East Central Energy: Solar

Your cooperative offers renewable energy for purchase. The information below can help you determine whether a member-owned solar system is right for you.

Solar Energy

Graph shows data from an all electric 3,850 sq. ft two-level home with full basement. A ground source heat pump provides heating and cooling. Member participates in ECE's storage water heating program. This Solar PV system was installed in 2008 near Almelund, MN (latitude 45.28.27.93). The system consists of 24-170 Watt fixed roof-mounted solar panels.

Interested in investing in your own solar energy system
Please follow the links below for more information about solar energy.
www.energy.gov/energysources/solar.htm
www.renewable.state.mn.us (Locate a contractor: Information provided by MN Dept. of Commerce)
www.solarelectricpower.org
www.eere.energy.gov
www.renewwisconsin.org/toolboxes.htm

Calculator (To help you determine your return on investment for a solar energy system. Calculators are for information only, please contact your local contractor specilalizing in renewable energy installations for an accurate cost analysis.)

Grants/Tax Incentives
www.renewable.state.mn.us
www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn/
www.dsireusa.org
www.energystar.gov

How to participate in renewable energy system without a solar energy system?
Invest in renewable energy through your cooperative.

You can invest in renewable energy by buying energy in blocks of 100-kWh blocks a month at a special rate of $.40 per block above your regular rate. In partnership with GRE, ECE offers a renewable energy package that has a positive impact on the environment because it reduces the consumption of non-renewable resources. If you commit to buying two blocks of renewable energy each month for one year that equals driving your car 6,000 fewer miles or planting an acre of trees.

Download Renewable Energy Application form