Solar Panel Pilot Project A Win-Win For Everyone -- October 22, 2015

For what it's worth, I think this is a win-win for everyone. Helena Independent Review is reporting:

Solar energy could help provide the way of the future for rural Montana.

Under a cloudy sky, NorthWestern Energy's first solar panels in Montana received a kick off on private property near Beck Hill Road about eight miles north of Deer Lodge Monday afternoon.

About 45 miles northwest of Butte, the panels will benefit 17 rural residents who all live nearby.

The pilot project, consisting of two rows of solar panels and a metal container storing large battery packs, is a test for the power company to see if it can help improve reliability in rural Montana.

The solar panels charge the batteries. When the batteries are full, the excess solar will be delivered to the 17 nearby customers.

But, in addition, when a power line goes down in that area, the batteries can provide backup power, so the residents can still have electricity even while a line is down.

The project cost NorthWestern Energy $600,000.

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