Renewables

Cooperative members may be interested in installing their own electric power generation equipment. The term “generator” is a generic term used to represent a variety of self-generating or renewable energy technologies including but not limited to solar, wind, fuel-cell, small power generators and battery storage. “Distributed Generation” refers to generation sources of electric energy interconnected to the company’s distribution system.

For members who are interested in interconnecting their power generation equipment with the Cooperative’s electric distribution system, the Cooperative’s staff is available to work with them to ensure their generation equipment is installed in a proper and safe manner and in accordance with all applicable codes, standards, regulations, laws, and insurance requirements. Members may also need to coordinate the installation, inspection, and approval of their system installation with the local code inspection authority.

The application and approval process are as follows:

1. Review the attached Member Requirements for Installation and Interconnection of Distributed Generation Systems.
2. Complete the appropriate parts of the Application for Operation of Member- Owned Distributed Generation Systems and submit the completed application to Western.
3. Once the application has been approved by Western, complete the Interconnection Agreement, and submit it to Western.
4. Western will work with the member to determine the appropriate tariff.
5. Western will notify you once your Interconnection Agreement has been approved.
6. Western will inspect your installation prior to authorizing you to interconnect to Western’s distribution system.
7. You will also be required to provide proof of liability insurance prior to interconnecting your generating system.

As your cooperative, we are your source for energy and information. Since interest in solar power generation is growing, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives put together a series of fact sheets to help answer questions you might have. We recommend reviewing these documents before considering an installation. These documents are also helpful for those interested in other distributed generation systems, such as wind and fuel-cell.

• Solar FAQ
• 10 Steps to Take Before Installing Solar
• Questions to Ask a Solar Contractor
• Solar Systems: What Size is Right for You?

How does Western determine the “appropriate size” for solar or wind?

Western uses the formula for "appropriately sized" found in Kansas law and shown below.

When plugging in your annual kWh used, we look at your actual electric use over the past 12 months. If you’re new, we estimate based on the square footage of conditioned space (7.15 kWh per square foot per year).

For existing locations: 

For new locations:

The result, rounded up, is the maximum system size we can approve for export.