Northern Lights plans community solar project

SANDPOINT — This spring, Northern Lights will be building the first cooperative community solar project in Idaho. The 50-kilowatt solar project is expected to produce approximately 165 kWh of electricity per year per unit.

The community solar project was originally conceived by NLI’s board of directors and given the go-ahead based on the level of interest and desire to support solar shown by many co-op members.

NLI’s power supply currently comes from the Bonneville Power Administration and NLI’s Lake Creek dam. This community solar project is a step in examining additional renewable energy sources.

Northern Lights is offering its members the opportunity to purchase shares of the solar project and to receive energy credits based on its production. There will be 386 units available for NLI members to purchase, with a subscription cost $300 per unit and a maximum of five units per member.

Northern Lights members will have the option of financing the cost of the shares over 12 months on their electric bill.

“In response to our members, NLI always is looking for cost-effective sources of energy that we can develop and own ourselves, similar to our Lake Creek hydro project,” says NLI Board President Steve Elgar. “We are excited about community solar, which will allow NLI members to benefit from this increasingly popular source of electricity, while providing educational opportunities for local residents and experience for NLI as we plan for the future.”

“The NLI Board is committed to this project. Every NLI director is purchasing shares in the community solar project,” said Elgar.

Information: Northern Lights, 208-255-7180