| Q: What is PVREA Community Solar? |
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PVREA’s community solar farm enables you to own solar panels in a centralized, community-based array. As your panels produce clean electricity, you receive credits directly on your monthly PVREA electric bills for the power produced. By owning a solar power system in a community array, you can reduce or eliminate your electric bills, protect against rising prices, and experience monthly savings in place of a monthly expense...all without changing your home! |
| Q: What do I get? |
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You are purchasing and owning specific solar panels that will be mounted in a community array that is operated and maintained by Clean Energy Collective. | Q: How much does it cost? |
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Our starting price for most Poudre Valley REA Community Solar Farm customers is $3.10/watt or $729 per 235-watt panel. There are no fees or service charges- this is all you pay. Please call the PVREA Community Solar Farm Sales Department directly at 1-800-370-5276 or fill out a proposal request online so we can propose system that fits your energy needs. |
| Q: Is financing available? |
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Yes! The Clean Energy Collective and Sooper Credit Union have teamed up and created the Clean Energy Loan Program, the first low-cost, long-term loan program designed exclusively for Clean Energy Collective members. The Clean Energy Loan Program is the first solar panel financing program that does not require you to own your home or office building, so now everyone can own and use clean renewable energy, even renters. Click here to get started. |
| Q: Do I have to file apply for rebates or file with the IRS tax credits? |
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No! The CEC takes care of everything so that you don't have the hassle of filling out tax credit forms or rebate applications. The CEC takes advantage of the rebates and tax credits, passing on the savings to you for a hands-free experience, year after year. Most importantly you won't have to come up with the additional out-of-pocket costs and then wait around for your rebate and tax credits to come back to you.
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| Q: Will I have to pay additional fees in the future? |
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No. All of the insurance, warranty, management and maintenance for the systems are included in the initial sales price and escrow program. As a customer you will not have to pay any additional out of pocket fees. |
| Q: Can I buy more panels later? |
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Absolutely - as long as panels are available. At any time, Poudre Valley REA Community Solar Farm customers may purchase as many panels as it takes to offset their PVREA electric bills. |
| Q: What happens if I move? |
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You have many options, including:
- Have your panels' credits applied to your new PVREA account with just a phone call
- Resell your panels with your home or separately
- Donate your ownership to a local non-profit
- Transfer your ownership to a family member |
| Q: How is the credit to my monthly utility bill determined? |
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Each month, your electric bill will be credited for the power produced by your panels in the previous month. You are credited for that power at the current electricity rate plus an additional $0.04/kWh. Initially your credit will be $0.13176/kWh, which will increase as energy costs rise. |
| Q: How much will I save on my bill in the first year and over the life of the system? |
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Power produced by your panels at the Poudre Valley REA Community Solar Farm will be purchased by PVREA under a power purchase agreement. The credit you receive for the power produced increases as energy prices rise, protecting you against inflation and increasing your savings over time. The CEC estimates the following savings for 1 panel over the 50-year system life: $35 in year 1 / $6,055 over life of the system. |
| Q: When will my system have paid for itself? |
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CEC estimates that the average system will pay for themselves in about 13 years, but with options to sell your panels should you have to, owning panels for less than that time can still be financially beneficial. |
| Q: What is the “lifetime” of the system? |
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CEC’s Operation and Maintenance Program ensures your equipment operates optimally for 50 years, twice as long as the average rooftop PV system. |
| Q: How can I pay for my panels? |
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CEC accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. You can also apply online for our low-cost financing from Sooper Credit Union’s Clean Energy Loan Program. |
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