CEC, Midwest Energy To Hold Community Solar Events
Clean Energy Collective, Midwest Energy’s partner in a 1-megawatt community solar array, has scheduled receptions in Colby, Great Bend and Hays May 19-21 as a way for Midwest Energy customers to ask questions about the project.
The solar array, made up of 3,934 panels, will be located in the Colby area, although officials still are working on a few project details.
Midwest Energy electric customers who purchase panels will get credit on their electric bills for the power their panels produce. Panels are priced at $984 each, a one-time cost that includes operations, maintenance and insurance for 25 years. CEC estimates panel owners will save $57 on their bill the first year for each panel they own, and the bill credits adjust when electricity prices rise.
Morley said this is still a relatively new concept in the utility industry, but CEC is one of the largest companies in the U.S. doing community solar arrays, with 30 to 35 across the country.
“It’s a well established company with a good track record of building these types of projects,” According to Midwest Energy spokesman Mike Morley.
He also said that there are a number of benefits to community solar.
“Anybody can participate if you are a Midwest Energy Electric customer,” Morley said.
Renters or people’s houses that are blocked by trees can take advantage of the community solar and still benefit from solar energy.
Officials have scheduled receptions in Colby, Great Bend and Hays as a way for Midwest Energy customers to ask questions about the project.
Morley said there have been many inquiries from customers since the project was announced.
“These receptions are an opportunity for Midwest Energy members to come in, in a very informal, no-pressure setting and meet one-on-one with folks with from Midwest and Clean Energy Collective and ask any questions they might have about the project,” he said.The schedule for the meetings is:
Clean Energy Collective Solar Reception
Monday, May 19th, 5pm-9pm
Front Door Community Center
1615 Tenth St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Clean Energy Collective Solar Reception
Tuesday, May 20th, 5:30pm-8:30pm
Gella's Diner
117 East 11th
Hays, KS 67601
Pancakes and Panels, CEC Solar Breakfast
Wednesday, May 21st, 7:30-10am
City Limits Convention Center
2227 S. Range Ave.
Colby, KS 67701
Customers can calculate their savings and find more information online at mwecommunitysolar.com.
