Tuesday is Deadline to Become One of 18 Ashland Households Powered by Solar Energy

ASHLAND, Ore. — Ashlanders have until Tuesday (November 19) to sign up to become one of 18 households powered by solar energy.

The Ashland Solar Cooperative, a nonprofit increasing access to solar energy, has teamed with True South Solar to build a solar array to provide sufficient energy to power at least 18 households.

Project Could Come Online Next Month

The project could come online at early as mid-December.

Residents do not have to own their properties to apply for this initiative – renters are also eligible.

The only requirement to qualify for one of the 18 spots is applicants must presently pay an Ashland electric bill.

Costs and Benefits

Participants must purchase electricity for one year of energy upfront, with a minimum of 3,000 kilowatts (kWh), or about 25% of average household use.

Sufficient solar energy to cover 100% of energy needs will cost about $1,200 on average.

The amount of power purchased will be deducted from energy bills. There is also a once-off $100 entrance fee payable.

Low-income households will benefit from this project. They will receive 10% of the power produced with a monthly allocation of 500 kWh free of charge – an annual savings of $600.

Generally, members will save about 5% of their average monthly power bills, but their participation will help Ashland achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program with 50% of the installation costs.

The balance is funded with a $106,000 federal tax credit, $30,000 from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and loans from community members.

Ashlanders interested in one of the 18 solar energy-powered spots available to households should email [email protected] by Tuesday.

For more information visit Ashland Solar Co-op.