Considering Solar
Solar power can be a great way to supplement your energy use — but it’s not the right fit for every home or business. Before you invest, it’s important to understand your goals, costs, and how solar energy works alongside your cooperative service.
Alfalfa Electric Cooperative is here to help members make smart, informed energy decisions. Our goal is to ensure you get the value you’re promised and install a system that truly fits your needs.
Questions to Consider Before Installing Solar
- How energy efficient is your home or building overall?
- What direction does your roof face, and how much direct sunlight does it receive?
- Will trees, shade, or local weather patterns affect solar performance?
- How will adding solar affect your property value or future home sale?
- Do the estimated energy savings justify the investment?
- Would improving insulation or upgrading to high-efficiency windows provide a better return?
AEC can help you determine the right system size for your usage — so you don’t pay for more than you need. Remember, generic online estimates may not account for your actual energy rates, weather patterns, or usage habits.
Important to Know
Even with solar panels, your home remains connected to the AEC grid to ensure power is available day and night — including during cloudy weather or after sunset.
Your bill will not drop to zero.
All AEC members pay a minimum monthly service charge to cover the cooperative’s fixed costs — such as poles, wires, transformers, and maintenance crews that make power available whenever you need it.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re thinking about installing solar, contact Alfalfa Electric Cooperative first. We’ll review your usage, explain interconnection requirements, and help ensure your investment works safely and effectively with our system.
Interconnecting Solar
Below are the steps for interconnecting Solar to Alfalfa Electric Cooperative (AEC).
Step 1 – Member Contacts AEC
The member notifies Alfalfa Electric Cooperative (AEC) that they are considering installing solar or other Distributed Generation (DG) systems.
Step 2 – The Engineering Department Contacts Members & Solar/DG Contractors
Staking Engineers speak with members and solar companies about plans for installation and the possibility of a site visit.
Step 3 – Member Completes Contract
Member completes the DG interconnect Agreement and returns the original signed agreement with the engineered pre-construction plans.
Step 4 – AEC Approves Solar Companies Engineered Pre-Construction Plans
After review, the Staking Engineer notifies the member and the Solar company that the plans are approved and construction can begin.
Step 5 – AEC Performs Inspection
The Staking Engineer inspects the completed solar system for code compliance. If the system has met all conditions of the interconnection agreement, the solar facility is eligible to operate in parallel with the electric distribution facility of Alfalfa Electric Cooperative.
Step 6 – Member Energizes the Solar System
After AEC notifies members of approval, the system can be energized.
Additional Information
See the Distributed Generation Procedures & Guidelines Manual (PDF) for additional information.
Contact our office with any questions or to simply get the process started!