Members question motives for hikes in electric co-op solar fees

Wayne Hesse, a semiretired southwest Minnesota farmer, wants to install a raft of solar panels on his property. He’d generate electricity for his home and farm, and sell excess power back to his electric co-op.

But his plan has hit a big roadblock. His co-op, Lyon-Lincoln Electric, recently rolled out a new fee for residential solar customers. It would cost Hesse $49 per month, a blow to the economic feasibility of his project, he said.

To Hesse, Lyon-Lincoln is penalizing him for producing and selling more power back to the co-op than he would buy from it. “I think they feel very threatened,” he said. “I think they feel it will cut into their energy sales.”

http://www.startribune.com/members-question-motives-for-hikes-in-electric-co-op-solar-fees/389368061/