By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

As the western Kansas solar array becomes a reality, officials from Midwest Energy and community solar developer Clean Energy Collective have set up area meetings to discuss the project and answer questions.

In March, officials from Midwest Energy and CEC announced an agreement to build a 1-megawatt community solar array in western Kansas.

According to Midwest Energy spokesman Mike Morley, the solar array, which is expected to be made up of about 4,000 panels, will be located in the Colby area, although officials still are working on a few project details.

Midwest Energy customers who purchase panels will get credit on their electric bills for the power their panels produce.

Morley said this is still a relatively new concept in the utility industry, but CEC is one of the largest companies in the U.S. doing community solar arrays, with 30 to 35 across the country.

“It’s a well established company with a good track record of building these types of projects,” Morley said.

He also said that there are a number of benefits to community solar.

“Anybody can participate if you are a Midwest Energy Electric customer,” Morley said.

Renters or people’s houses that are blocked by trees can take advantage of the community solar and still benefit from solar energy.

Officials have scheduled receptions in Colby, Great Bend and Hays as a way for Midwest Energy customers to ask questions about the project.

Morley said there have been many inquires from customers since the project was announced.

“These receptions are an opportunity for Midwest Energy members to come in, in a very informal, no-pressure setting and meet one-on-one with folks with from Midwest and Clean Energy Collective and ask any questions they might have about the project,” he said.

The Hays reception is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 20 at Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co., 117 E. 11th.

Other sessions are scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. May 19 at Front Door Community Center, 1615 10th, Great Bend, and 7:30 to 10 a.m. May 21 at City Limits Convention Center, 2227 S. Range, Colby.

Customers can calculate their savings and find more information online at www.mwecommunitysolar.com.

Morley recently discussed the solar panels with Eagle Community TV. Click HERE to watch this edition of Community Connection.