From windmills to solar panels to bio-mass, Northwestern REC will accommodate your power source. Several members have already developed cogeneration plants.
If you are in the exploratory stages of “Going Green", call us first to find out more information regarding the proper procedures.
You must contact Northwestern REC before installing any type of generator - it MUST meet certain specifications before being connected to our system. This is for safety as well as legal reasons. Even if you are connecting a traditional propane or gasoline powered generator, you should contact us if it is going to be connected to your home's electrical system, and by extension into our lines.
FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY, PLEASE CONTACT NORTHWESTERN REC BEFORE CONNECTING THESE SERVICES.
It is important that you or your contractor become familiar with our Requirements for Electric Service before starting your project.
TOP 5 CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE INSTALLING A RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEM
Members and the co-op must work together to obtain an interconnection agreement, connect the system to the grid, and must follow co-op policies and applicable State or Federal laws.
Talk to credible, reputable sources that can help you understand the economics of an installation, including the best location/type of renewable energy for your property, current incentives, and insurance requirements. When choosing a solar vendor, always ask for (and check) references, customer reviews, and ask for third-party input from credible sources.
Northwestern REC can help you understand rate structure and the tyupe of charges you will incur, along with how you will be compensated for excess energy you generate, and the limits on the size of system.
You will be responsible for the costs to install the system, ongoing maintenance, and repair. Research to determine if a renewable system is economical for your unique energy needs.
Privately-owned solar and wind systems are connected to the grid. To have reliable electric service when your system isn't providing enough energy, Northwestern REC provides backup electricity. All interconnection and safety requirements must be met before operating the system. This is necessary to protect our distributed energy members, co-op employees, public safety personnel, and the public from risks that could result from improper installation.
THE BIG QUESTION: DOES SOLAR FIT MY BUDGET?
As the price for solar equipment decreases and members look for ways to reduce their energy costs, the question of whether to install a solar energy system on a home comes up more frequently.
Members should consider multiple factors and ask key questions when researching and making the right decisions for their households.
The total installed cost of residential photovoltaic ranges from about $35,000 to $50,000 for a 10 kilowatt grid tie-in system. In addition, there may be other costs to consider beyond just the panels: liability and homeowners' insurances as well as property taxes. It's also important to calculate years required to pay for the system. In some cases, it can take 17 - 25 years or more to recoup your costs, even with a tax credit.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR DISTRIBUTED GENERATION
One Time Fees
| DG Size (Connected Load) |
Application Fee | Engineering & Interconnection Fees |
| 0 to 25 kW | $100 | $350 |
Purchases from a Member
The Cooperative shall purchase electricity produced by the member-owned Distributed Generation Facility in excess of on-site requirements, and delivered to Cooperative, during each billing period at Avoided Cost.
Avoided Cost, for purpose of this tariff, shall be the Cooperative's power supplier's avoided cost as calculated and provided by the Cooperative by its power supplier for the applicable time. The Avoided Cost for the 2024 calendar year is $0.0688 (6.88 cents)