MIDSOUTH ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE is committed to helping our members find affordable, reliable and safe energy options. When it comes to purchasing a rooftop solar array for your home, always call MidSouth EC first! We are to here to help and, most importantly, to offer advice before you sign any contracts.

Q: What should I know before I sign a contract?
A: It depends on whether you purchase or lease an array. If you’re purchasing a rooftop solar array, be sure to ask:
– What is the total installed (turnkey) cost of the system?
– What is the payback period? What are the assumptions underlying that estimate? Are those assumptions consistent with my situation?
– Are tax credits available? If so, how much and who gets them?
– Does the company offer warranties on panels and inverters?
– What are the details of the service contract?
– What type of maintenance do the solar panels need? Who is responsible for that?
– What are the interconnection requirements with MidSouth EC? Will I still get an electric bill?
– What happens if my system produces more electricity than I use?
Some of these questions can be answered by your co-op, so please call us first.

Q: Is rooftop solar a good option for me?
A: Maybe. Whether and how much you will benefit from a residential solar array depends on:
– How much you pay for electricity and how much you use.
– Your roof.
– Federal, state and local incentives for solar development.
– Your rooftop solar provider.
MidSouth EC can help address many of these concerns.

Q: Is my house suitable for a rooftop solar array?
A: Maybe.
– Does your roof face south or west, and is it shaded?
– Will you need to replace your roof sometime during the life of the panels? If so, you should replace your roof first.
– Have you explored all of your energy efficiency options?
MidSouth can help you reduce your energy use and properly size your array.

Q: Will solar panels provide electricity during an outage?
A: No. Without a battery system and a smart inverter, most rooftop arrays cannot provide power during outages.

If you are leasing panels in a rooftop array, be sure to ask:
– What is the upfront cost of the system?
– Are there other customers in the vicinity with comparable
systems? How much electricity do their systems produce?
– Can the lease be transferred if I sell the house?
– What are the interconnection requirements from my co-op, and who is responsible for meeting them?

Q: How can I protect myself and my investment?
A: Research.
– Are the installers certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners to install photovoltaic systems?
– When was the company established? How many residential solar arrays has it installed since then? Can the company provide a list of its projects and references for them?
– Ask for all details, promises and claims in writing and take time to review them before signing any contact.

Before you make any decisions, give MidSouth Electric Co-op a call at (936) 825-5100 to schedule a free consultation with one of our solar experts. Together, we can find a solution that is right for you.