Community Solar

Your Energy Solar

Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative currently has 5 phases of Community Solar. All phases are currently sold out.

These solar projects allow YVEC members an opportunity to participate in a clean, renewable energy source without having to install or maintain the cooperatively-owned solar panels.

Advantages of Solar

  • Because you are buying the output from one or more solar panels (not the panels themselves), you are not responsible for the panel’s maintenance.
  • You pay a one-time fee upfront. You will not be responsible for additional fees (maintenance or otherwise) in the future.
  • You will receive a credit to your utility bill based on the amount of energy your share in the program generates and current energy rates.
  • You are locking in a percentage of your future energy rate now. If rates increase, so will your annual energy savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose solar?

People who care about the energy they consume are increasingly turning to solar energy for their electrical power. It produces no carbon dioxide emissions; its price is stable and it is abundant.

How much credit will I receive on my bill?

Each month the energy produced by the solar array will be measured and equally divided by the total number of panels of the solar array. Each participating member’s account will be credited for the energy production associated with the number of panels in the member’s contract. Solar production will vary from month to month.

What is the cost?

The cost to participate in the Community Solar project is $630 per panel.

Both phases are currently sold out.

What does the cost cover?

Everything! We will provide all maintenance and insurance, and ensure that all applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements are met at the time of installation and throughout the life of the solar array.

What if I move?

If you move to another meter location within Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative's (YVEC) service territory, your solar energy credits (or panel purchase) will move with you. If you are moving out of the YVEC service area, the panel output can be transferred to another member at no additional cost.

By participating, do I own part of the solar array?

No. Participating in the program entitles the subscriber to a share of the energy output of the array equal to their level of participation in the program. There are no rebates or tax benefits for participation.