York Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Solar Advisory Program

Here comes the sun

This month brings the first day of spring on the 20th, which means the days are getting longer and one of our greatest renewable energy resources is higher in the sky. The sun makes folks think of solar energy—but is solar right for you? 

That’s where your co-op can help. York Electric, as your trusted energy advisor, is always looking out for you. We want your bill to stay low, your energy investments to be smart and your service to stay reliable. Let’s talk about your options with solar energy, what your co-op is doing to help you navigate this energy resource and how we are using the sun in your energy mix.

Community Solar

Many of our members already have been approached by a solar company that encourages them to make a hefty investment in home solar installations.

Solar advisor, Brett Clinton, smiles for the camera
Brent Clinton, York Solar Advisor and Energy Services Representative.

While this option makes sense for some members, it isn’t the best fit for all. Perhaps your HOA doesn’t allow rooftop solar, or your house isn’t in a prime location for sun exposure to offset your energy use. That’s why YEC has a community solar option for members to invest in this renewable energy source without the overhead cost of installing their own panels. We have subscriptions available and are happy to get you connected and invested in this green, easy way to support renewable energy.

New solar advisory tool

Integrated on YEC’s website is a new, easy-to-use tool that helps you make an informed decision on solar for your home. If you are interested in going all-in on solar, make sure you talk to your co-op first so that your investment pays off. Additionally, our Solar Advisory Program offers a one-on-one consultation about your house, your rate of return on your solar investment and potential energy savings so that you have peace of mind on your choice.

Solar representative, Donna Dessaint, smiles for the camera
Donna Dessaint, Member Services
Representative and Solar Liaison.

Solar investments in your energy future

Central Electric Cooperative, which serves as our generation and transmission cooperative for cooperatives in South Carolina, is developing more than 300 megawatts of new solar projects and will develop another 1,500 megawatts of solar over its planning horizon in the next few years. This additional solar is part of a larger effort to further diversify the cooperative’s energy supply mix, ensuring years of reliability, sustainability, and energy responsibility for members.

Whether you are ready to commit to green energy or just want to learn more about what’s out there to suit your lifestyle, your co-op is here with the facts to help support you. We are proud to be more than just your electric utility, but also your source for power and information to make your life better. If you have questions about solar, please reach out to our team members listed below. We’re always ready to serve you.

 

Sincerely,

Signature

 

 

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

Know your solar rights

Solar panels on residential roof
Rooftop solar arrays can be a great addition to your home, but they aren’t for everyone. Be sure to know the facts and red flags to look out for by speaking with YEC’s Energy Services Representative Brent Clinton at (803) 628-5554 before deciding. Photo by Erin Powell

From television and radio commercials to postcards in our mailboxes and sales reps knocking on our doors, the marketing of solar power is prominent across our area.

Most sales pitches promise to save you thousands of dollars on your power bill if you install solar panels on your property. What often gets missed in the messaging is the huge investment and long-term commitment that is required with most solar installation contracts.

Unfortunately, we’ve heard from a number of members over the past few years who were victimized by solar companies using unethical sales tactics. They were promised easy financing and a rooftop system that would nearly eliminate their electricity bill. What they got was tens of thousands of dollars of debt and a minimal reduction in their bill, nowhere near the return on their investment they thought was coming when they signed the contract.

Last summer, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs announced new regulations on the marketing and sale of renewable energy. Solar companies are now required to meet the following guidelines to help consumers make informed decisions and prevent predatory sales tactics:

  • Consumers aged 70 or older must be allowed to review contracts for at least three days prior to signing.
  • All consumers may cancel a contract without fees or penalty within 10 days of signing it.
  • Prospective clients must be provided an educational brochure that details solar basics, consumer rights, questions to ask the seller, and red flags to watch for.
  • Before signing a contract, consumers must be provided a disclosure statement that clearly lays out the specifications and costs of the solar installation.
  • When a building permit is denied or a consumer’s homeowners association does not approve the install, a consumer has seven days to cancel the contract or amend it.
  • Consumers must be given a copy of the contract that contains a description of all fees, install dates, details on any savings described, warranty information, and more details required by the law.

As your trusted energy advisor, we’re glad that our members are receiving clearer and more dependable information about solar arrays.

The truth is, rooftop solar isn’t for everyone, no matter who is making the sale. Sometimes there isn’t enough exposure from the sun or space on the roof. Sometimes the actual energy reduction potential doesn’t justify the investment in a solar system. State and federal tax credits offered for solar installations may not apply in all situations as only consumers with a sufficient tax liability are eligible.

That’s why we encourage you to contact us to speak to York Electric’s resident solar advisor Brent Clinton at (803) 628-5554. We can provide data about your energy use and help you calculate whether solar is right for you. If you do decide to install solar at your home, we’ll also guide you and your solar contractor through our net metering connection process.

We want to help you make the best decision for your home, now and in the future.

The sunnier side of life

Your co-op’s dedication to bringing you a brighter future.

Solar Energy continues to make headlines in the electric industry. At your co-op, we are proud to embrace these emerging technologies and be your trusted source for information. A large portion of our membership has shown interest in solar energy, which is why we have developed special net metering rates, invested in two community solar farms, created step by step instructions on the installation process and an educational program to accommodate anyone who wishes to install solar panels on their home.

YEC Solar Advisory Program
Get your own personalized facts about solar from York Electric before making an investment.

Your co-op is always looking out for you, which is why it is important to us for you to know the facts before you sign on the dotted line. Thinking about solar? Let us walk you through the process to ensure your investment will outweigh your costs. Through our Solar Advisory Program, members who are interested in installing panels on their home or in their yard to offset their electric bill can talk to an expert who will give them an analysis of their installation proposal. Energy Services Representative Brent Clinton works with members each day to find the best solution for them. “It has been very rewarding to help guide our members through a successful interconnection process and educate them about solar energy. Most of all, I have been happy to help members understand the information that is presented by solar companies for their homes. Sometimes this can be misleading, and other times I am able to validate what the company has presented. Either way, there’s no better peace of mind than allowing your co-op to help you make an informed decision about whether or not this renewable plan is right for you,” said Clinton. Learn more about this program.

Your co-op has over 200 interconnected solar systems across our territory and your interest keeps climbing. We have become aware that some members are interested in participating but are unable to make a permanent installation at their residence. That’s why YEC has invested in two community solar farms and is considering offering a third in the future. The first smaller community solar farm was completely subscribed in less than a month. Our second farm, located in our East York Industrial Park, is more than two-thirds subscribed. If you would like to invest in clean, renewable solar energy, please reach out to Brent Clinton at or read about our subscription process here.

YEC’s second Community Solar Farm located in our East York Industrial Park is a hot investment, saving you the overhead and hassle of having panels on your own home. It’s not too late to subscribe, save and go green with community solar. Please go online to yorkelectric.net or call Brent Clinton for questions or to sign up.

We are committed to staying up-to-date with emerging technologies so that we may be your source of power and information. We are proud to be your trusted energy advisor, making your future as a member of YEC brighter than ever.

 

Paul Basha, CEO, York Electric Cooperative

Paul Basha

Paul Basha
President and Chief Executive Officer