Our Community Solar Program offers an affordable, low-risk way for members to enjoy the benefits of renewable solar energy without the hassle of installing or maintaining a personal solar array. By subscribing to one or more panels, members can receive a monthly energy credit for the energy produced by their share of the solar facility.
The program is open to all members in good standing and operates on a monthly subscription basis. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or someone facing physical barriers like roof space limitations or shading, you can take part in this initiative to support renewable energy.
To enroll, members simply need to complete the Member Community Solar Agreement with the cooperative. This agreement outlines the details of the facility, including its location, the number of panels available, and the account to be billed or credited.
Subscription Details:
- Monthly Panel Subscription Charge: $5.21 per panel
- Solar Energy Credit: Calculated using your monthly allocated capacity percentage, the total kWh produced by the facility, and an energy credit of 4.07¢ per kWh.
If you’re ready to join or would like more information, please fill out our Community Solar Application Form [External Link] or email solarapplication@fourcty.org.
Community Solar Program Frequently Asked Questions
Community Solar is a program where Four County EMC members can subscribe to a shared solar panel array located in Garland, NC. Instead of installing panels on their property, members subscribe to a portion of the energy produced by the co-op’s solar facility.
- Members subscribe to a specific number of solar panels in the community array.
- The energy these panels generate appears on your monthly electric bill as a credit.
- No installation is required.
Any Four County EMC member can subscribe to the Community Solar Program. It’s ideal for members who want to support renewable energy but cannot install solar panels on their own property due to cost, roof condition, or other factors.
The monthly panel subscription charge is $5.21 per solar panel
No maximum limit exists on the number of panels a member can subscribe to. There are a total of 352 panels.
Members will receive a monthly credit on their electric bill based on the energy output of their subscribed panels. The credit will vary depending on the weather, season, and the panels' performance.
Energy Credit = Monthly Allocated Capacity Percentage * kWh * Energy Credit
Monthly Allocated Capacity Percentage = # of subscription panels / total facility panels
kWh = total kWh of solar energy production at the subscribed facility for the previous month Energy Credit = ($0.0407)
Number of Panels subscribed: 15
Monthly Charge: $78.15 (15 * $5.21)
Total # of Panels: 352
Capacity owned %: 4.26% (15 panels/352 total panels)
Output of Project: 8,000 kWh
Credit: $ (13.87) (4.26% * 8,000 * $.0407)
Net Bill: $ 64.28 ($78.15-$13.87)
***The energy rate will be updated annually based on wholesale power costs
No, members do not need to install any equipment on their property. The solar panels are part of a community solar facility operated by Four County EMC’s statewide organization, NCEMC.
The energy production of solar panels can fluctuate based on weather and seasonal changes. Members will only receive credits for the energy generated by their subscribed panels.
There is a contract the member will have to sign. The commitment is on a one-month period and the member can cancel anytime.
Yes, members can cancel their subscription to the Community Solar Program.
If a member moves within Four County EMC’s service territory, they may be able to transfer their subscription to their new account. If they move outside the service area, their subscription will end, and the panels will become available for other members to subscribe to.
Members can sign up for the Community Solar Program by contacting Kristen Hole, Innovative Electrification Specialist, at (910) 259-1819 | solarapplication@fourcty.org. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
If all panels are subscribed, members will be placed on a waiting list and notified when panels become available.
Community Solar does not require any equipment installation at the member’s home. It’s a flexible option for those who cannot install rooftop solar but still want to support renewable energy.