Numerous Dunn Energy Cooperative members have expressed an interest in renewable energy. The purpose of the solar facility is to provide Dunn Energy Cooperative members with an affordable option to acquire locally-produced renewable energy.

You must sign a Solar Subscription Agreement and make a one-time payment for a subscription unit(s). The price will vary depending on what month over the project life you begin participating.  

The subscribing member must have a single- or 3-phase account with Dunn Energy Cooperative. Owners and Renters are eligible.

The Dunn Energy community solar project is 100 kilowatts and is part of a larger 1,100 kilowatt (kW) array located just south of Menomonie. It is located in an ideal location, next to an existing substation that can handle the output of the solar array.

Obtaining power from small scale renewable generation sources costs more today than traditional sources. Many members have indicated they do not want to pay more for renewable energy. However, some of our members are willing to invest in this technology. This project was identified as a way to meet the needs of members that want some of their electricity generated from a renewable resource without increasing costs for other members.

A unit is 250-watts of electricity producing capacity. Dunn Energy’s community solar facility will be comprised of 400 250-watt units

Yes. Members are limited to the number of units equal to the kWh’s consumed in the last 12 months.

Yes, once you choose the number of subscription units that you want, full payment will be due before you can begin receiving community solar credit on your bill.

No. Since the benefit of each unit purchased is equal in energy production, and to make available the best pricing for every member, there will be no discount for multiple unit purchases.

No. The solar developer retained the tax credit and that is calculated into the price for the energy.

No, members are purchasing the capacity to produce renewable energy, not the hardware or components of the actual solar array. There are no direct rebates or tax benefits for participating. However, members are seeing the benefits of the tax credit in the upfront costs. All Green Power credits stay with the Cooperative.

No, not directly. The contract runs through January 31st, 2042. During that time your will receive your share of the energy produced, no additional fees or charges will be assessed to the member participants.

The total monthly energy production from the solar array shall be allocated to the participants in proportion to their share of participation in the 100 kW array. The resulting amount will be the credits in kilowatt-hours (kWhs) allocated per subscription unit. Each participating member’s account is credited the kWh for each unit they own, in effect lowering the monthly electric bill by the amount of renewable energy produced per unit. For example, let’s assume the array produces 12,000 kWh during the month, and you have purchased 2 subscription units totaling 500 watts of output. Your credit offset on your electric bill for that month would be 60 kWhs (500/100,000 x 12,000). If the electric meter at your residence for that month shows you used 1,000 kWhs, you would be billed for only 940 (1,000-60).

Doubtful, as each unit will generate approximately 394 kWh annually. Energy production will vary based on total sunshine, the age of the panels and time of year.

Yes. Subscribers may sell their subscription units to the Cooperative at a surrender value to be determined according to the number of years elapsed from the start-up date at the time of repurchase. The unit can also be transferred to another one of your accounts, or sold (or given) to another qualified Dunn Energy Cooperative member.

Subscribers will have 4 options:

• Sell the solar unit back to the Cooperative
• Keep the solar unit with existing home if the new member wants to purchase it.
• Sell (or give) the unit to another qualified member that is already served by the Cooperative.
• Transfer the unit to another one of your accounts.

25 years or until February 2042. The modules are warranted for the same duration. Over time, the electric production will decrease approximately 0.7 % per year according to the manufacturer.

This system is interconnected with the grid, so its output goes directly onto the Cooperative’s distribution system.

Yes. You can enroll in Dunn Energy Cooperative’s Evergreen Program. For as little as $1.00 per month added to your electric bill, you can support renewable energy by helping offset the additional generation costs.