to bring down the cost of a panel?
Butler Rural Community Solar has sought out and taken advantage of all available credits, rebates, and incentives in order to make the program as affordable as possible. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative will continue to manage the incentives on your behalf and the cost reductions will be included in the subscription rate.
Is energy production guaranteed?
No. The energy produced for each panel is expected to be about 400 kilowatt hours per year, but may be more or less in any given year depending on weather conditions.
Can anyone subscribe to Butler Rural Community Solar?
Only residential members of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative can subscribe to the panels. Other eligibility restrictions apply. These restrictions are detailed in the Butler Rural Community Solar agreements.
What happens if I move?
If you move to another location within the cooperative’s service territory, your subscription can “move” with you! If you move out of the service territory, you will return your subscription to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative at no cost.
What if I cancel the agreement early?
If the agreement is canceled early due to moving or death, the options under “What happens if I move?” apply. If the agreement is canceled early for a different reason, the subscription may be returned to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative by paying an administrative fee of $50 per panel.
Where is the Butler Rural Community Solar array be located?
The Butler Rural Community Solar array is located on the corner of Lanes Mill and Stillwell Beckett roads, across from the cooperative’s office.