Renewable Energy

There are two options for Grid Interconnection with FreeState. 

• Net Metering: The exchange with FreeState of your excess generation deducted from your consumption, by far the most popular choice. 
• Parallel Generation: Where the member sells their generation to the coop for 150 percent of the wholesale cost and purchases their usage at the full retail rate. Essentially selling low and buying high. 

Members with residential solar arrays often benefit from available tax benefits and incentives, and they are also responsible for the system upkeep and all the up-front costs, which can be significant. With a battery or energy storage system, some residential solar arrays can provide backup power during extended outages.

Energy generated by consumers is becoming more and more popular. As the cost of wind generators and solar panels continue to become more affordable, more and more people are installing these systems to help with their power needs. To accommodate FreeState Electric Cooperative members that wish to install a renewable energy source, we have developed rates to serve those members.

Net Metering 
Renewable Energy Source

Net metering allows a member to offset some or all of their electrical requirements with their own renewable generation source. The generation can be banked, regardless of the time of generation, and then credited back to the member at any time during the current billing cycle.

A meter will measure the exported (excess member generated power) versus the imported power (power provided by the cooperative) over a specific billing period. The member receives full credit for the exported power. Any excess exported (member-generated) power above and beyond the member's consumption is granted to the cooperative at the end of each billing cycle.

• Renewable generators for residential accounts have a maximum capacity of up to 15kW

• Renewable generators for commercial/industrial/religious institution/local government/state government/federal government accounts have a maximum capacity of up to 100kW • Renewable generators for school accounts have a maximum capacity of up to 150kW

 • Accounts with 10kW and less renewable generation may apply with the Small Generating Facility Application process. Accounts with more than 10kW may be required to pay for a Distributed Generation Impact Study.

• Available until total rated generating capacity of all net metered systems equals or exceeds 1 percent of the FEC's peak demand during the previous year

• Accounts shall appropriately size their generation to their expected load.

Parallel Generation 
Members also have the option to interconnect under two parallel generation riders where the member can sell exported (member-generated) power back to the cooperative at rates established by the Kansas Parallel Generation Act, which provides enhanced buyback for certain renewable energy generators qualifying under State law.

Parallel Rider A - Renewable Energy Source

Each billing cycle of approximately 30 days, the imported power (cooperative supplied power) is sold to the member at the retail rate; the exported power (member-generated power) is purchased by the cooperative at 150 percent of the wholesale monthly system average cost of energy per kWh. The generation and consumption are time-sensitive and banking is not allowed.

System-wide renewable generation sources are limited to a total capacity of 4 percent of FEC's peak demand under this Act.

• Renewable energy generators for residential accounts have a capacity of up to 25kW

• Renewable energy generators for commercial accounts have a capacity of up to 200kW

•Renewable generation installed in conjunction with irrigation systems can have no more than 10 pumps connected

 • Accounts with 10kW and less renewable generation may apply with the Small Generating Facility Application process. Accounts with more than 10kW may be required to pay for a Distributed Generation Impact Study.

• Accounts shall appropriately size their generation to their anticipated load.

Parallel Rider B - Non-Renewable Energy Source

This provides buyback for energy produced by non-renewable energy source generators up to 200kW. Each billing cycle of approximately 30 days, the imported power (cooperative supplied power) is sold to the member at the retail rate; the exported power (member-generated power) is purchased by the cooperative at 100% of the monthly system average cost of energy per kWh. The generation and consumption are time-sensitive and banking is not allowed.

What Is The Difference?
When a member considers whether to use "Net Metering" or "Parallel Generation", it is important to understand the differences. With "Parallel Generation" any exported power is measured by the meter and the cooperative purchases it from the member. With "Net Metering", any exported power is banked and can be withdrawn during each billing period. Excess exported power not withdrawn during the billing cycle is granted to the cooperative.

Many people mistakenly believe solar is only viable in the Southwest, where it’s hot and sunny much of the time. In fact, as temperatures rise, solar panels become less efficient. While we have less sunshine than Florida or Alabama, on those bright cold days solar panels can produce a lot of electricity. 

The cost of installing solar arrays has fallen dramatically, and in some regions with high-cost electricity, solar is a cost-competitive option. It all depends on the circumstances.

For the developer, the cost of the array is a combination of initial costs and the operating costs over the projected life of the system, divided by the amount of electricity that system will produce. Systems in different regions of the country will provide different amounts of energy. Even with the declining costs, many solar systems may take ten years or more to return the investment.

Utility-scale solar can take advantage of economies of scale, including stream-lined production, installation, and materials. Utility-scale PV systems cost 50 percent less on a dollar-per-kW basis than residential systems.

An inverter converts the electricity generated by solar panels, direct current (DC), into alternating current (AC), the electricity that can power your home.

How long do PV panels last? 
Assuming high-quality modules and proper maintenance, the life of a PV system should be 30 years or more. However, the efficiency of the panels will slowly degrade over time. PV modules typically have a warranty for 25 years to 80 percent of the original output. However, they will continue to provide power for many years after that.  What type of warranty and length provided by your solar installer is a crucial question to ask.

Are PV panels safe?
Yes, as long as they are correctly installed. There are fire risks associated with all electrical systems, including PV systems.  Module defects, improper installation, or even general wear and tear (visualize rodents chewing through wiring) can lead to fires. But these risks have been addressed in changes to local building and electrical codes. Many co-ops now offer education and training for fire departments.

Are all PV panels created equal?
While the efficiency of PV technologies is improving, because PV cells cannot respond to the entire spectrum of sunlight; up to 55 percent of the sun’s energy is wasted. The amount of energy produced by any given PV panel depends on four factors: the PV cell efficiency, the temperature response of the cells, the module layout, and the anti-reflective coating. Residential solar arrays should use high-efficiency modules, which allow more power to be installed in a smaller area.

Are PV panels environmentally friendly?
Yes, if the panel producer follows industry best practices.

Can PV panels be recycled?
Yes, but it’s not as easy as recycling newspapers. Some companies include recycling as part of their initial system price. End-of-life disposal of solar products in the US is governed by the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state policies. Check with state or local agencies on recycling requirements.

There are many different technologies for storing energy, including new residential battery options for adventurous consumers. 

Not only are the technology and applications for energy storage evolving rapidly, but the costs are also coming down. But overall this industry is still in the early stages. One thing we know for sure: the energy storage marketplace will look vastly different in a few short years.

Members can also take advantage of solar energy by using the sun to heat their water. Solar water heating (SWH), a technique that runs water through a tube covered in a heat-absorbing material located in a sunny place, is not tied to the electrical system and does not generate electricity. SWH and PV panels are not mutually exclusive and can be used together.