Our Model 2

Solar power stored locally in batteries that can be flexibly deployed during times of peak demand to reduce electricity costs for all member-owners

Solar + Storage

+

community wealth

Unique profit share model that supports small and minority landowners + funnels a portion of revenue into a local community development nonprofit controlled by member-owners

Because the cost of electricity is determined by demand, it is most expensive during times of highest usage. This is known as peak energy cost.

Peak energy costs do not necessarily correspond to when the solar array is producing the largest amount of energy.

By storing energy during peak production time and deploying it during the time of peak cost, the array can contribute to a significant reduction in the cost of electricity overall.

92% of persistently poor counties in the United States are serviced by rural electric cooperatives. (Source)

In some of the poorer counties residents may spend up to 40% of their yearly income on energy bills alone. If a household spends more than 6% of their income on energy they are considered to be living in energy poverty. (Learn More)

That is partially due to lower average incomes in rural areas, but also due to higher energy bills stemming from higher rates in rural areas and generally older-than-average houses that lack efficient heating and cooling capabilities.

Landowners hosting infrastructure on their land typically sign a long-term lease equal to about 7 times what they would have received had they leased their land for traditional crops. (Learn more)

On top of lease payments, landowners also receive a profit share of revenue generated by the array. This is different from a traditional dividend as they are not held liable for any losses.

This helps keep lands under family stewardship for generations to come.

A second profit share (separate from that received by landowners) is funneled into a local community development nonprofit, which is controlled by member-owners of the REC.

This nonprofit determines how to use the proceeds: grants, education programs, conservation, job training…it’s up to the community.

Creates 10 temporary jobs in solar installation as well as 1 - 2 permanent, high paying jobs in system maintenance.

finally, as an added bonus…

Projects also provide pollinator habitats surrounding the sites.

A properly planned pollinator habitat provides a diversity of nectar and pollen sources for insects, birds and bats who play a crucial role in the production of most fruits and vegetables.