What is OurSolar?
Logan County Electric Cooperative values clean, renewable energy, and, as your electric cooperative, we look for ways to take a balanced approach towards energy production. OurSolar is a community solar program that 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. OurSolar will be provided by our wholesale electricity provider, Buckeye Power, on behalf of LCEC and our members.
What is the cost to participate?
The cost is less than $2 per month, per panel on your bill.
What is the cost of OurSolar for LCEC members who do not subscribe to the program?
If none of the panels have subscriptions, the cost will only be 35 cents per member, per year. If half the panels have subscriptions, the cost will be cut in half to about 17 cents per member, per year. If all the panels have subscriptions, there will be no cost to the members who do not subscribe.
Is there a limit to the number of panels I can subscribe to?
Yes. The limit is 10 panels.
Will any equipment be hooked up to my home?
No. The power generated by OurSolar will be transported throughout the community by LCEC.
If I subscribe to a panel of OurSolar, will my monthly bill change?
You will continue to receive your monthly bill showing generation and transmission charges and distribution charges. A new charge will be added showing the portion of your energy produced by your solar panels and paid for at the OurSolar rate. The OurSolar rate is currently higher than energy produced by traditional resources. However, the OurSolar rate will remain constant for the duration of your agreement while other wholesale energy costs are subject to increase with market fluctuations.
How will this help increase sustainability?
OurSolar is a local power source, which allows the community 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?
The agreement can last for five, 10 or 20 years — your choice. The OurSolar rate will be fixed during the agreement but is subject to change after the agreement ends.
How does OurSolar compare to rooftop solar?
OurSolar gives all members an opportunity to benefit from this clean energy source because it’s built and maintained at a central location by experts in the field. 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 costs popping up in the future!
Can I take advantage of any tax credits or other incentives to bring down the cost of a panel?
OurSolar has sought out and taken advantage of all available credits, rebates, and incentives in order to make the program as affordable as possible. OurSolar will continue to manage these incentives on your behalf and these cost reductions are included in the subscription rate.
Is energy production guaranteed?
No. The energy produced for each panel is expected to be about 375 kilowatt hours per year, but may be more or less than this in any given year depending on weather conditions.
Can anyone sign up for LCEC’s OurSolar program?
Only LCEC members may subscribe to panels.
What happens if I move?
If you move to another location within LCEC’s service territory, your subscription can “move” with you! If you move out of the service territory, you have the following options:
1. Transfer your subscription to another member of LCEC
2. Transfer your subscription as part of the sale or rental of your home
3. Return your subscription back to LCEC at no cost
What if I cancel the agreement early?
If the agreement is cancelled early due to moving or death, then the options under “What happens if I move?” apply. If the agreement is cancelled early due to a different reason, then the subscription may be returned to LCEC by paying an administrative fee of $50 per panel.
Where is the solar array located?
The OurSolar array will be located at our Bellefontaine office at 1587 C.R. 32 North.