Northern Lights launching solar project

SAGLE — On Monday, July 24, Northern Lights will be celebrating the launch of the first cooperative community solar project in Idaho. The 50-kilo-watt solar system is expected to produce approximately 165 kWh of electricity per year per unit.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony take place at 6 p.m. at NLI’s Sagle headquarters, 421 Chevy St., with complimentary hot dogs, chips, root beer floats, and sun-frosted cookies. For information on this event, call 208-255-7197.

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.

NLI is offering their members the opportunity to purchase shares of the solar project and to receive energy credits based on its production. There are 172 units still available for NLI members to purchase, out of the original 386 units. The subscription cost is $300 per unit, with a maximum of 5 units per member. NLI members will have the option of financing the cost 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,” says Elgar.

For questions regarding the community solar project, call Northern Lights at 208-255-7180.