Where does the power from the Decatur Solar project flow?

Electricity flows to the nearest point of use. This means that the power generated by the Decatur Solar Array is primarily used to serve the Decatur Distribution system. If there’s more electricity produced than is immediately needed, the excess flows into the broader OPALCO transmission system to support other areas – from this portion of the system would flow to Lopez or Blakely.

Will this also be true for the proposed solar project?
Yes. The electricity generated by both the existing and proposed solar arrays on Decatur Island will still flow to the closest point of demand, primarily serving the Decatur community. Even during summer months, when solar production is highest and local electricity use is lowest, the total output from both arrays will not exceed what Decatur residents consume.

It’s important to note that OPALCO’s grid is interconnected and serves all co-op members. While we can’t guarantee that electrons from the Decatur arrays are used exclusively on Decatur Island, the nature of electrical flow means that the community will directly benefit from most of the local generation.