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Frequently asked questions about Community Solar

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How Community Solar works

Solar energy production

How Community Solar works

Who is eligible to buy Community Solar power?
Community Solar is a great solution for anyone who wants solar power without installing and maintaining rooftop panels - including renters, condo owners or homes not suitable for rooftop solar. All residential customers are eligible for Community Solar except those on the M-Power pre-pay plan.

How does SRP determine my portion of the energy produced?
SRP's monthly production from Copper Crossing Solar Ranch will be equally divided into blocks. Community Solar customers will receive a monthly report with their bill summarizing the amount of energy attributed to their number of blocks.

If I participate in Community Solar, will my residence receive solar power from Copper Crossing?
The energy produced at Copper Crossing goes into the "grid" along with energy produced at other plants. There is no way to directly track who receives energy from a specific plant. However, the portion of energy produced by your solar blocks will be applied to your monthly bill just as if you had solar panels on your rooftop.

Why can't I buy more than half of my annual energy use from Community Solar?
We cap this program at 50% of your annual usage to help balance solar production with your monthly usage throughout the year. Both solar production and your energy needs fluctuate in the winter and summer months. It also allows more customers to participate in this new program, which is limited to 10,000 solar blocks.

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After enrolling in Community Solar, can I add more blocks later?
Customers may add or drop solar blocks once every 12 bill cycles. Adding solar blocks depends on availability, current pricing and not exceeding 50% of a household's annual energy use.

What SRP price plan is recommended to supplement the Community Solar plan?
You don't need to change price plans to participate unless you are on the M-Power pre-pay plan.

Customers' energy use varies based on many factors including the number of people in a home and lifestyles. We recommend that you consult with an SRP representative if you have questions about the right price plan for you.

How long am I committed to buy Community Solar blocks?
You can commit for up to five years and be guaranteed that the price of energy from Copper Crossing Solar Ranch will not increase. If SRP's electricity prices go up in the next five years, the amount you pay for these solar blocks will not change. You also have the flexibility to cancel at any time with no penalty.

What happens after five years?
SRP Community Solar is a pilot program. At the end of five years, SRP's Board of Directors will evaluate the success of this program and determine future direction.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel at any time. However, we recommend customers stay with the program for at least one year to experience the benefits of higher solar energy production in the summer. Customers who cancel must wait one year before signing up again.

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Solar energy production

How much energy is produced - and why does it vary each month?
One block of Community Solar represents approximately 2,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy produced at Copper Crossing Solar Ranch annually. That is enough power to run the typical kitchen appliances, clothes washer and dryer for a year.

You pay the same amount for a solar block each month ($24.15 plus tax) even though production varies due to several factors including weather, sunshine hours in a day and plant operations. More sunshine hours in the summer means more energy production from your solar blocks when you need it most. SRP's Community Solar pricing calculator can help you better understand the net impact on your monthly bills.

What if my solar blocks produce more energy than I use in a month?
It's unlikely this would occur. However, if your solar blocks did produce more energy than you used in one month, a credit for the balance would be carried over and applied to the next month's bill just as if you owned a rooftop system.

Why does solar energy cost more when sunshine is free?
The technology needed to convert sunlight into electricity is more expensive than traditional generation. Community Solar is a cost-effective solution for customers who want clean energy but know that a rooftop system isn't an option for them.

Which resources are used for manufacturing solar panels - and what's the expected life of the technology?
Answers to these questions vary based on the specific technology. Manufacturers determine the types of materials and energy requirements for solar panels. Here are some links to resources that provide more detailed information:

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