English (United States)
Solar

Sunwise Community Solar

SunWise℠ is a community solar program available in the participating retail communities -- Ainsworth, Kearney, Norfolk, Ogallala, Scottsbluff, Venango, and York. Community solar is a way for community members to purchase solar energy without having to install rooftop panels on their home or business. Solar subscribers can buy different amounts of solar energy based on their annual electricity usage.
REQUEST SHARES

Advantages of Community Solar verses Roof Top Solar

  • Since there's no system installed on your roof, you don't need to worry about maintenance.
  • There is no added cost because taxes, insurance, and electrical inspections are eliminated.
  • Anyone can enjoy the benefits of solar even if you don’t own a home (single family residences, duplexes, condominiums, townhouses, apartments, businesses)
  • Community solar takes advantage of economies of scale, which allows for more efficient and economical energy generation.
  • Rooftop solar systems typically require a sizable upfront investment to cover the cost of installation.
Image showing a roof top solar system and a community solar system

To be eligible, you must:

  • be a retail customer in good standing with NPPD
  • pay an electric bill to NPPD in communities with a community solar program (see eligible communities)

Exclusions are lighting accounts, customers who already have their own generation, and landlords who have an active Landlord Agreement with NPPD at a rental property (tenants are eligible to participate).

Minimum program length is one month. Customers are allowed to exit the program at any time after the one month period.

Maximum program length is the term of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

A $50 refundable enrollment fee is credited back to the account on the 3-year anniversary date of enrollment.

Customers can move to another address within their community and keep their community solar shares. Participation will be terminated upon relocation out of the community. Shares are not transferable to other customers, family or friends.

Image showing solar participating levels
  • What is community solar?
    Community Solar is typically an array of PV panels located remotely serving groups of participants, rather than a single PV system mounted atop a single customer’s home or business.
  • Why is community solar a viable alternative to a Customer-Owned Solar option?
    It is estimated that less than 25 percent of roofs are suitable for solar panel installation; therefore, many home and business owners interested in solar energy do not have a way to participate. Community Solar allows a method for them to participate.
  • If I wish to, how can I participate in Community Solar?
    Participation methods vary greatly with each sponsoring utility. Typical methods may allow the customer to purchase a panel and then receive the energy generated or simple agree to purchase a set amount of energy monthly.
  • What is NPPD doing to assist communities wishing to move forward with Community Solar?
    NPPD helps communities interested in Community Solar by providing those interested with consulting expertise.


    Information taken from: Energy and Sun: 2015 Solar Strategy, Report and Recommendations – NPPD; Solaratlas.com; Ambassadorenergy.com; and sunlightenergy.com.