South Central Power completes solar array
Lead Summary
By
South Central Power-
Members of South Central Power Company can now purchase renewable energy to help power their homes and businesses. Subscriptions to the output of the cooperative’s solar array are being taken now.
“The solar array was completed in mid-December,” Vice President of Communication and Community Relations Cathy Bitler said.
As of early February, the 1,1962 panels had produced more than 32,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.
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“That’s enough to power a 42-inch LCD television for about 157,000 hours and represents an offset of nearly 47,000 pounds of carbon dioxide,” Bitler said.
Members of South Central Power can sign up to purchase the output of the panels. The cost, according to Bitler, is about 57-cents per panel per month.
“That’s based on our most recent generation and transmission cost,” Bitler said.
The higher cost of the solar energy offsets costs associated with building and maintaining the solar array.
Bitler says there are several reasons members would be interested in paying a higher rate for power generated by the OurSolar program.
“Members can get the advantage of renewable energy without the upfront cost of installing solar panels at their homes. Those who rent apartments don’t have the option of installing solar panels,” Bitler said. “The cooperative-owned array provides a cost-effective way for members who support renewable generation to buy green power.”
Each panel generates about 35 kWhs per month, and 10 panels will provide about one-third of the energy consumed by a typical South Central Power residential member over the course of a year. The output of the panels is being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Information and a reservation form is available on the cooperative’s website at www.southcentralpower.com or by calling South Central Power at 800-282-5064.
The solar array was constructed at the Rock Mill Corporate Park in Lancaster. The Lancaster Area Community Improvement Corporation and Buckeye Power, Inc. participated in the project.
South Central Power Company is Ohio’s largest electric cooperative, serving more than 118,000 meters in 24 counties.
“The solar array was completed in mid-December,” Vice President of Communication and Community Relations Cathy Bitler said.
As of early February, the 1,1962 panels had produced more than 32,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.
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“That’s enough to power a 42-inch LCD television for about 157,000 hours and represents an offset of nearly 47,000 pounds of carbon dioxide,” Bitler said.
Members of South Central Power can sign up to purchase the output of the panels. The cost, according to Bitler, is about 57-cents per panel per month.
“That’s based on our most recent generation and transmission cost,” Bitler said.
The higher cost of the solar energy offsets costs associated with building and maintaining the solar array.
Bitler says there are several reasons members would be interested in paying a higher rate for power generated by the OurSolar program.
“Members can get the advantage of renewable energy without the upfront cost of installing solar panels at their homes. Those who rent apartments don’t have the option of installing solar panels,” Bitler said. “The cooperative-owned array provides a cost-effective way for members who support renewable generation to buy green power.”
Each panel generates about 35 kWhs per month, and 10 panels will provide about one-third of the energy consumed by a typical South Central Power residential member over the course of a year. The output of the panels is being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Information and a reservation form is available on the cooperative’s website at www.southcentralpower.com or by calling South Central Power at 800-282-5064.
The solar array was constructed at the Rock Mill Corporate Park in Lancaster. The Lancaster Area Community Improvement Corporation and Buckeye Power, Inc. participated in the project.
South Central Power Company is Ohio’s largest electric cooperative, serving more than 118,000 meters in 24 counties.