MJM Electric Cooperative allows Members to install a wind, solar, or other type of generator, no larger than 25kW, to our electrical grid.

MJM has a straightforward process designed to protect our members. Please refer to the step-by-step instructions on our process.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.

 

Protect your investment: FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY, PLEASE CONTACT MJM BEFORE CONNECTING THESE SERVICES. MJM must approve all applications for grid interconnection. Failure to get approval before building could be a significant problem if your application does not meet our guidelines.  Worst case scenario could result in a member having a system installed that does not meet the MJM guidelines for interconnection. You could have invested a large sum of money on a renewable project that you are not able to use.

 

Please download and review the "MJM Interconnection Packet" 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

 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD:

MJM INTERCONNECTION PACKET

Please download and fill out "Attachments A&B" to apply.

The Packet includes: Step-by-step process, application documents, guidelines, MJM member generation policies, MGEN billing explanation, and example one-line diagram.

 

 

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.

Federal tax incentive info can be found HERE. (external link to irs.gov)

  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. 

 

TOP 5 CONSIDERATIONS

BEFORE INSTALLING A SOLAR OR WIND SYSTEM

Member-owners and Cooperatives must work together to obtain an interconnection agreement, connect the system to the grid, and must follow Cooperative policies and applicable State and/or Federal laws. 

Talk to credible, reputable sources that can help you understand the economics of an installation, including the best location/type of renewable energy for your property, current incentives, and insurance requirements.  When choosing a solar vendor, always ask for (and check) references, customer reviews, and ask for third-party input from credible sources. 

Your local Co-op can help you understand rate structure and the type of charges you will incur, along with how you will be compensated for excess energy you generate, and the limits on the size of system. 

You will be responsible for the costs to install the system, ongoing maintenance, and repair. Research to determine if a renewable system is economical for your unique energy needs. 

Privately-owned solar and wind systems are connected to the grid. To have reliable electric service when your system isn’t providing enough energy, your Electric Cooperative provides backup electricity.  All interconnection and safety requirements must be met before operating the system. This is necessary to protect other Member-Owners, Co-op employees, public safety personnel, and the public from risks that could result from improper installation.

solar renewable wind renewable energy generator