Friendly City Solar for Commercial Customers
Are you interested in powering your commercial property with renewable energy? As part of our Friendly City Solar program expansion, we are considering the option to open up enrollment to our commercial customers – and we want to hear from you.
With Friendly City Solar, energy is generated locally at the Acorn Solar Farm. If we open the program to commercial customers, you’ll be able to purchase renewable energy in the form of solar energy blocks. This means you can enjoy the benefits of renewable energy without the need to install panels on your property or worry about ongoing maintenance.
If you’re a commercial customer, let us know your thoughts on using renewable energy to power your property.
Program Overview
- Commercial customers may be able to purchase renewable energy in 50 kWh blocks, up to 50% of their average monthly usage.
- The cost of each 50 kWh block would be approximately $1.50 more* than the cost of 50 kWh of traditional grid electricity through HEC.
- *Note: Cost difference is based on an average monthly usage of 1500 kWh. Fuel charges are not applied to solar energy blocks, so the net cost will be lower than published.
- Pricing would be fixed for the customer for 25 years. You can view example costs here.
- Fuel charges would not be applied to the block of solar energy on the customer’s bill, but consumption taxes would be applied to all energy consumed.
- Ex. If your monthly usage is 1500 kWh and you subscribed to 5 solar energy blocks, you would only be charged for fuel on 1250 kWh of electricity.
- The minimum contract term is one year and would automatically renew unless the customer requests a change.
- Upon the customer’s request, subscriptions to the solar program can transfer to a new commercial address if they relocate within HEC’s service area.
- Customers would be charged for the subscribed amount regardless of Metered Usage.
- Only customers in good standing would be eligible to participate. Existing net-metered customers do not qualify.
FAQs
How much would the program cost?
Each 50 kWh block would cost approximately $1.50 more than the cost of 50 kWh of electricity. Fuel is not charged on solar energy, so the net cost would be even lower than what's listed.
How much of my electricity would I be able to purchase from the Friendly City Solar Program?
Depending on overall interest, commercial customers may be able to purchase enough solar energy blocks to cover up to 50% of their average monthly usage. You can view an example of these amounts below.
How long is the rate good for?
The current rate for solar is fixed for 25 years.
Why does it cost more?
Solar energy costs more to produce than traditional grid energy.
Will I need to install solar panels on my roof?
No, there is no building maintenance required.
What are the benefits?
By subscribing to solar energy, you can stay ahead of fluctuating electric costs with fixed rates for 25 years, meaning even if the price of electricity rises, you won't pay more for your solar portion. You will also benefit from reducing your carbon footprint and supporting green energy initiatives in Harrisonburg.
What happens if I use less energy in certain months? Will my solar energy amount also be reduced or carried over to other months?
You will be charged for the subscribed amount regardless of Metered Usage.
I’m a commercial customer, but I’m interested in powering my residential property with solar. How do I do that?
Please visit our main Friendly City Solar page to learn more and sign up.
What if I have more questions?
Please email solarinfo@hbgelec.com.
Example Costs
| If your average monthly usage is... | You can subscribe to the maximum amount of energy blocks below* | Which would make your additional monthly cost...* |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 kWh/month | 10 | $15.00 |
| 1300 kWh/month | 13 | $19.50 |
| 1500 kWh/month | 15 | $22.50 |
| 1800 kWh/month | 18 | $27.00 |
| 2000 kWh/month | 20 | $30.00 |
*Energy blocks and additional monthly cost based on an enrollment amount equivalent of 50% of monthly usage
Fill Out the Interest Form
Support renewable energy and help us build a greener Harrisonburg.
Live Impact Report
Check out our dashboard featuring live production information and the environmental impact we've made so far.