Considering Solar?

By Mark Parker, CEC President & CEO

As we soak up the summer sun in August, it’s important to remember that this radiant energy isn’t just good for our gardens — it can also be a good source of renewable power. So today, I want to remind you of a unique opportunity offered by Covington Electric Co-op to its members to help support solar-generated power.

Our Community Solar program is a manifestation of our commitment to innovative solutions, allowing CEC members to conveniently access renewable energy. Located just across the street from our headquarters in Sanford is our completed solar array — a beacon of sustainable energy generation.

Community Solar’s appeal lies in its flexibility. For members interested in solar energy, but daunted by the complexities and costs of rooftop solar installations, this program offers an attractive alternative. A subscription to our program lets you enjoy renewable energy benefits without the need for a massive personal investment. We shoulder this responsibility with our wholesale power provider, PowerSouth, as part of a mission to integrate more renewables into the energy generation mix.

We’re proud to offer a solution that makes renewable energy accessible to all CEC members. Joining requires no upfront costs or complicated installation processes. All it takes is a phone call or a visit to our website to get started. For a monthly cost of $20, you can lease a block and access an average of 155 kWh of solar-generated electricity each month. If you want a bigger solar share, you can lease two or three blocks. As students return to school this month, let’s remember our community solar garden as an educational tool. It allows us to demonstrate the practical implementation of renewable energy and engage with the future stewards of our planet, our children. We strive to educate young people about electricity, where it comes from and how all forms of energy generation contribute to a reliable power grid for our area, our state and our country. At CEC, we firmly believe that knowledge is as powerful as the electricity we provide.

While discussing solar energy, I feel it’s important to remind everyone that we must continue to push toward diverse energy solutions that also include natural gas and nuclear generation. These essential fuel sources are critical when it comes to providing the reliable electricity that you expect and deserve. Although a relatively small solar garden is just a drop in the bucket when it comes to energy generation needs, it does represent an expanding innovative approach to electric generation.

Remember, the aim of Community Solar isn’t to lower your power bill. Instead, the focus is on reducing your carbon footprint and offering support for renewable energy right here in the communities we serve. Our hope with this program is to offer a viable option for members looking to explore the benefits of solar power without taking on the challenges and costs themselves.

Of course, we understand that some members may wish to install their own solar panels at home. If so, CEC provides a comprehensive interconnection agreement and a different rate designed for solar interconnections. It’s extremely important that you review all investment information thoroughly and ask the necessary questions to ensure a satisfactory return on your investment. Before taking the leap, be sure to contact a member of our engineering department to talk through the necessary steps.

Whether subscribing to CEC’s Community Solar Garden or installing your own solar array, we can help turn Alabama sunshine into more than just a backdrop for a beautiful summer day. Together, we can use it to help power our homes and foster a more diverse future for our community and the planet.

Until next time, let’s soak up the sun and the opportunities it provides. 

Considering rooftop solar panels? Visit covington.coop/goingsolar for helpful resources.

For further assistance, please contact Mike Chirico at 334-427-3552 or mchirico@covington.coop.