News & Press
On July 21, cooperative employees, directors and local leaders gathered to help dedicate Tri-County EMC’s cooperative solar project in Eatonton. Construction for the project began in January and was completed in early July. This project was developed jointly between Tri-County EMC, Georgia Power and United Renewable Energy LLC.
Energy produced by these 4,200 panels is available to members to purchase through the ourSolar program. ourSolar is an alternative for any Tri-County EMC member who does not have a house or business suitable for installing solar panels, but wants to participate in clean renewable energy programs, without having to purchase or install panels themselves.
Members can purchase up to four 1.22 kWh blocks of solar capacity from the array, with each block producing approximately 160-250 kWh per month. Each “block” is equivalent to approximately four of 4,200 solar module. The energy generated by the block will be credited against the normal usage on that month’s electric bill. Each block will cost $25 per month.
Brenda P. Green, Chairman of the Tri-County EMC Board of Directors, noted how demand for green energy has changed through the years. “Over time, our member’s expectations of how energy is created has certainly changed. Nothing could better point that out than the demand for the co-op to construct this 7-acre solar site. This project brings renewable energy at an affordable price without risk to our members.”
The project represented a $2 million investment, from construction to completion, in Eatonton. Walter Rocker, Mayor of Eatonton, noted, “We are grateful to Tri-County EMC for letting the city of Eatonton be the site for this project.”
Ray Grinberg, CEO, is excited to see the project in action. “Today is a landmark moment for Tri-County EMC, as this is our first utility-scale solar site located within our service territory,” said Grinberg. “Solar has really taken off and is set to be a large cornerstone of power supply in Georgia in the future. We are excited to be a part of that.”
To learn more about ourSolar, visit www.tri-countyemc.com/cooperativesolar.cms