Pee Dee Electric offers solar energy buy-in
*FAQ
Staff report
WADESBORO — Seventy of 360 solar panels available to be purchased by Pee Dee Electric members already have been claimed.
Submitted photo
Only 290 panels remain available before the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Anson County facility, located at 575 U.S. Highway 52 South in Wadesboro. The ribbon-cutting is set for 2 p.m. Friday for a project announced last October at the utility’s annual membership meeting.
“Nuclear power and natural gas are important, dependable sources of electricity that we rely on to provide power to you, but we think solar power can be responsibility incorporated as an energy source,” utility officials said in a news release. “That’s why we’ve brought a solar farm to our community to benefit cooperative members.”
Panels are available for a one-time fee of $525 each. A member is limited to 15 panels, or an investment of $7,875. Cathy Page, director of customer service, said participants receive a $2.25 monthly credit for each panel output.
The cooperative spirit
Our community solar farm was created in the same spirit that drove the creation of Pee Dee Electric. More than 75 years ago, electricity was out of reach for residents in our community. A group of people joined together to create our electric cooperative and power our lives. Today, solar energy is out of reach for a lot of people. Among other barriers, it can be expensive to set up and maintain. So we thought – just as our founders did decades ago – let’s do something about this.
Advantages of Community Solar
- Low cost, one-time fee
- No hassling with maintenance
- Our site is well suited for a solar installation, so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of the sun’s potential. Site suitability is often an issue with residential installations.
- Perfect for renters who want to be involved with renewable energy
- No red tape with zoning restrictions or home owners’ associations
- Solar energy will be credited directly to your electric bill
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the community solar farm be up and running?
The solar installation is complete and has been commissioned. Pee Dee Electric began selling the rights to the output from the panels in January 2015.
How much electricity will be produced by the community solar farm?
A total of 100 kilowatts will be produced by the system.
How do I start?
Contact our office by calling Todd Moore at 704-694-7607, or emailing us at solar@pdemc.com
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