Solar panel pioneers

Gain insight into members’ residential solar experiences

In western Oklahoma, it’s a familiar sight to see oil rigs dotting the landscape and wind turbines standing as tall sentinels. But two Northwestern Electric Cooperative (NWEC) members are yielding a different energy harvest.

As the owner of an oil and gas company, Randal Gabrel is no stranger to the energy industry’s ebbs and flows. In the pursuit of efficiency and curiosity, Gabrel leapt into a territory far beyond the black gold he’s accustomed to — solar power.

Gabrel shares his experiences as one of the earliest adopters of solar energy in Woodward.

“Solar, it interested me,” he says with a hint of intrigue. “No moving parts. That’s a big plus.”

Gabrel’s journey into solar energy began almost a decade ago, driven by a desire to explore the latest technology and its potential benefits. His pragmatic approach to solar energy also echoes his belief in stewardship and responsibility towards the earth — a sentiment deeply rooted in his faith.

“I just wanted to see if it works,” he explains, reflecting on his decision to venture into uncharted territory. “I’m not what you would call an ‘environmentalist’ but I believe that we’re stewards of the earth. I think, when we can, we should do what is good to take care of what we have.”

With determination and a knack for problem-solving, Gabrel found a local installer willing to take on the challenge. As Gabrel recounts the early days of his solar journey, it’s clear that a learning curve was inevitable. Yet, his steadfast resolve and practical mindset propelled him forward.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that we’re off the grid,” Gabrel remarks, dispelling myths surrounding solar power. “We’re more on the grid than ever.”

While residential solar power systems offer an attractive means of generating clean energy and reducing electricity bills, members still rely on a connection to the grid for functionality and reliability.

Melissa Weder, director of marketing and key accounts at NWEC, is the members’ first contact for solar questions at the cooperative. She often receives questions and comments from members evaluating solar contractors’ promises. Many times, this is after contracts have been signed.

“The grid connection ensures a seamless supply of electricity, especially during periods of low sunlight or high energy demand,” Weder explains.

Moreover, grid connectivity provides access to backup power during emergencies or system maintenance, enhancing the overall resilience of residential solar installations.

Logan Louthan, also a member of NWEC, recently implemented residential solar. He recounts his initial skepticism, dating back to 2017 when the idea of solar first piqued his interest after speaking with a friend.

“I was dragging my feet on actually looking into it,” he admits.

But as the cost of solar systems began to decrease and federal tax incentives became more enticing, Louthan took the plunge into renewable energy.

What followed was research, installation and ultimately, seeing his system in action. With an 8-kilowatt system on his property, Louthan’s investment totaled around $10,000.

As a part of his research, he reached out to NWEC to better understand rates and expectations for the return on his investment.

Weder explained to Louthan peak rates and how electricity production tends to peak around midday when the sun is at its highest point.

“Since solar panels generate the most electricity during the day, homeowners can offset their energy usage during peak times by using solar power instead of drawing electricity from the grid,” Weder says.

This can help save money on electricity bills because they are using their own renewable energy. However, if the member is planning on using the most energy during off-peak times, the savings may not be as significant.  For Louthan, the planning and research has paid off.

“It’s been great,” Louthan enthuses, reflecting on his decision. “My system is doing way better than I was ever expecting it to.”

From saving around $100 to $125 per month on electricity bills to the satisfaction of reducing his carbon footprint, Louthan’s solar journey has been a success.

But it’s not all sunshine and savings. Both Gabrel and Louthan candidly share their insights into the nuances of solar ownership. From the importance of researching inverters to the potential pitfalls of loans attached to solar systems, they offer invaluable advice to prospective solar adopters.

“Talk to somebody that has it,” Louthan advises. “And don’t just talk to one company. Solar isn’t right for everyone and NWEC assisted in helping me make my decision.”

He stresses the need for thorough research and a clear understanding of long-term implications, including maintenance, potential system failures and even the impact on property resale value.

Gabrel has noted the solar system is not the real estate benefit many solar companies claim.

“We’ve had a couple of realtors come out here and none of them have said they would up the value of the house because we have solar,” Gabrel says.

As someone who has had solar for nine years, Gabrel also recognizes the solar contractor he used is no longer in business. If replacement parts were needed, this would be a challenge. He has noted a high turnover rate in companies offering this service.

When considering residential solar, involving your electric cooperative, like NWEC, can be a game-changer.

“Our goal is not to discourage the progress of solar power in our area,” Weder added. “Our priority is to understand our members’ goals and provide advice on if what they have been told is going to help them reach that goal, and how to move forward from there.”

As solar pioneers, Gabrel and Louthan’s journeys show thorough research and realistic expectation can work together to create a proactive approach to solar ownership.

By partnering with the electric cooperative, members can harness the power of solar energy while ensuring informed decisions and maximizing the long-term benefits for both home and community.

NWEC Community Solar

For members who are interested in solar but may not have suitable rooftops or resources, NWEC offers a community solar program for its membership.

Background: Launched in December 2017, opened to the public in May 2019 by Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, including NWEC.

Location & Capacity: 125 kW solar facility on 1.25 acres behind NWEC’s main headquarters in Woodward, comprising 513 ground-mounted
panels.

Program: Metered residential members can voluntarily join, purchasing shares entitling them to 0.2667% of the total monthly production credited to their account. Limited to 375 shares.

Solar FAQs

Have questions about solar? Reach out to your co-op, your trusted energy advisor. For a list of helpful FAQs and considerations, click here to read a past article highlighting helpful tips.

Editor’s Note: While this article provides valuable insights into residential solar energy adoption, it’s important to note that individual circumstances may vary. We encourage readers to consult with their local rural electric cooperative to assess the feasibility and suitability of solar installations for their specific needs and geographical location. Local cooperatives often offer tailored guidance and resources to help members make informed decisions about renewable energy solutions.