Solar Energy Information
- If you have questions about solar energy and your home, check out these resources.
- 10 Steps to Take Before Installing Solar (PDF)
- Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor (PDF)
- If you are adding distributed generation to your home or business, please see the Forms and Documents page for the interconnection agreement, process and requirements document, and checklist. Also, contact the engineering department at (601) 425-2535.
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For 85 years, Dixie Electric has been the trusted electric service provider for our community. Our employees live on our lines and pay the same bills you do. We send our kids to the same schools, shop at the same stores and eat at the same restaurants. We know what it means to live here. And we think we live in a pretty special place. To us, our members aren’t just people who own our company; you are our neighbors and our friends. That’s why we hope when it comes to making decisions about energy, especially those that can be costly, you will see us as your trusted source for information.
Today’s consumers want and expect options, including the type of energy powering their homes. Many homeowners are looking for a way to reduce their electric bill. Some are looking for a green energy source. These two motives are why many homeowners are exploring rooftop solar panels.
The interest in alternative energy sources is also being fueled by decreasing costs for rooftop solar, the availability of financial incentives and the proliferation of companies offering solar panel installation.
However, as attractive and popular as rooftop solar may appear, it is important for consumers to fully understand its true costs, the operational reality of this source of energy, and actual energy savings. To determine whether rooftop solar is right for their particular situation, homeowners must undertake their due diligence.
We’re Here to Help
As your trusted energy advisor, Dixie Electric can offer a candid assessment of your specific situation. After all, Dixie Electric has a different “bottom line” that is not directly tied to the sale of a product or service. We constantly strive to find new ways to help you use energy more efficiently. If you’re considering solar, call us first.
Is Rooftop Solar Right for You?
To help determine whether rooftop solar is right for you, Dixie Electric’s energy advisors will look at the:
- Overall energy efficiency of the home/building
- Age and pitch of the roof
- Orientation of the sun in relation to the home/building
- Tree coverage near the home/building
- Weather patterns for the region
Unlike a solar company that has one objective––to sell their products and services––we will look at the total energy picture and help you determine the best options for your home. While rooftop solar certainly works for many people, it’s not the answer for all.
When helping co-op members determine whether rooftop solar is right for them, a co-op energy advisor will also discuss the many financial considerations:
- Is there a large, up-front payment required, or are fees spread out over time?
- Will the homeowner own the panels, or will they be leased?
- Are there any hidden costs, i.e., does the roof need to be replaced before installing the panels?
- Are there ongoing maintenance fees?
- Are there rebates or other financial incentives available?
- Is the estimated energy savings worth the investment?
- Is it more cost-effective to invest in other energy-saving measures?
Most importantly, an energy advisor will provide perspective on the total energy puzzle. Taking into account current energy consumption, the home “envelope,” age and efficiency of the HVAC system, and the home site, an energy advisor can help co-op members determine whether rooftop solar is the best choice given the homeowners’ objectives.
Right now, our market is being flooded with companies making promises about what they can do for you when it comes to solar energy, but we urge you to proceed with caution. While there are certainly reputable companies out there for those who are interested in rooftop solar, some are making claims that exaggerate results and downplay the cost, including claims that your electric bill will be reduced significantly or even eliminated. Of those Dixie Electric members who have installed solar panels on their homes, the average reduction in energy used has been between 30% and 40%. While this is significant, it may not match what was claimed.
Before you make a long-term investment, we hope you will give us a call. We can help you wade through what can often be an overwhelming amount of information and give advice about making your home as efficient as possible.
Dixie Electric recognizes that consumer interest in green energy sources and renewables is at an all-time high, and we stand ready to help our members determine their best options. As technology develops, we will grow and change with it, responding to your needs. We are invested in this community and the people we serve.