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Member Owned Generation (For Wind, Solar, Etc.)

MJM Electric Cooperative allows Members to install a wind, solar, or other type of generator to our electrical grid.

You must contact MJM before installing any type of generator because it needs to meet certain specifications before being connected to our system. This is for safety as well as legal reasons. Even if you are connecting a traditional propane or gasoline powered generator, you should contact us if it is going to be connected to your home's electrical system, and by extension into our lines. FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY, PLEASE CONTACT MJM BEFORE CONNECTING THESE SERVICES.

Please review the "Member Owned Generation" document found on this page. Prior to installation of a generator, you are required to fill out, sign, and return all the required documentation (including interconnection payment, required insurance documentation, system panel and inverter spec sheets, and your system's one line diagram)  by contacting our Member Generation Representatives at 217-707-6156 or email solar@mjmec.coop


DOWNLOADS

Please download and review these four documents.


 

MJM Interconnection Policy/Application

III-34 Interconnection Policy_1.pdf

One Line Diagram Example

MJM SAMPLE LINE DIAGRAM_2022 WEBSITE.pdf

Interconnection and Installation Member Guidelines

Member Guidelines 2022 - 8-22-22.pdf

Member-Owned Generation Billing

III-36 Member Owned Generation_0.pdf
Solar Considerations 2023

The BIG Question: Does Solar Fit my Budget?

Considering a home solar energy system? As the price for solar equipment decreases and members look for ways to reduce their energy costs, the question of whether to install a solar energy system on a home comes up more frequently. Members should consider multiple factors and ask key questions when researching and making the right decisions for their households. 

The total installed cost of residential photovoltaic ranges from about $35,000 to $50,000 for a 10-kilowatt grid tie-in system. In addition, there may be other costs to consider beyond just the panels: liability and homeowners’ insurance as well as property taxes. It’s also important to calculate years required to pay for the system. In some cases, it can take 17–25 years or more to recoup your costs, even with a tax credit.


What is "Avoided Cost?"

  • As an electric cooperative, our rate policy strives to maintain fundamental cost fairness among all of our member-owners as a form of consumer protection.

  • The cooperative will pay a member generator for the kWhs delivered to the grid at a rate that is developed based on an avoided cost basis, pursuant to federal regulations.

  • The “avoided cost” is the price the cooperative would have paid to produce the same power itself or purchase it from another source.

  • Asking the cooperative to pay a higher price for energy produced by a single member than the price we would pay to purchase it elsewhere is not fair to other members and is simply a bad business practice.

  • In essence, any member connected to the grid with access to virtually unlimited electricity on demand must pay a portion of the costs associated with poles, wires, substations, transformers, and operations necessary to deliver reliable electricity to their property in order to reach cost fairness among all members.

  • The avoided cost rate pays members for intermittent electric generation when it’s available while the cooperative’s retail rate covers costs associated with generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity available to members on demand.

  • Basic fairness to utility customers is the rationale for the federal standard being what it is and for the cooperative’s avoided cost rate.

  • Remember electric cooperatives are not-for-profit, so this is a matter of consumer protection for all members and not about making a profit.

 


Additional Resources for Solar:


40 Questions to ask an Installer : The American Solar Energy Society is an industry resource offering a checklist for consumers when choosing and working with installers and contractors.


The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (PV Calculator) : Estimates the energy production and cost of energy of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) energy systems throughout the world. It allows homeowners, small building owners, installers and manufacturers to easily develop estimates of the performance of potential PV installations.

 

FAQs for Solar : PDF answering some of or top frequently asked questions for solar installations. 

Interconnection Process 2023
solar renewable wind renewable energy generator
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MJM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

  • 18300 Shipman Rd - Carlinville, IL
  • (217)-707-6156
  • Non-Discrimination Policy

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©2023 MJM Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • What is a Cooperative?
    • How We're Governed
    • Where We Serve
    • Careers
    • About Touchstone Energy
  • Billing
    • Billing and Payment Options
    • 2023 Rates
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Rate Calculator
    • SmartHub Help
    • Understanding Your Bill
  • Outage Center
  • News & Events
    • Annual Meeting
    • Regular Board Meeting Minutes
    • Newsletters
  • Community
    • Operation Round Up
    • Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO)
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Day & Tour
    • Workforce Incentive Program
  • Find Ways to Save
    • Saving Energy 101
    • Renewable Energy
    • PowerMoves Rebates
    • Usage Monitor Check-Out Program
    • New Home Construction Tips
    • Co-op Connections
  • Member Information
    • Member Information Packet
    • Member-Owned Generation (For Wind, Solar, Etc.)
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • What Are Capital Credits?
    • EVs
  • Service Requirements
  • Vegetation Management