Ask Oconee County couple Christine (Chris) Franklin and Dale Green why they are longtime subscribers of Walton EMC’s Cooperative Solar program and the answer comes without hesitation. Participating in the co-op’s renewable energy program is “right” for them for many reasons, the two explained.

“Why wouldn’t we support a program that helps us produce energy while also doing the right thing for our environment and our planet?” reasons Chris, a retired University of Georgia statistics professor.

“Why wouldn’t we support a program that helps us produce energy while also doing the right thing for our environment and our planet?”

She and husband Dale are “very environmentally aware” and share a commitment to use fewer fossil fuels. They demonstrate their concern for the planet by driving hybrid vehicles, practicing energy efficiency in their home and supporting green power initiatives like Cooperative Solar.

Dale, a physician at the University of Georgia, adds that the ease and low cost of participation are other reasons they like the co-op’s solar program. Though they have ample space to install a private solar system, the two didn’t want the hassles that come with owning and maintaining one.

“There’s a significant upfront cost to installing your own system, and you have to deal with putting it on your roof,” he said. “Why do all that when it’s so easy to call the co-op and sign up for its solar program?”

The program offers “a much more convenient way” to support renewable energy, Dale said. Walton EMC is responsible for maintaining the solar farm, as well as metering and delivering solar electricity to the power grid.

Harnessing the sun’s power

Cooperative Solar was launched to give co-op members a collective opportunity to purchase power generated from “green” resources such as the sun. Walton EMC currently operates and maintains three solar farms in Walton County.

The first 1-megawatt installation sits on six acres adjacent to the co-op’s headquarters complex. The second, a 2.5-megawatt project, occupies 18 acres on a site four miles south of Monroe off Georgia Highway 11. A third site on Gratis Road adds another three megawatts of solar electricity production. Together, the three solar farms have produced more than 54 million kilowatts of power so far.

Chris and Dale jumped at the opportunity to participate when the co-op announced plans to install its first solar collection site in June 2015. They quickly realized they weren’t alone in supporting renewable energy options. Fellow members snapped up all 750 of the available blocks of solar power within days of the announcement.

“We ended up on the waiting list, and had to wait for the second site to open,” Dale said. A long list of members wanting solar power prompted the co-op to install the second and third solar sites in quick succession.

The wait was worth it, Dale said as he ticked off another important benefit of Cooperative Solar participation: affordability.

“People think subscribing to solar is expensive, but that’s not true.”

“People think subscribing to solar is expensive, but that’s not true. It’s generally a wash as far as expense,” he said.

He and his wife purchased four blocks of solar power. Each block costs $25 per month.

The kilowatt-hours of electricity produced by their blocks generally offset the same number of kilowatt-hours on their bill. During the summer, when days are longer, their blocks produce more electricity than they use, so they receive a credit for the excess.

Walton EMC members can discontinue their solar commitment at any time, but Chris and Dale say they’re sticking with the program and encourage others to sign up. “It’s definitely met our expectations,” said Chris. “It’s a way to feel that we’re making a small contribution.”

“We want to set a good example for our children and grandchildren.”

Making a positive impact on the planet’s future has become even more important to the two now that they are grandparents. Grandson Henry was born in late 2020. They hope he’ll grow up watching them do the “right” things and follow their lead, said Chris.

“We want to set a good example for our children and grandchildren.”

SIGN UP FOR SOLAR

To participate, call Walton EMC at 770-267-2505.