Arlington, VA – Neighbors in Arlington County (including Alexandria County and Fairfax County) have formed a solar co-op to save money and make going solar easier, with the help of nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy, EcoAction Arlington, and Virginia Clean Cities are sponsoring the co-op. The group is seeking members and will host its first free, public informational meeting on Thursday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Arlington Central Library to educate the community about solar and the co-op process.
“We’re forming this co-op to make saving money with solar energy as simple as possible,” said Helen Reinecke-Wilt of the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy. “Working with a group helps members learn about the technology so they feel confident in their decision to go solar.”
Solar United Neighbors expands access to solar by educating Virginia residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them organize group solar installations, and strengthening Virginia’s solar policies and its community of solar supporters.
“I’m excited to work with Arlington County residents to educate them about the benefits of solar energy,” said Aaron Sutch, Solar United Neighbors of Virginia Program Director. “If you’ve ever thought about going solar before, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Co-op members will select a single company to complete all of the installations. They will then have the option to purchase panels individually based on the installer’s group rate. By going solar as a group and choosing a single installer, participants can save up off the cost of going solar and have the support of fellow group participants and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.
Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax County homeowners interested in joining the co-op can sign up at the co-op web page. The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Once the group is large enough, Solar United Neighbors will help the co-op solicit competitive bids from area solar installers.
Solar United Neighbors supports solar co-ops across the country. These co-ops are a part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar as the cornerstone. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment and advocate for fair solar policies. Those interested in supporting the organizations’ work and becoming a member can do so at their website.
Help more people go solar, join together, and fight for our energy rights! Support Solar United Neighbors at solarunitedneighbors.org/donate