Omaha Public Power District provides update on solar energy program
Around 875 customers have subscribed to the Community Solar Program, which bases their electricity bills on market prices for solar, produced here. Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) has provided an update on its solar energy program, which aims to reduce carbon footprint and utility bills over time. Around 875 customers have signed up to the Community Solar Program, which bases their electricity bills on market prices for solar produced in the region. The program is now on a waiting list for customers to join. The federal government provides a 30% tax credit for solar panel installation, and OPPD offers a $2000 rebate if you use one of its preferred providers. However, home installation of solar panels experienced a decrease last year due to high interest rates and increased interest rates. A major utility-scale solar project is planned for later this year in Platteview in Saunders County.
Published : one year ago by Craig Nigrelli in Environment
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Way off the beaten trail, on the way to the Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, sits a big field that takes up a lot of space.
The birds chirp. The wind blows and solar panels sit, soaking in the sun. There are a lot of them.
“A lot of residential customers are interested in community solar, " said Sam Hueser, a manager at OPPD.
It’s the OPPD solar farm in Fort Calhoun. Around 875 customers have subscribed to the Community Solar Program, which bases their electricity bills on market prices for solar, produced here.
It reduces their carbon footprint and utility bill over time. There is now a waiting list in order to join. Anybody hoping to get-on, will have to wait for somebody else to opt-out or for OPPD to build another one.
The other option, if you want to invest in solar, is to contract with a private company to come out and install panels on your roof. The project costs in the $20,000 to $25,000 range.
There are two ways to reduce the cost.
Number one, the federal government now gives a 30% tax credit for solar panel installation.
Second, OPPD is providing a $2000 rebate if you use one of its preferred providers.
“That’s our list of trade allies,” said Hueser. “They are a group of contractors that we sort of vet and continuously monitor for good practice and solar installation, mostly. "
There are eight listed on the power company website and can be found here.
6 News has learned that home installation of solar panels ran into a bit of a hurdle in the Omaha area last year, compared to the year before. In 2022, there were 835 applications. In 2023, that number dropped to 392.
Experts believe soaring interest rates discouraged people from getting financing to pay for it. So instead, they put it off.
Still, OPPD managers are encouraged by the community solar wait list, when it comes to demand.
We’re told a major utility-scale solar project is slated for later this year in Platteview in Saunders County, as the technology forges ahead.
Topics: Green Energy, ESG