Renewable Energy FAQs (CLICK HERE)

What are Photovoltaics (PV) or Solar Panels?
The sun is the earth's largest energy source. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels capture the sun's energy through silicon panels and channel it to create Direct Current (DC) electricity. DC electricity must then go from highly visible (often rooftop) PV panels through a behind-the-scenes inverter, which converts DC electricity into Alternating Current (AC) electricity, the kind used to power your home or business. On hot summer afternoons, solar energy increases REU's capacity to provide electricity to the community during peak demand. Customers who invest in solar are afforded credits to their utility bills. In fact, while PV systems are generating electricity, REU/solar customers' meters actually move backward! See Renewable Energy Challenges to learn more.

Does REU Purchase or Produce Solar Power?
You might think in one of the nation’s sunniest cities where Redding enjoys some 320 days of annual sunshine, solar energy would be efficient and affordable; but compared to REU’s very competitive and favorable rates, Solar Photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are rather expensive.

Even so, REU is leading the community by example, showing its staunch commitment to solar energy by investing in several Solar PV demonstration projects including systems at Redding Fire Station #8, the new Public Library, City Hall, and a tracking PV system at Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp in the Turtle Bay Exploration Park.  As Solar PV energy becomes more economical over time, REU will continue to look for more opportunities to build local solar projects.  REU also offers aggressive Renewable Energy Rebates for Solar PV and Solar Thermal systems to motivate customers to invest in the clean, green, renewable energy source of solar, and help offset incremental costs they would incur by “going solar.”

REU has a full-time coordinator to promote the development of solar energy in the Redding community through educational and community outreach programs. To learn more about REU's Solar Programs and Solar PV and Solar Thermal rebates, contact REU Solar Coordinator Matt Madison at (530) 339.7249 or mmadison@reupower.com.

To learn how much renewable energy REU has in its power portfolio, check the current Power Content Label.

BACK TO MAIN GREEN ENERGY PAGE