Community Solar - Monthly Subscriptions Available

Go green now for only $3.50/month!

The Community Solar program is fully subscribed. To be placed on a waiting list as panels become available, complete one of the Community Solar Customer Agreements below and email the completed form to communitysolar@bemc.org. We will contact you in the order agreements are received.

BEMC’s Community Solar program offers members easy access to solar energy without the upfront cost and ongoing maintenance of rooftop solar.

The program allows you to subscribe to one or more panels and receive a bill credit for the energy they produce. It is especially ideal for renters and condo owners who cannot install their solar arrays due to property restrictions.

Monthly Subscription for $3.50/month
Full Term Subscription of $537

Contact us  for more information about participating in Community Solar.

Community Solar Generation: Bolivia, NC
Community Solar Generation: Chadbourn, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Brunswick Electric offering a community solar array?

Our members have shown a strong interest in alternative energy sources. Solar arrays not only make solar energy more affordable for everyone, it is well-suited for those who don’t want to take on the responsibilities of ownership.

Who is this program intended for?

The program is voluntary and available to all BEMC members interested in using renewable energy.  Community solar is a more affordable, low-risk way to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without the hassle of designing, permitting, installing, maintaining, and insuring your own PV solar array.  To participate, you must be a BEMC member in good standing with an active electric account.

Will anything be installed at my home?

No, all equipment will be installed on BEMC property. BEMC will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and insuring the array for the 20-year life of the program.

How much does it cost and is there a contract?

We have two options to choose from:

Panels are $537 each and you must sign a Community Solar Agreement. Payment for the panel(s) can be by cash, check, or credit card.

OR

You can subscribe to an unlimited number of panels for $3.50/month per panel with no commitment, but you will need to sign a Community Solar Agreement for the monthly subscription.

What does subscribing to a panel mean?

Subscribing means you are making a monthly payment in exchange for the energy produced by the panel(s). You will receive a bill credit for your share of the energy generated.

How much electricity does each panel generate?

Each panel is capable of producing up to 312 watts (and is estimated to produce 481 kWh starting the first year). We expect it to average out at just over 40 kWh per month per panel. This translates to about $46 in solar credits the first year.

Do I "own" the panels?

NCEMC (Statewide) owns the actual panels, located at the Brunswick County and Columbus County solar farms. You own the energy that is produced by the panel. All maintenance, repair, and insurance costs are included.

Am I eligible for the 30% federal investment tax credit?

No. Since you own the rights to the energy production of the units and not the solar units themselves, you are not eligible for state or federal renewable tax credits. However, you are getting the benefit of the tax incentives in a reduced upfront cost. To determine any other tax implications, please contact your tax preparer.

How is the credit to my monthly bill determined?

You will receive a monthly credit on your bill based on the output of the system. The total energy produced by the entire solar array each month will be divided by 738 (number of units total). Each participating member’s bill will be reduced by the number of kWhs their share of the overall project produced – priced at the current BEMC energy component of the member’s retail rate.

Where are the Community solar arrays located?

In Brunswick County the array is on Hwy 17 at the north end of Bolivia.  In Columbus County, it is located next to our Peacock substation near Chadbourn. Both are fenced in for security.

I am a senior citizen; will a solar panel benefit me?

As regular retail rates increase, the value of your solar energy increases too. The panel can be sold or left as a valuable legacy gift to children or others.

What happens if I move?

If you move within the BEMC territory, you can transfer your solar credits to your new address.

If you move outside of the service area, and you paid for your lease in full,  you may sell your share back to Brunswick Electric. If you signed up for a monthly subscription, you can discontinue participation at any time.

Who is paying for this project?

Brunswick Electric has worked with a statewide co-op organization to finance the project and take advantage of federal tax benefits. The cost of the solar array does not impact our current rates or members who don’t participate in the BEMC Community Solar project. The cost of the project, as well as maintenance and insurance until the year 2036, is covered in the price of each panel.

Is this project being subsidized by BEMC members who are not interested in the solar array?

No. This project is not subsidized by the entire membership. The costs associated with the solar array are paid for by those who enroll.

Can PrePay members subscribe?

Yes, PrePay members can subscribe to the Community Solar program.