Open to new members

Plano Solar Co-op

Open to residents and small businesses in the Plano, Texas area.

35 members of 100 member goal

Registration closes on April 30, 2024

Imagine walking into a solar company’s office with 50 or 100 of your neighbors and saying, “We all want to get solar. What kind of deal can you give us?”

That’s a solar co-op!

In fact, it’s even better than that. In addition to competitive pricing on solar panels, you get:

    • Info to help you understand solar. Our vendor-neutral solar experts are here to help you understand how solar works and make the best decision for your energy needs.
    • A direct line to ask specific questions. You can call or email us anytime you need help. We’ll be here now and long after you install solar.
    • A team that solicits and reviews proposals from solar companies. First, Solar United Neighbors requests bids on your behalf. Then, a committee of your fellow co-op members meet to assess the pros and cons and select the best installer for the group. (Note: If that sounds interesting to you, you’re also welcome to join the selection committee!)
    • Community. You’ll join the growing solar movement. You’ll have a built-in network of support and inspiration from others who, like you, are taking a stand for energy freedom and advancing the clean energy economy.
    • A bigger impact! Going solar creates jobs, and puts energy production and its benefits back in the hands of the people and contributes to cleaner air and water for everyone. A solar co-op amplifies those outcomes exponentially.

Watch the video below to learn more about our solar co-op process and its benefits, or view our FAQs.

How does a co-op work?

Can’t make it to our Solar 101?

Watch the recorded session below for general information on solar, how our co-ops work, and what to expect if you join.

How much does solar cost? How much can you save?

Partner with Solar Co-ops to Save Money

Solar co-ops allow multiple homeowners in a specific location to work together to maximize their savings when installing solar panels. Professional installers save money as well because they spend less time finding customers and educating them on the benefits of solar energy. As the member of a co-op, you gain access to a staff who can guide you through the often-confusing process of installation. We’ll help you understand local policies, your options for financing, and other topics around solar energy.

Joining the co-op group adds no cost to your purchase, but it allows you to get the most competitive bids for installation. Each bid is reviewed with the best one selected to benefit the group.

You Don’t Have to Do the Work

The committee recognizes all the aspects of the bid so they can make an informed decision about who the installer should be. Once the installer is chosen, they must set all the components, including price, for the proposals provided to the co-op members. Solar United works closely with the committee and advocates for the members of the co-op throughout the installation process.

Because you’re part of a team with a solar co-op, you don’t have to navigate everything alone. From choosing an installer to creating the contract to getting ready for the installation and completing it, our team is on your side. We’ll even throw a party to celebrate all the members’ successes. Save money and join a solar co-op today or start your own.

 

Plano Solar Co-op releases RFP, announces info session

Monday, March 11, 2024

The 23-member (and growing) Plano Solar Co-op today issued a request for proposals (RFP) from area solar installers. The group members created the co-op to save money and make going solar easier, while building a network of solar supporters. There will be a Solar 101 webinar via Zoom on Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. CDT to educate the community about solar and the co-op process.

Local installers interested in serving the group can download the RFP and respond here. Plano residents interested in joining the co-op can sign up on the co-op web page.

The solar co-op is free to join and joining is not a commitment to purchase panels. Co-op members will select a single company to complete all 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, members can save on the cost of going solar, as well as have the support of fellow group members and solar experts at Solar United Neighbors.

Co-op launched
January 23, 2024

Upcoming events

Co-op seeks installer

The co-op now seeks an installer to serve the group. Installers interested to bid can click to download the RFP and response template.

Co-op organizer

America Garcia
Texas Program Director
Solar United Neighbors of Texas

America Garcia is a passionate activist and enthusiastic leader, who has dedicated her career to empowering minority communities throughout the Lone Star State. As the Texas Program Director, America carries an extensive background in the retail electricity market and grassroots organizing that has resulted in dozens of elected candidates across local, state, and national campaigns.

Born to Mexican immigrants, America is a native Californian whose first language is Spanish. She is currently working on learning French as well as many other new skills. When she isn’t making an impact with her work, she loves nothing more than traveling to new places alongside her family – not to mention always making room for one more rescued animal.

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