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  1. FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. Most solar systems are grid-connected. Because of the two-way flow of electricity, excess energy, your system collects during the daytime flows into your cooperative's lines. This shoulders you with the responsibility for the safety of your cooperative line staff, others who may come in contact with a downed power line, and your cooperative's equipment. Improper connection and maintenance of your system may endanger people and the grid's reliability. So, West River Electric requires an interconnection agreement to be signed. West River Electric's interconnection agreement requires a wiring permit, equipment specifications, and liability insurance proof.

  2. MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT BEFORE BUYING A SOLAR SYSTEM. Adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and completing other basic fix-it projects make sense for several reasons. You can cut your energy costs immediately, and you'll also be able to reduce the size of the PV system you purchase. Your cooperative offers energy audits to members by a qualified auditor to help.

  3. UNDERSTAND HOW A SOLAR SYSTEM MESHES WITH YOUR COOPERATIVE'S SYSTEM. Most solar systems are designed to provide you with a portion of the electricity needed but won't provide 100 percent of your needs. At night and on cloudy days, and possibly at other high-energy-use times, you'll need more power than your PV system can produce. That means you'll still be connected to your cooperative's power lines. Because these systems are grid-connected, energy can flow both ways. Each utility—including your electric cooperative—sets appropriate policies and rates for connecting PV systems to their lines (the grid) and for possibly purchasing any excess energy your system might provide. As you begin to explore solar systems, be sure you ask us about rate structures, interconnection, essential safety precautions, and any other connection-related details.

  4. REVIEW YOUR CURRENT ENERGY USE SO YOU CAN DETERMINE WHAT SIZE PV SYSTEM TO INSTALL. You can use Smarthub to review your past energy use and help you determine how the projects you've undertaken to improve energy efficiency may help lower your future energy use. One pertinent bit of information that will be useful is looking at how your energy use fluctuates throughout the day. Having that information will help you determine—with expert assistance—the size and type of system best suited to your situation.

  5. CONTACT ONE OF WEST RIVER ELECTRIC'S TRUSTED ENERGY ADVISORS. We can share our experience and offer a third party point of view of these projects. In closing, we want to make sure you are happy with your system and that the process goes smoothly. So, the earlier you reach out to us the better.

  6. VIEW THIS YEARS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT.  Click here to view.