Union County Electric Co-op Announces Launch of Member-Focused Solar and Battery Project

Union County Electric Cooperative will be moving forward with plans to install a solar array and battery backup system at our office in Elk Point. The project was awarded funding from the USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to develop an innovative solar and battery infrastructure project. This initiative will bring long-lasting benefits to the cooperative’s member-owners and the broader regional community by advancing energy efficiency, reliability, and education.

The co-op has received a grant of almost $65,000 and qualifies for a 30% to 40% federal investment tax credit in the form of a direct payment for the project. Its total estimated cost is just under $150,000, and it is expected to save approximately $7,300 annually on power purchase costs, lowering the Cooperatives peak energy demand. With the grant, tax credit and annual savings, the project is expected to achieve a return on investment within four years.

Plans include the installation of 96 540-watt solar panels that can capture sunlight from both sides, a 60—kilowatt 3-phase inverter, which will help to turn the energy collected from the panels into usable electricity, and a 60-kilowatt battery for energy storage. The co-op will partner with area non-profit clubs to help beautify the area around the solar and battery site with pollinator habitat. Employees will oversee all site preparation and installation, creating additional cost efficiencies. In addition to adding the solar array and battery storage, the cooperative plans make use of renewable energy certificates. The initiative will allow the co-op's headquarter facilities to be powered by 100% renewable energy.

The funding provided by the USDA REAP Grant gives us an excellent opportunity to provide value that directly benefits our members. Our members and our community stand to gain from lower operational costs and new energy savings opportunities.

In addition to reducing purchase power costs and offsetting carbon emissions, the infrastructure project will also provide education opportunities for co-op members, students, clubs, and other groups interested in learning about electricity, solar generation, and battery storage technology.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2025, and underscores Union County Electric's leadership and commitment community.

Until next month, stay safe and God bless.