SEPCO in Alabaster is the latest company in the metro area to switch to solar. It's new solar power system is the second largest in the metro area. That change has translated into a big savings on its power bill.
SEPCO managers say their power bill has gone from $15,000 down to $6,000 a month. "We have an 800 panel solar array. It is generating 240,000 watts of power which is equivalent 460 kilowatts of energy annually," explains CEO Chris Wilder.
And that eliminates 724,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions a year which is equivalent to combusting 360,000 pounds of coal. Solar is reducing their power costs and their carbon footprint.
What they manufacture at the plant helps other companies operate more efficiently, so Wilder says it only makes sense they run more efficiently. "The project is economically viable; it will pay for itself," remarked Wilder.
But when it comes to residential customers using solar, critics say Alabama lags far behind other states. Homeowners don't get the same pay off with solar according to the Birmingham non-profit GASP. Fees tacked on by Alabama Power are too steep according to Michael Hansen of GASP. "We hear from people all the time. It's the number one issue Alabamians come to us about," explained Hansen.
He says homeowners are penalized for switching to solar. GASP has a lawsuit in federal court over the solar fees, but that could take years to resolve. Hansen contends the Alabama Public Service Commission has sided with Alabama Power.
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"You can't separate Alabama Power from the PSC when it comes to this issue. They are in lock step, very hostile toward clean renewable energy. Even Mississippi is leaps and bounds ahead of us," remarked Hansen. He advises if you are concerned about this issue to contact the Public Service Commission and your state lawmakers.
Hansen explains Georgia Power tried to do something similar with added fees, but withdrew it after overwhelming opposition. The Southern Environmental Law Center explains other states like New Mexico and Kansas have rejected similar charges as unjust and discriminatory.
"We're still trudging along here at the bottom of the barrel. That's an economic development opportunity we have squandered," says Hansen referring to the boom in solar businesses across the country.
Alabama Power declined our request for an interview or to release the number of businesses and residences who have switched to solar in the state.
SEPCO hoping others will get the same opportunity they've had with savings and tax breaks. "In one fell swoop we've been able to reduce our impact hugely on the environment. Ultimately this will be hundreds of thousands of dollars in savings," remarked Wilder. The solar panels should last 20-30 years.
In an email response to our questions, the Alabama Public Service Commission said it has generally been supportive of renewable energy. We were told information regarding the number of Alabama Power businesses and residential customers using solar energy is considered to be non-public customer data. The APSC declined to comment further on the issue.