First solar panels installed at energy co-op

by Dan Groeschel Editor

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative moved one step closer last week to utilizing solar power.

The first of over 2,800 panels were installed last week. When it’s complete, it will be the largest community solar project in the state. The co-op said the goal is to have all the panels installed and the testing phase complete by the end of the month.

“We hope to energize the system by Oct. 1,” Monica Obrycki of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative said. “At that point, the MemberSolar program should be fully operational.”

According to the ECEC, the MemberSolar program is “a community-driven solar project available to all ECEC members who want to participate by pre-paying for a certain amount of their energy needs to be generated at our local solar facility.” They said they are excited to offer their members the opportunity to utilize “local, clean, renewable solar energy.”

ECEC said about 600 of the 2,800 panels have been sold so far. However, Obrycki believes more will be sold once the panels get energized.

“A lot of people buy into alternative energy once it becomes a reality,” she said. “Until then, it’s just an idea.”

The cost for members to subscribe to a solar panel is $650. The co-op said each panel is expected to generate 426 kilowatt hours per year, generating $49 in savings for the subscriber annually, and an estimated 20 year savings of $900. Obrycki said these estimates are based on current rates.

The south-facing panels are located behind the Eau Claire Energy Cooperative building, just off Highway 12 in Fall Creek. Obrycki said there is Local elementary school receives wellness grant The four acre plot of land will soon be home to solar panels. Crews hope to complete the construction by the end of next week. more to be excited about the $2 million project than just the use of solar power.

“Behind our building is a four-acre plot that was previously marginal farm land,” she said. “Now it’s being repurposed for the solar panels. Additionally, we hired a local company to install and maintain the panels.”

Able Energy, a River Falls-based company, is installing and will be maintaining the MemberSolar panels.

The co-op has put together a time-lapse video that can be viewed on their website.

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