Considering Solar Power

By Gary Glover, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer – Electric Operations

More and more homeowners are considering installing solar panels on their rooftops. Whether you are interested in saving money or helping the environment, there are many reasons homeowners are looking to install solar.

Installing solar panels on your property is a major household Gary Glover decision. We can provide you with valuable advice throughout the process so there are no surprises down the road. Unlike a solar company that has one objective–to sell their products and services– we can look at your total energy picture to help you determine the best options for your home. While rooftop solar certainly works for some people, it is not the answer for all.

As your trusted energy advisor, our motivations are not profit driven. We are a member-owned, member-driven cooperative that exists to improve the quality of life for our members and our communities. Every decision we make is with our members’ best interests in mind.

With a project of this magnitude, choosing the right professionals and company to install your solar panels is an important consideration. The Energy Cooperative can work with you to help you make the best decision possible.

We can discuss how your solar panel system will integrate with our electric distribution grid and how energy generated will be compensated through our net metering policies. A proactive cooperative-contractor-homeowner partnership from the beginning of the project helps to ensure you have the best possible experience and outcome with your solar project.

What about Community Solar?

Remember there is more than one path to solar energy. The Energy Cooperative offers a community solar program where you can lease a solar panel located in Utica, Ohio. With community solar, the cooperative handles all the logistical details (including site assessment, selecting, and installing the equipment, interconnection and permitting details, and maintaining the system after installation). Contact our member service team to learn more about community solar. We can help you determine the best options for your situation.

Renewable Energy

Ohio’s electric cooperatives take a balanced approach to renewable energy. Buckeye Power and its member cooperatives have made significant investments in renewable energy on behalf of Ohio cooperative families. This includes solar energy, bio-gas projects, methane generation from landfills, and hydro-power from upstate New York. If you are interested in lowering your electric bills or learning more about renewable energy, please reach out to us. Your electric cooperative is a great resource to discuss the benefits and considerations of rooftop solar, especially before making any agreements with solar vendors.

Contact us

If you are looking to lower your energy costs, it is important to ensure your home has reached its peak efficiency. Implementing energy efficiency measures like adding insulation, sealing joints and cracks for air leakage, or replacing old, inefficient appliances with new ENERGY STAR models are investments you should consider. We can provide you with specific efficiency recommendations for your home and help you find ways to lower your utility bills. Give us a call at 1-800-255-6815 or send us a message from myenergycoop.com.