Renewable Energy

Canadian Valley Electric Cooperative is responsible for maintaining a safe, reliable electric grid to power the communities we serve. CVEC is a supporter of renewable energy resources and wants to help you make informed decisions about solar.

Steps Before Going Solar

Before making the switch to solar energy, members should understand their energy use patterns and consider low-cost and easy-to-implement efficiency measures before switching to solar. Doing so will ensure you get the most bang for your buck once you do invest. Make sure the energy you make from solar is not wasted. Check out ways to reduce energy costs here.

Use your appliances and electronics more efficiently or consider investing in highly efficient products like Energy Star appliances, smart thermostats, load control devices, etc. Purchase a Sense device at a discounted cost here to monitor usage.

Do your homework. Research various solar power systems and installation options before investing.

Check with CVEC to determine the requirements and costs for connecting your system to the grid. Most likely you will still have a CVEC bill each month.

Always hire a professional to install solar panels at your home.

CVEC buys back at the avoided cost set by Western Farmer’s Electric Cooperative. For more information visit https://www.wfec.com/avoided-cost-ok

CVEC requires an interconnection agreement on file prior to the installation of solar.

Solar generation is becoming more popular and CVEC members may have questions regarding sales pitches they have heard from solar companies. Therefore, CVEC would like to discuss some commonly asked questions regarding solar power systems. Our Member Services department is also available to answer any questions and help members work through the solar installation process. Please contact Member Services at (405)382.3680.

  • While solar panels on your home may reduce your monthly bill, they can never be eliminated. Every meter on our system incurs a monthly facilities charge, and a net-metered solar account is no different. Even if your solar panels generate as much energy as you use, you will still be charged the monthly facilities charge.

  • The buyback rate is set by Western Farmers Electric Cooperative, which we purchase power.

  • Drastic rate changes are unlikely. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual price increase for electricity has been only 1%.

  • Canadian Valley Electric does not discourage its members from installing solar. Residential solar installations can help lower the demand for electricity on the grid, keeping CVEC’s system more resilient. As a trusted energy source, we want to ensure our members are well informed and taken care of. That's why we are happy to walk you through the entire solar installation process to ensure each system is appropriately sized to provide the most significant benefit.