First Member-Owned Solar System Interconnects to LEC Grid
Rural Montana, March 2008On a cold January morning, co-op member Sarah Anderson became the first to inter-tie her new renewable energy system to Lincoln Electric's distribution lines. In what is know as a net-metered installation, the power produced from the solar electric system will help offset energy use in the home, and could even make the meter spin backwards at times of low electric usage.
Net metering allows members to "bank" kilowatt-hours produced by a renewable energy system in times of low energy usage for up to a year, and "use" them in later months when electric usage is higher. The Co-op has had a net metering policy in effect since 2003, but Sarah is the first member to take advantage it. The 1,600-watt system is estimated to produce somewhere between 1,500-1,800 kWhs annually, approximately $75-$90 worth of power at LEC's current rates. The system was designed and installed by local business owner Jeff Wongstrom of Thirsty Lake Solar. If you would like more information about net metering and renewable energy, visit our website at www.linconelectric.coop, or contact Tim Engleson at the Co-op office.
Eight 200-watt solar panels make up the array mounted on a shed behind the house. Underground cable connects the panels with the balance of the system attached to the house near the electrical service entrance.
Thirsty Lake Solar owner/operator Jeff Wongstrom (l) and LEC engineer Jamie Stark stand in front of the inverter that converts the DC solar power into conventional AC power and feeds it into the home or onto the electrical grid. Several LEC employees were on hand to commission and inspect the system prior to energizing it. Jeff is the husband of member Sarah Anderson.