Below are samples of successful cooperative solar projects. Read the articles, search for project specifics, or reach out to the buyer/developer to learn more about solar project risks and successes.

NEW MEXICO COOPERATIVE SIGNS RECORD-LOW US CONTRACT FOR DISTRIBUTED SOLAR ENERGY

State: New Mexico

Project size: 3 MW

Year built: 2018

Developer: SoCore Energy, LLC

Buyer: Otero County Electric Cooperative, Inc. (OCEC)

Contract Price: 4.5¢/kWh

Details:

  • Lowest-cost contract for distributed generation in the US.
  • Otero covered land and interconnection costs allowing them to receive RECs.
  • Expected to generate $550,000 in property tax revenues over lifetime.
  • 14,000 members benefit.
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AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOURCES SOLAR POWER IN A REGULATED ENERGY STATE

  • State: Wisconsin

  • Project size: 12 MW (29 MW total by end of 2019)

  • Year built: 2017

  • Developer: OneEnergy Renewables

  • Buyer: Organic Valley Agricultural Cooperative partnered with the Upper Midwest Municipal Energy Group

  • Details:

    • Took only 13 months for system to be contracted.

    • Resulted in state’s renewable energy portfolio increasing by 15%.

    • Capacity to power 3,000 homes.

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HAWAII CO-OP SIGNS A DEAL FOR SOLAR + STORAGE

  • State: Hawaii
  • Project Size: 28 MW solar and a 20 MW, 100 MWh battery system
  • Year Built: In construction
  • Developer: AES Corp
  • Buyer: Kauai Island Electric Cooperative
  • Contract Price: 11¢/kWh
  • Details:
    • Price below the cost of oil-fired power that comprises the island’s current baseload generation.
    • Provides 11% of Kauai energy needs.
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KIT CARSON INTRODUCES LOCAL SOLAR STRATEGY

  • State: New Mexico
  • Project Size: 30 MW
  • Year Built: 2017
  • Developer: Grid Alternative
  • Buyer: Kit Carson
  • Contract Price: 11¢/kWh
  • Details:
    • Previously under 5% self-generation limit.
    • Partnered with Guzman to buy out of contract with Tri-State G&T to overcome 40-year contract limitation and rising wholesale prices.
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COYOTE RIDGE COMMUNITY SOLAR FARM MAKES SOLAR ACCESSIBLE FOR LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME CONSUMERS

  • State: Colorado
  • Project Size: 1.5 MW
  • Year Built: 2017
  • Developer: Grid Alternatives
  • Buyer: Poudre Valley Rural Electric Cooperative
  • Contract Price: 11¢/kWh
  • Details:
    • PVREA controls the site and project.
    • Utilized Grid Alternatives community volunteer model to drive costs down.
    • Those who qualify through Gird Alternatives have no upfront subscription or monthly charge and receive a 30% offset.
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EAU CLAIRE DEPLOYS COMMUNITY SOLAR ARRAY TO INCREASE CONSUMER-MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

  • State: Wisconsin
  • Project Size: 750 kW
  • Year Built: 2015
  • Developer: N/A
  • Buyer: Eau Claire Energy Cooperative
  • Details:
    • Intensive outreach strategy (member surveys) found desire for local renewable energy.
    • Carried out many different pricing models until found highest membership subscription in monthly payments and removal of long term commitment.
    • Used sheep for vegetation management (community partnership).
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GREAT RIVER ENERGY PARTNERS WITH DISTRIBUTION UTILITIES ON DISTRIBUTED COMMUNITY SOLAR

  • State: Minnesota
  • Project Size: Phase 1: 250 kW; Phase II: 2.25 MW
  • Year Built: 2015
  • Developer: N/A
  • Buyer: Phase 1: Great River Energy (GRE); Phase II: Wright-Hennepin Electric Cooperative
  • Details:
    • G&T and member co-op partnership provided a cost-effective solution and contract flexibility.
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ANZA USES SOLAR TO ADDRESS CAPACITY NEEDS

  • State: California
  • Project Size: 2.01 MW
  • Year Built: 2017
  • Developer: N/A
  • Buyer: Anza Electric Cooperative
  • Details:
    • Accounts for 14% of the annual energy needed by the co-op.
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CLICK BELOW to see NRECA SUNDA Final Technical Report for more detailed project discussion.

NRECA SUNDRA FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT