WOC Goes Solar

by Christine Lichtenfels

WOC is sporting solar panels on our awning, thanks to Scott Kane and Andy Tyson of Creative Energies, an alternative energy system company here in Lander, as well as a $3,000 federal solar grant from the Wyoming Business Council and additional funding from a WOC member.

Our system is a "utility grid interconnected solar electric system." That means the energy we gather and create from our solar panels and inverter is added into the grid, not directly into our own electrical system.

Although we do not use our solar energy, someone else in the grid does, and we reduce demand at the electrical-generation point because we contribute energy to the system. In addition to creating electricity from the sun, we do not need to re-wire our own electrical system and, thanks to netmetering, where the energy we contribute to the grid is credited to our use, we get monetary value for the solar energy we produce.

As well as reducing our dependence on traditional energy sources, we hope that our high-visibility solar system will inspire others to take advantage of the amazing amount of solar energy available in Wyoming.

If you would like information on grants available to help you install your own solar system, contact John Nunley at the Wyoming Business Council, 214 West 15th St, Cheyenne, WY 82002, tel. (307) 777-2800. And for information on solar or other alternative energy systems here in Wyoming, contact Creative Energies at 307-332-3401, c_energies@yahoo.com.