Habersham EMC Cooperative Solar offers residential members solar energy from a large solar facility that generates solar energy more economically than rooftop or yard installations.
The solar energy is delivered from the large solar facility to the member’s home by the same distribution lines already in place. It also enables the member to avoid many problems that accompany rooftop installations and yard installations.
Installing a solar panel system on your roof requires a sound structure with a roof covering that is less than 3 years old. It will require you to remove all trees or obstructions that would shade your roof during the day. There are energy savings lost during the summer months by exposing your house to full sun. You would be responsible for the maintenance of the system, as well as damage that could come from wind and hail storms.
The presence of the rooftop solar is a problem when shingles must be replaced. There could also be considerable cost to upgrade your electrical system to handle the power generated by the solar panels. Building codes and neighborhood covenants may also pose problems. There could also be an issue with increased property taxes from the value added to your property. It is questionable whether potential buyers view the solar installation as a positive or negative in the event you choose to sell your home.
Owning rooftop solar requires an upfront cash payment as well as a long-term commitment. While leasing enables you to avoid the upfront cash payment, it is still a long-term commitment and may require certain credit approvals.
Many of the same requirements and obstacles of a rooftop system remain. While you avoid the roof structure issues, you would add the loss of yard space and additional property maintenance around the panels.
Yes. You must be a member with an active residential account to participate in HEMC Cooperative Solar.
You can sign up now.
The price is $25 per month for each energy block you purchase, plus applicable sales tax.
Each residential member may purchase up to 2 blocks of solar energy on a first-come, first-served basis. If blocks are sold out, we will place your name on a waiting list.
Each block is expected to generate between 136 and 237 kilowatt hours of energy per month based on variables such as the sun’s position, season of the year, number of cloudy or rainy days in the month, and other factors.
HEMC will credit your monthly utility bill to reflect the amount of electricity produced from the previous month by your portion of the Cooperative Solar facility. You get the benefits of solar energy without installing panels on your roof or property.
No. You are purchasing the electricity generated by the solar panels, but you will not own any property or equipment.
