Your Trusted Energy Expert

Interest in private wind and solar installations continues to grow. If considering any type of distributive energy resource as alternative energy while staying connected to the grid, call Lane-Scott Electric first at 1-800-407-2217. Improperly connected systems are unsafe and potentially deadly for lineworkers and emergency personnel.

Getting Started

Before you connect to the grid:

Call Lane-Scott Electric at 1-800-407-2217 to get assistance on calculating your energy needs and recommended system size.
Fill out the Interconnection Application - Work with your installer to complete the application, return it to Lane-Scott with the required diagrams. (If putting electricity onto the grid)
Review and select the appropriate tariff rider. (If putting electricity onto the grid)
Lane-Scott Electric will inspect the system to ensure all safety measures are met and your system meets all our requirements.

If you are self generating and not putting electricity back onto the grid, please still contact Lane-Scott. We can help you calculate your energy needs and NEED TO INSPECT THE SYSTEM is properly installed with a double-throw safety switch.

Common Renewable Energy Myths

False: Electric cooperatives have supported home power installations for many years. Lane-Scott Electric is happy to assist you in your journey to interconnecting to the grid. Our interconnection process is in place to ensure it is safe and that any extra power generated by your system is credited toward your account.

False: There is a lot of variation between when solar power generates and when homes use energy. Due to this variation, solar-powered homes connected to the cooperative still rely on the grid for about half of their power needs. Your cooperative requires all members connected to our lines pay a customer charge for ongoing maintenance and operation of our system, as well as other taxes and fees that vary depending on your location.

Perhaps: Every utility and cooperative has their own tariff and rules. If you qualify for the Lane-Scott Electric Parallel Generation rider we will pay 150% of our system average monthly cost up to 20% of total anticipated electrical load requirement. However, according to Kansas statute (KSA 66-1, 184) your solar system must be appropriately sized to off-set the member-generator's anticipated electric load.

An average residential solar connection sized appropriately following these guidelines will not generate more than consumed in a year.

False: Zero money down solar systems seem enticing for members - especially those who currently have difficulty paying their bill. We urge caution when entering this kind of contract. Often what seems like too good of a deal usually is. These offers sometimes come with inflated costs, high-interest rates and extended payment terms. All too often they offer the promise of a lower to even no electric bill. These systems could take 30 years to pay off, and according to the Department of Energy, the estimated operational lifespan of a PV module is about 25-30 years.

True: Solar panels on average deteriorate by about 0.5 - 3% depending on weather conditions per year, meaning by the end of 20 years, a solar panel is likely to generate energy at 60-90% of its maximum when it was new.

Perhaps: No one knows solar installations better than the contractor. Likewise, no one knows electricity (billing, net metering, interconnection, etc.) better than your electric provider. Each provider handles interconnection agreements in their own way, so if you are considering solar for your home, the best solution is to establish a contractor-homeowner-cooperative partnership early in the process so there are no surprises.