Solar Electricity
Solar electricity (also called photovoltaic or PV solar) is another form of alternative energy;
it uses sunlight to generate electricity.
Before investing in a solar electric system, reduce your home's energy consumption. Increasing energy efficiency is cost effective and will reduce the size of the solar energy system needed.
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The Solar PV Energy Guide provides information and resources to help you make informed decisions as you pursue making an investment in your own solar energy system.
Member-owners should ask dealers of solar devices many of the same questions posed to wind contractors. Please also refer to the information below as it pertains to solar electricity as well.
Member-Owner Responsibilities
Installation and Interconnection
The general requirements for a member-owner to install and interconnect solar generation include paying for any interconnection devices that are necessary to protect the safety of the cooperative representatives and to maintain the integrity of the delivery system. The member-owner is also expected to carry liability insurance.
Metering Equipment
Individuals must also pay for the necessary metering equipment used to measure kilowatt-hours (kWhs) delivered back to the grid by the member-owner.
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Notify Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative
With the passage of House File 2301 by the Iowa Legislature, member-owners installing renewable energy systems must provide notice to their cooperative utilities in writing 30 days before the generators are installed.
Safety hazards result if member-owners install alternative generating sources, such as solar panels or small wind turbines, without notifying Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative of that installation. Should there be a power outage requiring work on cooperative electric lines, linemen may be unaware of the additional connected generation and think the line is dead. Linemen could easily be injured by power feeding back onto the line from the member-owner's alternative energy sources.
When contacted about new alternative generation that will be installed, the cooperative will advise member-owners about devices needed at the interconnection point that will keep power from flowing back onto the grid.
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Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative's Responsibilities
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Safe, Reliable, and Affordable Power
Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative is your partner in providing you with safe, reliable electric service. We have requirements in place to address issues of safety, grid integrity and cost fairness. Those requirements (1) protect the safety of member-owners and cooperative employees (2) maintain the integrity and reliability of the grid and (3) ensure cost fairness.
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Adherence to all State and Federal Regulations
Cooperatives must adhere to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations when working with a member-owner to connect wind generators to the grid. An operating agreement between the cooperative and the member-owner typically is developed to ensure proper communication and protections are in place prior to connection of the facility to the grid. Consideration must also be given to established requirements for installation, maintenance, metering, switching and liability insurance.
10 Questions to ask your solar contractor or
solar sales person.
