Solar Power At The Co-op

Grayson Rural Electric Co-op took a step toward testing renewable energy with the August installation of a set of solar panels on the grounds of its office in Grayson. The panels shown here cover about 1,000 square feet and are expected to produce about 12,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year—about the amount that would be used by four energy-efficient homes. The aim of the project will be to study how effectively and reliably it produces electricity for regular use. At the dedication ceremony, Grayson Rural Electric Co-op President and CEO Carol Hall Fraley said, “We have to embrace new technology. We hope that people will come in and learn more about it.” To help pay for the installation costs, the Grayson co-op worked with Berea-based Mountain Association for Community Economic Development. Grayson Rural Electric Co-op has been working with MACED on other area home energy-efficiency programs. The co-op estimates the electricity produced by the solar panels will save about $1,200 a year.