Research before going solar

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative encourages members to analyze the pros and cons before buying or leasing a solar facility. Questions to consider in advance include:

• Is the estimated energy savings worth the investment? Will your average monthly electric bill exceed the monthly payment for your solar facility plus your minimum NAEC bill? The electric distribution charge is commonly called a minimum bill and is $1.04 a day for a residential single-phase service. It is intended to cover the fixed costs of the service.

• Do any estimated savings provided by the solar vendor use NAEC’s kWh rates and factor in NAEC’s electric distribution charge?

• Is it more cost-effective to invest in other energy-saving measures, such as a new air-source heat pump or more insulation?

• Do you understand the net-metering billing process outlined in NAEC’s tariff approved by the Arkansas Public Service Commission? (View at naeci.com/solar.)

• Is the vendor licensed and insured? Are local references available?

• Are there any hidden costs, such as a roof that needs to be replaced before installing the panels? What would the cost be to reinstall panels if a roof must be replaced?

• Are there ongoing maintenance fees?

• Are rebates or other incentives available?

• How will it affect your property insurance? For more information, visit naeci.com/solar or call NAEC at 870-895-3221.