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  • Going Solar? We can help!
  • Save money with an energy efficiency rebate
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Solar Energy

solar_50.jpg

GETTING STARTED WITH SOLAR 

HARNESSING THE SUN
Generating solar power is a significant and complex undertaking. You want your system to meet safety specifications that protect your family, home and community. We'll help you interconnect your array with Southwestern Electric's power grid safely and efficiently.

SOLAR SAFETY
Your solar array will be connected to Southwestern Electric Cooperative’s distribution system. At times, your project may deliver energy to the grid using our power lines. Faulty equipment, improper installation and maintenance issues can endanger lives and compromise the integrity of your system and our grid. We’ll work with you to ensure your array interacts safely with Southwestern Electric's distribution system.

CONTACT SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC
The information we’ve provided here will help you prevent delays and avoid unnecessary expenses. We encourage you to call or email us with questions. Please contact Julie Lowe, energy manager, at (800) 637-8667 or julie.lowe@sweci.com.

SOLAR PROJECT FAQs

WHAT ARE MY FIRST STEPS?
Before you invest in a solar energy system, contact Southwestern Electric Cooperative. We’ll provide information to help you make informed decisions, and send documentation you’ll share with your contractors and insurance agent.

You may want to improve your home's energy efficiency by adding insulation, caulking around doors and windows, and using LED lighting. Investing in energy efficiency beforehand may reduce your energy use and the size of the system required to meet your needs.

HOW MUCH WILL MY PROJECT COST?
Expenses vary from one installation to the next. A system’s rating, manufacturer, the complexity of the installation, and contractor costs affect your overall investment. Ask your installer about tax credits that may help you offset the cost of your system.

WILL SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC BUY THE POWER I GENERATE?
If you generate more power than you use in a month, Southwestern Electric will credit your account at a rate of 3.770 cents per kilowatt-hour (rate valid as of 1/2021. Call for current rate). That credit will be applied to your bill in a subsequent month. Cogeneration credits are valid during the year they’re generated. For example, if you generate more power than you use in January, you’ll keep that credit until we can apply it later in the year. All cogeneration credits expire April 30, regardless of when they were earned. Southwestern doesn’t issue checks for the energy you generate, so to get the greatest value from your system, you’ll want to design it with the energy needs of your home in mind.

MEMBER-OWNED INTERCONNECTED COGENERATION POLICY

For more information on the responsibilities, requirements and benefits of being a Southwestern member with cogeneration facilities, read our member-owned interconnected cogeneration policy.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Please review the terms and conditions related to interconnecting your solar array with Southwestern Electric's distribution system.

INTERCONNECTION AT A GLANCE

We've created a graphic that outlines our interconnection process. You'll find it here.

Steps to solar commissioning icon

LEARN MORE

Department of Energy
Touchstone Energy
North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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    ABOUT US

    Based in Greenville, Ill., Southwestern Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative serving 23,000 residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial members in 11 counties along the I-70 corridor between St. Louis, Mo., and Effingham, Ill.

    Southwestern Careers
    Southwestern Newsroom

    Southwestern Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

    RESOURCES

    Southwestern Electric is a member-focused, not-for-profit utility. Our bylaws guide our business and daily operations. As your accountable energy partner, our mission is to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.

    Southwestern Bylaws
    Southwestern Rates
    Our Annual Report
     

    CONTACT US

    You can reach us at (800) 637-8667. We respond to outage calls around the clock. Our office hours are Mon - Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    You're welcome to visit our office at:

    525 US Route 40
    Greenville, IL 62246

    ©2022 Southwestern Electric Cooperative. Your Accountable Energy Partner.

    • Home
    • Your Service
      • Apply For Service
      • Paying Your Bill
      • Payment Programs
      • Electric Rates
      • Forms Library
      • Member Guide
      • The SWEC IL App
      • Capital Credits
    • Energy Information
      • Energy Assistance
      • Technology Rebates
      • ERC Loans
      • Solar Energy
    • Electric Vehicles
      • Discover The EV Advantage
      • EV Owner Survey
      • EV Charger Rebates
      • EV Charging Codes
    • Community
      • Operation Round Up
      • Scholarships
      • Economic Development
    • News & Information
      • News Releases
      • Outage Information
        • If You Lose Power
        • Outage Map
        • Outage Safety
        • How We Restore Your Power
      • The Southwestern
      • Board Meeting Minutes
      • Video
    • Safety
      • Indoor Electrical Safety
      • Outdoor Electrical Safety
      • Generator Safety
      • Storm Safety
      • Cyber Security
    • About Us
      • Mission & Management
      • Financial Information
      • Careers
      • Service Area
      • Contact Us