Renewable Energy
Partnering with Members to Support Energy Solutions
Interested in solar or other renewable options? Thumb Electric Cooperative offers programs and guidance to help you install and interconnect your system with confidence. Learn how to get started, understand the requirements, and access the right forms and resources. Explore the options below:
Have questions? Call us at 1-800-327-0166 or 1-989-658-8571.
Community Solar Program
Subscribe to community solar through TEC and receive a monthly bill credit based on your share of solar energy output, without installing panels on your property.
Cost: $600 upfront or $10/month for 60 months per panel subscription
Credit: $0.10 per kWh generated, applied as a monthly bill credit
Term: 15 years
Availability: Limited until the program output is fully subscribed
Participants may terminate their subscription at any time, subject to refund provisions. This program is not intended to provide a profit or financial gain.
See Tariff D-28.00 for full program details.
Distributed Renewable Energy Program
Install a qualifying solar or wind renewable energy system on your property to help offset part or all of your electric use.
Excess Generation Credit: $0.056 per kWh
Term: 10-year agreement
Credit: Applied to a following month’s electric bill
Member Responsibility: Installation, permits, operation, maintenance, and required approvals
Members continue purchasing electricity from TEC at their normal retail rate. Any excess generation delivered back to the Cooperative is credited through Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative.
To determine your annual kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage and the system size you may qualify for, please contact the TEC office at 1-989-658-8571.
See Tariff D-23.20 / D-23.30 for full details.
Click the links below to view the Distributed Renewable Energy Programs for the following:
Distributed Renewable Energy Program: 20 kW and Less
Distributed Renewable Energy Program: Greater than 20 kW and not more than 150 KW
Buy-All / Sell All Program
Install a qualifying solar or wind renewable energy generator on your property and sell all the energy it generates through TEC.
Purchase Rate: $0.065 per kWh generated
Term: 20-year agreement
Credit: Applied to the following month’s electric bill
Member Responsibility: Installation, permits, operation, maintenance, and required approvals
See Tariff D-27.00 and the Buy-All / Sell-All Interconnection and Purchase Agreement for full details.
Legacy Programs
Available to existing participants before February 1, 2018.
Net Metering (20 kW or less) – Tariff D-23.00
Modified Net Metering (20 kW - 150 kW) – Tariff D-23.10
Available to existing participants before June 15, 2026.
Applications & Agreements
A Cat 1 project is an aggregate system size of 20kW or less.
A Cat 2 project is any aggregate size over 20kW and up to 150kW.
Frequently Asked Questions
Renewable Energy FAQ
Thinking about installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems? Our Distributed Renewable Energy Program makes it easy for members to get started. Below are answers to common questions about program requirements, system sizing, billing, and installation steps to help guide you through the process.
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To get started, contact the TEC office at 1-989-658-8571. We'll first review your existing electric service to ensure it can support the program requirements. A site visit may be necessary to avoid surprises. After our review, we’ll provide the maximum allowable renewable generation size in kilowatts (kW). From there, you can submit an interconnection application, and we’ll guide you through the process.
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TEC’s solar program allows members to install renewable generation to offset their usage based on the past 12 months. To find out your annual kilowatt hours and eligible system size, contact the TEC office at 1-989-658-8571.
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Yes, you may elect to meter the main meter, the dual-fuel meter, or both. Any excess generation will be credited as a dollar amount on the next bill and will apply only to the corresponding meter. Credits from one meter cannot be applied to another.
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It depends:
If you have a meter-on-pole (MOP) setup, the meter must be moved to a pedestal or building.
If your dual-fuel meter is sub-metered from the main meter, you must either:
Rewire it to be separately metered (to remain on the dual-fuel rate), or
Retire it and connect the load to the main meter (you’ll lose the dual-fuel rate).
If your setup can support solar, no upgrade is needed. Otherwise, modifications are required.
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Yes. A generation disconnect must be within 10 feet of the electric meter with line-of-sight visibility. The wire between the meter and disconnect cannot go inside the building (conduit is acceptable). The disconnect must be fused and have a visual break. Monitoring devices inside the meter base are not allowed.
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Your project must be inspected and approved by both the county electrical inspector and a TEC employee before being turned on.
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No. Solar energy production varies by season. Panels typically generate less electricity in winter due to shorter daylight hours and increased cloud cover.
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Yes, a site visit with a TEC employee is required before you break ground to prevent post-installation design issues and to verify the generation disconnect.
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A Cat 1 project is an aggregate system size of 20kW or less at one site. A Cat 2 project is any aggregate size over 20kW and up to 150kW at the same site. These categories help determine installation requirements.
Video: Choosing Solar Safely PSA
A PSA on Solar Safety & Compliance by NASCLA
This public service announcement details critical steps homeowners must follow before installing solar power systems. It covers how to verify contractor licensure, ensure regulatory compliance, avoid common safety hazards, and protect your property investment. Whether you’re considering solar now or in the future, this video empowers you to make the right decisions and stay safe.