Ground Broken on Community Solar Array

Midwest Energy and Clean Energy Collective broke ground on a 3,960-panel, 1 Megawatt community solar array Aug. 25, in a pasture north of Colby.

Midwest Energy president and general manager Earnie Lehman told those assembled that the array is being built in response to member demand for a solar option, and would be a capstone of the cooperative's 75th anniversary. He said the project was becoming a reality, as many of the cooperative's members had expressed a desire for a solar energy option.

Lehman also used the event to announce that Midwest Energy is making available a limited pool of funds to create a rebate program, that lowers the price of the panels to $891. Midwest Energy members who have already reserved panels in the arrays are eligible, as well as members making new reservations. 

Construction on the array should begin by the second week of September, with drainage and fencing work coming first. Next, piles will be driven into the ground to support the array's automated tracker system and framing, followed by installation of the rack system and panels. The system will be generating electricity by years' end.

For more information, contact Mike Morley at (785) 625-1463.