Solar Power: A Hot Topic

York Elec­tric is shin­ing brighter this sum­mer as we make enhance­ments to our solar ener­gy pro­grams. With recent tech­no­log­i­cal advances and low­er costs, solar pow­er has become an attrac­tive option. This promis­ing source of renew­able ener­gy has also become increas­ing­ly acces­si­ble in our ser­vice area.

Solar through the power of community

Elec­tric coop­er­a­tives are lead­ing the elec­tric util­i­ty indus­try in the devel­op­ment of a type of solar called “com­mu­ni­ty” solar. Com­mu­ni­ty solar farms offer mem­bers an oppor­tu­ni­ty to invest in solar ener­gy with­out the cost, has­sle, and instal­la­tion of solar equip­ment on their home. YEC sees this not only as an invest­ment in the future of ener­gy, but a way to accom­mo­date the needs and expec­ta­tions of our mem­ber­ship. It makes solar more equi­table for mem­bers and saves them mon­ey.

Your cooperative’s Lesslie Com­mu­ni­ty Solar Farm began ener­gy pro­duc­tion in Sep­tem­ber of 2016. The mod­el cap­tured mem­bers’ inter­est instant­ly, and the sub­scrip­tions sold out quick­ly. Since then, we have worked dili­gent­ly to find a viable site to build a sec­ond farm to meet your needs. I’m excit­ed to announce our efforts will come to fruition this year. 

The 180 kilo­watt (kW) East York Com­mu­ni­ty Solar Farm will be con­struct­ed in the East York Indus­tri­al Park, locat­ed off Park Place Road in York. We project the farm will be built by the end of the sum­mer depend­ing upon weath­er con­di­tions. If you have ques­tions per­tain­ing to YEC’s East York Com­mu­ni­ty Solar Farm, please con­tact Don­na Des­saint, YEC’s Solar Liai­son, at (803) 818‑5213.

Rooftop Solar

A rooftop solar array can be a great way to reduce your month­ly ener­gy bill and help the envi­ron­ment, but please be aware of the costs and respon­si­bil­i­ties. We have imple­ment­ed a Solar Advi­so­ry Pro­gram, a free ser­vice, designed to help inform mem­bers who are think­ing about solar. For exam­ple, is your roof suit­able for the instal­la­tion? Will the cost be an invest­ment or a bur­den? Don’t wor­ry! YEC, your trust­ed ener­gy advi­sor, is here to help.

There is no bet­ter assur­ance or peace of mind than allow­ing your coop­er­a­tive to help you make the tran­si­tion to solar. We are always look­ing out for you!