Electric
SunHub™ Community Solar
If you want to support clean solar energy generated locally in our own backyard—participate in the SunHub™ Community Solar program! It’s a no-worries, no-strings-attached solution for those who are interested in renewable solar energy, but not in buying or installing a solar panel system on their home. With SunHub, there’s no large upfront investment, no long-term contracts and no cancellation penalty fees. You simply sign up to purchase blocks of solar energy each month!
WHAT IS SUNHUB
In December 2017, GVEC brought the SunHub Generation Station online, the Co-op’s first ever generation asset and community solar project. The two-megawatt facility, located on Highway 90A between Seguin and Gonzales, was one of only seven distribution-scale solar projects underway as of that time in Texas. The facility is designed to deliver more than 4 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy thanks to its 6,500 solar panels powered by the South Texas sunshine.
Members have an opportunity to support this renewable energy project by purchasing solar energy through the SunHub Community Solar program.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS – IT’S SIMPLE!
The program works like a yearly subscription. It’s completely optional and can be stopped or started at any time.
- Purchase from one to five blocks of solar energy per month. Each block equals 100kWh, so you can buy up to 500kWh per month.
- The Generation and Transmission (G&T) rate for solar energy is locked in for up to a year. The current SunHub G&T rate is $0.070 cents per kWh ($7 per 100kWh block). GVEC’s current standard G&T rate is $0.064 cents per kWh ($6.40 per 100 kWh block), so the cost for solar is less than a penny more per kWh. With the average usage for an all-electric home being around 1,500kWh per month, purchasing a 500 kilowatt-hour block results in only about a $3 increase on your monthly bill to utilize renewable solar energy.
- If you have questions about how many blocks you should purchase, a Customer Service Representative can help determine the best number based on your historical usage.
- The number of blocks purchased and associated cost will appear as a separate line item on your monthly bill for easy monitoring.
- Change the number of blocks or unsubscribe to the program at any time without a penalty fee.
SIGN UP IS CURRENTLY OPEN. To subscribe, fill out the Subscribe to SunHub form.
For more information, see our FAQ’s below or call a Customer Service Representative at 800.223.4832.
SunHub Program FAQ’s:
What are the benefits of GVEC’s community solar program?
Members have the opportunity to purchase local, renewable energy at an affordable cost without having to fund or install a solar panel system on their homes. SunHub has no large upfront investment, no long-term lease or contract, no penalty fees and no long-term commitment. It allows members to lock in the Generation & Transmission (G&T) rate of a portion of their energy usage for up to a year.
What does it cost to participate?
The current Generation &Transmission (G&T) solar rate is $0.070 per kWh ($7 for each 100kWh block). Members can purchase from one (100 kWh) to five blocks (500kWh) per month. This G&T rate is locked in through September 2018. Thereafter, the price of the solar blocks will be re-evaluated and locked in yearly every October.
It is important to understand what goes into your monthly electric bill. Your bill has two major components; a Distribution rate which covers the costs to get electricity to your home or business and a G&T rate which accounts for the cost of purchasing wholesale power. Only the G&T rate will be locked in annually under this program. Although it happens infrequently, the Distribution rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the GVEC Board of Directors.
How do I know if I am purchasing the right number of blocks for my account?
Once you have selected the number of blocks you are interested in purchasing via the Subscribe to SunHub form or over the phone, a Customer Service Representative will review your request and confirm that number of blocks is a good fit for your historical usage. You can reduce the number of blocks you purchase anytime without penalty.
We want to make sure you don’t purchase more than your lowest historical usage because there are no credits for unused energy.
If you have more questions about how many blocks are right for you, call us to speak with a Customer Service Representative at 800.233.4832. We’re here to help!
How will billing work?
The number of solar blocks purchased along with the cost per block will appear as a separate line item on your monthly bill. Program billing will begin to appear on the next bill that is generated after subscribing.
Can I make changes or leave the program?
Program space is limited. You can change the number of blocks purchased any time, understanding program space must be available for an increase. You can leave the program at any time without a penalty fee.
Is there a tax incentive if I purchase solar energy blocks?
While you are helping to reduce your carbon footprint and decrease our dependence on nonrenewable energy sources, there is no federal tax incentive or GVEC member rebate available for SunHub. Rebates and tax incentives are only available for members buying a residential solar system.
What if I want my own solar panel system?
Call GVEC Home at 800.328.0630 or go to www.gvechome.com. We sell a high quality, warrantied system and take care of you from start to finish. Although panels are available to the public, GVEC members can also take advantage of an instant GVEC Rebate by purchasing from GVEC Home.
How do I sign up or get more information?
Simply fill out the Subscribe to SunHub form and submit to sign up. Purchased blocks will begin to appear on your next bill generated after subscribing.
You can also call a Customer Service Representative at 800.223.4832 to sign up or if you have any questions.
Subscribe to SunHub
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