Community solar farm to harvest sun’s energy

Click here to view a construction update

Jo-Carroll Energy offers all electric members the opportunity to subscribe to our South View Solar Farm.

South View Solar Farm was constructed on three-quarters of an acre behind the east campus at the cooperative’s headquarters in Elizabeth. The array consists of 456 solar panels with a combined capacity of 126.5 kW (dc). Each panel has a capacity of 275 watts.

Jo-Carroll Energy members who receive their electricity from the co-op can purchase subscriptions for capacity credits. They will receive a monthly bill credit for their panel’s output.

Subscriptions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Cost is $890 per panel. Subscriptions should be sized to the member’s electric load.

Credit based on the actual production of the solar farm will be provided on participating members electric bills for 20 years. The estimated average return is $48-50 per panel per year in credits. Participating members can expect to break even on their investment over the life of the project.

The farm is designed to not be subsidized by members who do not participate. The price of subscriptions and the credits are based on the costs of this project.

The solar array was commissioned in late December.

Commonly asked questions can be found on the South View Solar Farm FAQ page.