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As your Touchstone Energy cooperative, we are your source for energy and information. Since interest in solar power generation is growing, we put together a series of fact sheets to help answer questions you might have. Contact us for more information about solar and assistance in making decisions about whether solar is a good option for you.

 

Solar FAQ
Find answers to common questions co-op members have about solar power. Our responses address issues ranging from, “What happens to a solar system on a cloudy day?” to “How long is the payback period for a solar installation?” Read on for practical details to help guide you as you explore solar options.
Steps to Take Before Installing Solar
There’s a lot more to installing a solar system than just calling in a contractor and signing a contract. In fact, choosing a reputable contractor/installer is number 9 on our to-do list. For a successful installation, read on to discover the 8 critical steps to take before signing a contract (as well as number 10, too).
Contractor Q’s
Due diligence is important in any home improvement project. Our list of questions includes some that you’ll want to ask before undertaking any project, but we’ve also included many specific to solar contractors and installations. Let these questions guide you in selecting the best qualified contractor–and system–for your job.
Community Solar
Solar is not a workable solution for all homes, and not all cooperative members can install a system on their roof. But that doesn’t mean that solar power isn’t still an option. One of the fastest growing segments of the solar industry is community solar. Read on to discover how you can reap the benefits of solar power, even if you don’t put a solar array on your roof.
Solar Ownership Options
Lease or buy? This basic question applies to solar, as well as to other lifestyle choices you make. With solar, however, there are additional options to consider, such as obtaining solar through your cooperative’s green power programs, or participating in a community solar project. Find details about these options, and help in determining which is right for you.
Solar Systems: What Size is Right for You?
All solar systems use photovoltaic (PV) cells that produce electricity directly from sunlight. These PV cells are combined to form a module or panel. Several panels are connected together to form an array or a solar system. Arrays can be small―from a few panels to power a roadside warning sign or a remote cabin―up to a large array covering hundreds of acres as part of a utility-scale solar farm. Solar systems generally can be divided into three types, based on size: Rooftop Solar, Utility-Scale Solar, and Community Solar Systems.

Getting Started with Your Home Solar Energy Installation

To start the process, be sure the technology you have chosen meets all requirements and submit an interconnection application. You will probably need to have the vendor help with your application to ensure that all of the requirements can be met. Upon receipt of the application, a representative of Covington Electric Cooperative’s Engineering Department will review the application for approval. If your application is denied, CEC will provide information as to the requirements needed for approval.

Once approval is obtained by CEC, the appropriate interconnection agreement shall be executed and any integration cost due to the co-op shall be paid prior to implementation. Prior to the physical interconnection, a CEC representative will inspect for proper operation and installation.

For more information, please contact our Engineering Department by calling 800-239-4121, 334-427-3552 or 334-427-3531.

Click here for necessary documentation for this process. Thank you.

Application for Interconnection of Member

Metering Policy