Fort Lauderdale, FL – On Thursday, July 14, the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is announcing the launch of the Broward Solar Co-op 2022 to help Broward County residents go solar.
“The co-op will enable Broward County homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Laura Tellez, South Florida Program coordinator for Solar United Neighbors. “Together, we’re building a movement to transform our electricity system into one that is cleaner, fairer, and shares its benefits more broadly.”
The co-op is free to join and open to homeowners and business owners in Broward County. Together, co-op members will learn about solar energy and leverage their numbers to purchase individual solar systems at a competitive price and top quality.
After a competitive bidding process facilitated by SUN, which remains vendor-neutral, co-op members will select a single solar company to complete the installations. Joining the co-op does not obligate members to purchase solar. Instead, members will have the option to individually purchase panels and electric vehicle chargers based on the installer’s group rate.
“I am a five-year solar supporter. I purchased our first 5 kWh array on my own and the research was exhausting and confusing,” said Jack Vesey, resident of Coconut Creek and member of the 2019 Broward Solar Co-op. “Fast forward to our first SUN Broward Solar Co-op in 2019 and I was able to make a clear and informed decision. The installer was great to work with. This is the way to go!"
Partnering on the co-op are: Broward County, Broward Climate Alliance, City of Pompano Beach, City of Sunrise, Climate Reality Project- Boca Raton, Dream in Green, League of Women Voters of Southeast Florida Clean Cities Coalition, ReTHINKENERGYFLORIDA, and Temple Solel.
“Broward County is an enthusiastic supporter of the Broward Co-op and the efforts of Solar United Neighbors (SUN) in delivering technical support to residents considering rooftop solar,” said Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resilience Officer and Deputy Director in Broward County. “Since 2017, SUN has facilitated solar installations by nearly 140 Broward households with a total installed capacity of 1.4 MW. The SUN co-op provides residents an opportunity to collectively bargain for the most competitive prices as part of group solar purchase and installation. Residents receive independent technical guidance throughout the process, truly valuable service for those eager to engage in solar solutions, but new to the technology and not sure where or how to start.”
SUN has hosted 73 solar co-ops in Florida since 2015. According to the group’s estimates, the 2,190 homes and businesses that now have solar panels because of co-ops represent: 21.4 thousand kW of solar power, $50.5 million in local solar spending, and more than 730.1 million lbs. of lifetime carbon offsets.
SUN will host several free information sessions to educate community members about solar energy and the co-op. Individuals interested in going solar can sign up for the co-op or one of the upcoming information sessions at the co-op web page at solarunitedneighbors.org/broward.
Information meetings and solar homeowner panel discussions are planned for:
Stories from the Roof: Solar Homeowners Sharing Their Experience
Join us for an open discussion about all things solar with solar homeowners from around the state. Real neighbors, sharing real experiences going solar.
Tuesday, July 19
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. EDT / 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. CDT
Virtual
Click here to register
Sesión informativa de energía solar
Aprenda sobre la energía solar y sus beneficios para su hogar o negocio pequeño. Lo guiaremos a través de la tecnología, economía, financiación y más.
Lunes 18 de julio (versión en español)
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. CDT
seminario web
haga clic para registrarse
Florida Solar 101 Info Session
Wednesday, August 17
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. EDT / 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. CDT
Virtual
Click here to register
