Planning ahead with Cooperative Solar

For many people, solar energy is about sustainability. For Bruce Stevens, it was also about planning for the future.

After learning about Owen Electric’s Cooperative Solar program through Kentucky Living magazine, Bruce began researching the opportunity and evaluating how it aligned with his long-term financial goals.

“I kept studying it and looking at my electric use,” Bruce says. “A lot of people don’t pay attention to how many kilowatt-hours they actually use. I start-ed calculating my usage and figuring out what made sense for me.”

After reviewing his energy consumption and the program details, Bruce decided to license 75 solar panels through Cooperative Solar. His participation rep-resented an investment of approximately $34,500, or about $460 per panel, under a 25-year license agreement.

Looking toward retirement

As retirement approaches, Bruce is focused on managing future expenses and reducing uncertainty where possible.

“Energy costs are something we know can change over time,” he says. “I wanted to explore ways to better plan for those costs in the future.”

For Bruce, Cooperative Solar offered an opportunity to participate in renewable energy generation while helping offset a portion of his future electricity use.

“I’m trying to better manage my retirement expenses,” he says. “This was some-thing that fit into my overall planning.”

Rather than viewing the program as a short-term financial decision, Bruce sees it as a long-term commitment designed to provide value over the life of the agreement.

Why Cooperative Solar?

Before enrolling, Bruce explored the possibility of installing solar panels at his home. However, the cost and responsibilities associated with a private installation quickly became apparent.

“I was looking at around $68,000 to do it myself,” he says. “Just the mounting system alone was going to be over $20,000.” In addition to the upfront expense, Bruce considered the ongoing maintenance and repair obligations that come with owning a residential solar system.

“With Cooperative Solar, I have zero maintenance,” he says. “If something happens, it’s covered. I don’t have to worry about equipment going bad or finding someone to fix it.”

That convenience and peace of mind were major factors in his decision.

A simple enrollment process

Bruce was also impressed by how easy it was to get started.

“It was super simple,” he says. “You go on the website, compare options and do your own research. There’s no pressure.”

Within a day, his enrollment was complete.

The ability to research the program independently and make an informed decision appealed to him.

“At the end of the day, whether you’re buying cookies or solar panels, you want to feel good about your purchase,” Bruce says. “I got zero pressure—just the facts.”

Backed by a trusted cooperative

Another factor that influenced Bruce’s decision was the stability and reputation of the cooperative.

“These companies can disappear,” he says. “But Owen Electric has been around for decades and will be around for decades more.”

Knowing the program is offered by a local, member-owned cooperative gave him confidence in making a long-term commitment.

Planning for the future

Bruce’s story highlights one of the many reasons members choose Cooperative Solar. While some participate to support renewable energy, others appreciate the opportunity to plan ahead and take a more active role in how their electricity is generated.

“For me, it’s about better managing long-term expenses and having more predictability as I prepare for retirement,” he says.

Cooperative Solar allows members to participate in local solar generation without the costs and responsibilities of installing and maintaining their own system. Through a 25-year licensing agreement, members can reserve panels in the cooperative’s solar array and receive the associated energy benefits outlined in the program.

As Bruce put it, “It’s really all about planning for the future.”