Going solar has never been easier! With Pioneer’s new Community Solar subscription program, members share in the benefits of solar power without the long-term commitment, risks, costs and maintenance hassles associated with the installation of rooftop panels.
Installing rooftop solar panels can often be prohibitively expensive for households and requires navigating local zoning laws and the complexities of homeowner’s insurance. Pioneer’s Community Solar program was created to provide residential members with an alternative to rooftop solar. It offers members an option for convenient, economic solar participation for both renters and homeowners who may have inadequate solar irradiance on their roof (too much shade) and gives those uncertain about solar power a flexible option for exploring its benefits.
The program is a part of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s renewable energy rider, administered on a retail level by Sunflower’s seven member-owners, one of which is Pioneer. Sunflower provides its cooperative members with wholesale power generation and transmission services, and the Community Solar program will use Sunflower’s 20 MW Johnson Corner Solar facility located near Johnson City in Stanton County.
“We’re excited the new Community Solar Program offers our members an easy way to make their energy consumption more sustainable by buying from a local, renewable resource,” said Anita Wendt, Pioneer vice president of energy services. “Pioneer remains committed to making sure all forms of affordable, reliable energy solutions are available to those we serve.”
Participation in Community Solar is limited to residential members of Pioneer. Subscriptions are available on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of $5 per share per month. One share is equivalent to 125 kWh or two solar panels. Community Solar subscriptions are an addition to members’ bill and includes an adjustment based upon the market performance of Johnson Corner. The adjustment will be a line item on members’ bills, listed as an additional premium or credit.
“Availability, access and affordability were priorities when we created the Community Solar program,” said Todd Hillman, Sunflower president and CEO. “This project was created in the same spirit that drove the formation of electric cooperatives more than 75 years ago. At a time when electricity was out of reach for residents in our rural communities, people joined together and created local electric cooperatives like Pioneer to power their lives. Today, solar energy is out of reach for a lot of residents in our communities. By creating the Community Solar program in partnership with Pioneer and our other member utilities, we are once again answering the needs of our members and those they serve.”
Members can find program requirements, frequently asked questions, and other Community Solar information at www.pioneerelectric.coop/my-co-op/community-solar.
To sign up, call the Pioneer Electric customer service team, at 620-356-1211 or 880-794-9302.